A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut cave temples dating to the 5th-8th centuries, dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva.
Elephanta Caves sit on Elephanta Island, about 10 km east of Mumbai across the harbour, reachable only by a roughly one-hour ferry from the Gateway of India. The site consists of two groups of rock-cut caves carved out of basalt rock, with the main cave containing large sculpted panels depicting Shiva in various forms, including the famous three-headed Sadashiva (Trimurti) sculpture nearly 6 metres tall. The caves date from around the 5th to 8th centuries CE. Visitors disembark at a small pier and either walk or take a narrow-gauge toy train partway before climbing roughly 120 steps lined with stalls to reach the cave entrance. The island also has monkeys, small eateries, and views back across the harbour to Mumbai's skyline.
| Admission | Adult INR 600 for foreigners (approx $6.33 USD); INR 40 for Indians (approx $0.42 USD) · Child Free for children under 15 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (closed Mondays); ferries run roughly 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM from Gateway of India |
| Typical visit | Half day (including ferry ride, approx 4-5 hours round trip) |
| Best time | October to March, morning departure to avoid midday heat |
| Getting there | Ferries depart from the Gateway of India jetty; one-hour boat ride each way |
| Address | Elephanta Island, Mumbai Harbour, Maharashtra 400094, India |
Good to know
- Best for
- history travellers, sculpture and art lovers, day-trippers by boat
Weather through the year in Mumbai
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C.
Location
Elephanta Island, Mumbai Harbour, Maharashtra 400094, India
18.9633, 72.9315 View on map
Highlights
- Rock-cut Trimurti Sadashiva sculpture of Shiva
- 5th-8th century cave temple architecture
- Scenic one-hour ferry ride across Mumbai Harbour
- UNESCO World Heritage Site status
- Views of Mumbai's skyline from the island
Tips for visiting
- Buy ferry tickets at the counter near Gateway of India; last return ferry is typically around 5:30-6:00 PM
- Wear comfortable shoes as there are around 120 steps to climb from the pier to the caves
- Watch belongings carefully, as monkeys on the island can grab food and bags
- Carry water and a hat; there is little shade on the climb
- The site is closed on Mondays
When to visit
November to February, on the first ferries of the morning; the island and the ferry service are closed on Mondays and the monsoon from June to September suspends most sailings.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair-friendly; requires climbing roughly 120 uneven stone steps from the pier, with an optional toy train covering part of the distance
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Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Elephanta Caves?
Only by ferry from the Gateway of India jetty in Colaba; there is no road access.
Is Elephanta Caves open every day?
No, it is closed on Mondays; it is open Tuesday through Sunday.