Elephanta Caves

As soon as you stand near the Gateway of India at Apollo Bunder in Colaba, you feel like taking a boat ride on the Arabian Sea. This feeling can be just the beginning of your trip to Elephanta Island which is just 25 kms away from Mumbai. The island is not only home to palm, mango and tamarind trees, but also has seven rock-cut Hindu caves dating back to the 2nd century and two Buddhist stupa mounds.

All these structures are situated on two hills of Elephanta Island, which are known as Canon Hill and Stupa Hill.

The main cave of Cannon Hill, also known as Cave 1, is a fine example of art and architecture. It is the largest, impressive and best preserved of all the 7 caves. The sculptures found in it depict various aspects of the life of Lord Shiva. Cave 2 to Cave 5 are small and most of the interior architecture of these caves has been destroyed.

On the other side of the stupa hill are two other caves, Cave 6 and 7. There are two mounds in this mountain which are now recognized as the remains of Buddhist stupas.

The easy location of these caves made them a center of curiosity for writers and explorers of the western world, due to which many guide books and books on these caves were printed in the 20th century. In the year 1987, UNESCO gave them the status of World Heritage Site.

Today thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit these caves every year. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains these caves as monuments of national importance.

Opening times

Price:

The various charges applicable at Elephanta Caves are as follows -

entrance fees

• Indian tourists - Rs 40 per person
• Foreign Tourist - INR 600 per head
• Children of work from 15 years - free

camera fee

• Personal Photo Camera - Free

• Personal video camera - Rs 25 per camera

• Professional shooting for film or documentary - Rs 1,00,000 per camera and Rs 50,000 security deposit

Please note- For professional shooting permission letter from Mumbai circle is required.