Elephanta Cave

Elephanta Caves are among the most significant historic caves temples from ancient India. Situated on the Elephanta Island or Gharapuri, these caves were built way back during the 6^th century. They are 10 km east from the Gateway of Indian in Mumbai, and visitors can easily get a steamer ride to the caves.

The Elephanta Caves are 7 in total, 5 Hindu caves and 2 Buddhist Caves. It is believed that during the latter half of the sixteenth century, the Portuguese Rule began in the Gharapuri Island. On discovering a humungous statue of an elephant at the entrance of the caves, they named the place as Elephanta caves. The statue is still preserved in a museum at Byculla in Mumbai.

The caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and holds many popular statues of the Shiva and Parvati, the most famous being the Trinity, which depicts the three moods of the Lord- the Creator, destroyer and the Preserver.

All the caves at sight are stone cut and surprisingly carved from a single rock. Inside there are splendid statues and carvings of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

It was in 1987 when the caves were declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The one interesting thing about these caves is that the only way of reaching here is by sea. You can take a boat or ferry ride to the Elephanta caves. It takes about 1 hour. The journey itself can be quite defining. As soon as the caves come into sight, you’ll be able to see the majesty and grandeur of the caves.

Once there, visitors have to climb a total of 120 steep steps to reach the summit, which can be quite exhausting. There are local restaurants and tea shops around the picnic area where you can grab a quick bite, and enjoy the scenery that surrounds the caves.