After an hour long boat ride to Elephanta Island, explore the magnificent caves. The outer caves were used as a place of Hindu worship until Portuguese rule was established. The caves further in are smaller and are Buddhist caves. The main cave, otherwise known as the Shiva Cave, contains numerous carvings throughout depicting various aspects of Lord Shiva including his wedding, his slaying of Andhaka and more. There is also a sculpture of the Trimurti in the main cave that is approximately 20 feet tall. Other wings of the caves have shrines dedicated to Shiva’s sons, Kartikeya and Ganesh. After touring the caves, your boat will be waiting to return you to Mumbai.After an hour long boat ride to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India, explore the magnificent caves. The outer caves were used as a place of Hindu worship until Portuguese rule was established. The caves further in are smaller and are Buddhist caves. The main cave, otherwise known as the Shiva Cave, contains numerous carvings throughout depicting various aspects of Lord Shiva including his wedding, his slaying of Andhaka and more. There will also be a sculpture of the Trimurti in the main cave that is approximately 20 feet tall.Other wings of the caves have shrines dedicated to Shiva’s sons, Kartikeya and Ganesh. Book and explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with a guide from Gharapuri, which is a small village on the south side of the island.Enjoy a private full-day tour to Elephanta Caves — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will drive to the Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark, to board a local motorboat for your excursion to the island of Elephanta, located some four miles from the city. The island            was originally called Gharapuri ("Fortress City") a nd later renamed "Elephanta" by the Portuguese who found a large stone elephant near the landing place. Within the main rock-cut temple, probably dating from between AD 450 to 750, some large, sculptured panels have been found, the most interesting of which is the three-headed Shiva shown as the Creator, the Preserver and th0e Destroyer. Other Shiva panels include one of the deity dancing the “tandava” and thereby causing the world to shake.

Please note: This tour is strenuous and definitely not appropriate for guests with walking difficulties. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed as they are considered disrespectful attire for sacred places. Women must keep their shoulders covered. A considerable amount of walking is required on this tour and there are approximately 120 steps to reach the Caves. Please bring sunglasses, a hat, sun lotion and comfortable walking shoes. Videography is not allowed at the Caves