Elephanta Caves tours and Tickets 2020 in Mumbai
Tour Description
Mumbai's Elephanta Caves are located approx 10 kilometers into the Mumbai Harbour from the Gateway of India in the Arabian sea. These are rock-cut cave temples, dating back to the second century BC, are hew from solid basalt rock; and can be reached in an hour long ferry ride from the cosmopolitan city.
The island was given it's name by the Portuguese for the huge rock-cut stone statue of an elephant. It was the spot that they used for docking their boats and also it helped them to distinguish it from other islands near Mumbai. The landmark elephant statue was later damaged in the attempts to relocate it to England.
Hindu God were worshiped in the outer caves until Portuguese rule was established. As you move further in, you will find smaller and Buddhist caves. The Shiva cave is the main cave which celebrates the various forms and statues of Hindu God Shiva with some larger-than-life sculptures.
The temple complex also contains sculpture of the Trimurti (Three deities: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva) that is approximately 20 feet tall in Hindu caves. Some also believe that this sculpture is a three headed Shiva statue, also called Panchamukha Shiva.
There have been considerable speculations about origins and date when these great caves were constructed. Some imminent scholars are more commonly placed between 5th and 7th centuries.
In this day trip, you can learn about the legendary Buddhist and Hindu UNESCO-World Heritage Site—known as the “City of Caves”. And because this is a private tour, you will enjoy plenty of personal attention. The ferry to Elephanta island and admission to the caves is at your own expense and not included in the tour price.
Meeting Point
Regal Cinema
Highlights of Elephanta Caves tour
- The guided tour, value adds your visit with detailed commentary on the UNESCO-World Heritage Site Travel from Mumbai port Gateway of India
- Explore smaller, more remote caves as well as the main attractions
Itinerary of Elephanta Caves
- Pick up at Regal Cinema, this is the famous land mark in Colaba one of the India's oldest theatre
- Take a boat ride, also called ferry ride, from Gateway of India, to reach Elephanta island.
- After you reach the island, you can walk on foot or opt to board a toy train. You will anyways have to walk approximately 120 steps to reach to the entrance of the temple, after you get down from the toy train. You might further opt for the pony services, if you do not want to climb up to the temple.
- Our expert tour guide will be able to assist you with the wealth of his knowledge about the history and archaeology of these Hindu caves.
- Return to starting point
Notes
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Every booking would required a minimum of 2 people
- Minimum age is 10 years
- There is no strict dress code, enforced at this tour site. However, please be advised to dress accordingly for places of worship; spaghetti straps and short shorts are not recommended
- A moderate amount of walking is involved; we would recommend to wear comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses/sunscreen as well as a hat or scarf for ladies
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Prices for English, Spanish and German are different
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Duration of tour
- This tour will take approximately 4 hours.
What to expect on this tour?
- On this tour you will learn about the legendary Buddhist and Hindu UNESCO-World Heritage Site—known as the “City of Caves”
What does this tour include?
- A professional English speaking tour guide would be escorting this tour. (Spanish or German speaking tour guide can be arranged on request)
- Bottle of Water
- Family Lunch (Only if Lunch Inclusive Option Selected)
What are the tour exclusions
- Any personal nature expenses.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle (available for extra charge of USD 24 for 1-4 people) Entrance fee: USD 8 per person
- Return ferry ticket: USD 3 per person
- Gratuities
- Any other meals or drinks
- Entry/Admission - Elephanta Caves
Things to Note
- This tour would be operating only on the daily basis except Monday
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes as this tour include walking
- The dress code for this tour would be smart casuals. Modest and respectful clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible
- Every booking requires a minimum of 2 people. If it’s canceled because the minimum count of people isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Cancellation policy of Tour
- If you cancel the tour before 3 days of the tour start date, a full refund will be given.
- If you cancel within 1-3 days of the tour start date, there is a 30% cancellation fee.
- If you cancel within 1 day of tour start, full cancellation charges would be applied
General FAQ's about Elephanta Caves
How to reach Elephanta Caves?
- Elephanta caves could be reach through ferry travel by sailing around 10 KM's from Gateway of India. From there after taking a walk of around 1 Km for ten minutes or You can take also Toy train to reach Elephanta Caves.
- Ferry runs in every 30 minutes
- Starting Ferry leave at 9 AM in the morning
- Last Ferry leaves from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves is at 2 PM
- For coming back from Elephanta caves to Gateway of India first ferry boat leave at 12 PM and runs in every half an hour till 5.30 PM
What are the timings of Elephanta Caves?
- Elephanta caves are open from 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM in the evening
Which day of the week, Elephanta Caves are closed?
- Elephanta caves are closed on every Monday in general
What is the ferry charges to reach Elephanta Caves?
- Ferry would cost you around Rs 150 for a return trip (going and coming back) charges
What is entry charges for Elephanta Caves?
Entry charges for Elephanta caves is divided into four parts
- For Indian National charges is Rs 35
- For SAARC & BIMSTEC national's charges is Rs 35
- For any other country citizen (foreigners) charges is Rs 550
What are the food option around Elephanta Caves?
You will get number of restaurant around the caves on the island and good food options you can explore.
Where can I book online ticket for Elephanta Caves?
- Government of India has recently started booking online ticket for various monument through ASI (Archaeological survey of India site) and some affiliate distributors
How much time it is required to visit Elephanta Caves?
- To reach Elephanta caves from Gateway of India from Ferry (boat) it will take 1.15 hour
- Roaming in and around caves would take around 2-2.30 hours
- Food and anything else would add up 1 hour time
- Coming back from Elephanta caves to Gateway of India again would be 1.15 hours.
- Total time you should budget while visiting Elephanta caves would be 6 to 7 Hours this is excluding travel time from your hotel or home to reach Gateway of India
Other related things that you can combine with Elephanta Caves tour:
Shop and Hop at the Colaba Causeway:
- Build up your bargaining skills while you go shopping in the lanes of Colaba Causeway. Lined by the vintage buildings of the British era, Causeway illustrates contrasting colors of new-age lifestyle trends amid the old structures.
- From the latest outfits to leather purses and a wide array of shoes, this shopping site is quite hard to miss while being in Mumbai.
- You may also try various fashion stores and boutiques such as Orange, Bombay Electric, Attic, Silver House, and much more to complete your shopping spree.
Gratify your hunger at these sumptuous eateries:
- Step inside the iconic eatery named Baghdadi and savor one of the most relishing non-vegetarian dishes in Mumbai. Have you ever tried Fried Idlis? If not then Madras Cafe is an ideal spot for you. Savor Kebabs at Bade Miyan and Cakes at Olympia Coffee House.
- Chicken Chilli with rice topped accompanied by a chilled pint of Beer would relax you only if you try them out at the legendary outlets of Cafe Mondegar and Leopold Cafe. There won’t be any space left both in your tummy and heart for more!
A Bollywood flick awaits you at Regal Cinema:
- Near the Colaba Causeway stands that enigmatic and ancient Regal Cinema and Movie Theatre. Your pick-up point for the Elephanta tour.
- This theatre has been entertaining the locals since the 1930s, you would definitely feel as if you have traveled back in time after stepping inside it. Its alluring interiors and design fascinate onlookers to date. With time the theatre premises in itself has become a significant heritage of Mumbai, it was the venue for the third Filmfare Awards.
Remnants of a museum and luxury hotels:
- Are you an art lover? Do you like falling in deep thought figuring out meanings of abstract art? Maybe yes or maybe no, but the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art is not something to be missed. Given the fact that it is right next to the Regal Cinema.
- Admire the works of Pablo Picasso or find out when the Egyptian mummies were buried, there are tons of showcases to enjoy here. When you are done with that and its nightfall come out and enjoy the astounding landscape including the Gateway of India, the Taj Palace Hotel and Oberoi Trident lit up with breathtaking lights. This right here would be your icing on the cake.
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