Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves, Mumbai Overview

Welcome to the ancient Elephanta Caves in Mumbai!Situated on Gharapuri Island off the coast of Maharashtra, the Elephanta Caves are a group of rock-cut cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. An archaeological marvel, the caves are over a thousand years old, dating back to 550 AD, when they were created by the ancient rulers of the region.The caves have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as they demonstrate the architectural and sculptural brilliance typical of the time period. What makes them particularly noteworthy is the abundance of carvings that detail Hindu traditions and legendary stories told about the god Shiva.Getting to the island is quite an adventure in itself. A short ferry ride away from the Gateway of India, Elephanta Island is the perfect daytrip destination and ideal for a family outing. There are plenty of photo ops and plenty of history to explore.

Upon arriving, visitors will no doubt be wowed by the intricately carved sculptures and wall reliefs adorning the walls and ceiling of these ancient caverns.The Elephanta Caves are a great way to immerse oneself in India's history and culture and to learn about the many stories that have been told about Shiva since ancient times. With such an abundance of religious and spiritual symbols, the Elephantha Caves will give visitors a unique insight into India's rich and varied cultural heritage.One can take a guided tour or wander around at leisure, admiring magnificent examples of such artwork as a three-headed Shiva, Shiva and his consort Parvathi seated together in a cave, a lingam (a phallic emblem representing fertility), and various depictions of Nataraja (the lord of the dance).

There is also a lamp-lit walkway leading to the in-cave Shiva temple, adorned with a massive 20 foot sculpture of Shiva's head.To make the most of your visit to Mumbai, be sure to include a trip to the Elephanta Caves on your itinerary. It's a great way to appreciate Mumbai's extraordinary past and to delve deeper into the culture and history of India. So head to the Gateway of India, take the ferry and let the Elephanta Caves transport you to a world of spiritual beauty and mystery.