UNESCO rock-cut Lord Shiva temples on an island. Reached by ferry from Mumbai.
Elephanta Caves is in Mumbai. Entry is ₹40 (+₹10) for Indian visitors. It opens caves about 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Mondays. The best time is A morning ferry. To beat the heat and crowds.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Carved | 5th–6th century CE |
| Dedicated to | Lord Shiva |
| Status | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Reached by | ferry from the Gateway |
| Location | Gharapuri Island, Mumbai |
The Elephanta Caves are carved into an island hillside. They date from the 5th to 6th century. They are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The caves hold huge rock-cut sculptures. The Trimurti shows three faces of Lord Shiva. UNESCO listed them in 1987.
A ferry from the Gateway reaches the island. A small train and steps lead up. Two tickets apply: ferry and site.
Sources: UNESCO — Elephanta Caves · ASI — Elephanta · Elephanta Caves — Wikipedia.
Colossal Lord Shiva carvings hewn from island rock.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Style | Rock-cut Hindu cave temples |
| Star sculpture | The three-faced Trimurti |
| Dedicated to | Lord Shiva |
| Listed | UNESCO, 1987 |
Key facts and figures — every data point links to its source.
| Detail | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Carved | 5th–6th century CE | Wikipedia |
| Caves | Seven | Wikipedia |
| Trimurti height | about 5.45 m | Wikipedia |
| Main cave depth | 39 m | Wikipedia |
| Main hall | 27 m square | Wikipedia |
| UNESCO listing | 1987 | UNESCO |
| Island | Gharapuri, ~10 km offshore | Wikipedia |
| Dedicated to | Lord Shiva | Wikipedia |
| Earliest use | 2nd century BCE | Wikipedia |
| Ardhanarishvara | ~5 m relief | Wikipedia |
| Managed by | ASI | Wikipedia |
| Reached by | ferry from the Gateway | Wikipedia |
| Main hall | 27 m square | Wikipedia |
| Damage | from later cannon fire | Wikipedia |
| Reached in | about an hour by ferry | Wikipedia |
| On | Gharapuri Island | Wikipedia |
| Dedicated to | Lord Shiva | Wikipedia |
| A short | ferry from Mumbai | Wikipedia |
The caves were carved into the rock. They date to the 5th–6th century. Seven caves make up the group.
The great Trimurti dominates. It shows three faces of Lord Shiva. It stands about 5.45 metres tall.
The main cave runs 39 metres deep. Its hall is 27 metres square. Rows of columns hold the roof.
The Portuguese renamed the island. It was once Gharapuri. UNESCO listed the caves in 1987.
The island was long a holy site. Its caves were cut into basalt. Giant reliefs cover the walls.
The sculptures rank with India's finest. Time and cannon damaged some. Yet the Trimurti still awes.
Cannon once scarred the carvings. Soldiers used them for practice. Yet much beauty survives.
The caves lie on an island. A ferry crosses Mumbai Harbour. Steps climb to the rock temples.
Giant reliefs cover the walls. The three-faced Lord Shiva is supreme. It ranks among India's finest carving.
The setting is half the joy. Green hills meet the sea. Allow a half-day for the trip.
Sources: UNESCO — Elephanta Caves · ASI — Elephanta · Elephanta Caves — Wikipedia.
Room by room, and detail by detail.
Sources: UNESCO — Elephanta Caves · ASI — Elephanta · Elephanta Caves — Wikipedia.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 2nd c. BCE | Earliest occupation of the island. |
| 5th–6th c. | The main caves are carved. |
| 16th c. | The Portuguese rename it Elephanta. |
| 1987 | UNESCO inscribes the caves. |
| Present | The ASI maintains the caves. |
Sources: UNESCO — Elephanta Caves · ASI — Elephanta · Elephanta Caves — Wikipedia.
Fees and timings change from time to time. Confirm on the official site before you go.
| Visitor | Ticket |
|---|---|
| Indian (site) | ₹40 (+₹10) |
| Foreign (site) | ₹600 (+₹10) — confirm on ASI |
| Ferry | about ₹200 return |
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Caves about 9 AM to 5 PM. Ferries run morning to late afternoon. |
| Weekly closing | Closed on Mondays. |
| Best time to visit | A morning ferry, to beat the heat and crowds. |
| How long to allow | Allow half a day, with the ferry. |
Sources: UNESCO — Elephanta Caves · ASI — Elephanta · Elephanta Caves — Wikipedia.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Ferry | From the Gateway of India |
| On the island | A small train, then stone steps |
| Mode | Best for | Book / source |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Air | Reaching Mumbai from afar | IndiGo |
| 🚆 Rail | Trains across India | IRCTC |
| 🚕 Taxi / app cab | Door-to-door comfort | Uber / Ola |
| 🛺 Auto-rickshaw | Short local hops | meter / app |
Take a ferry from the Gateway of India. Allow about an hour each way.
Plan around India's seasons. A morning ferry, to beat the heat and crowds.
| Season | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Oct–Mar | Cool, dry, pleasant | Best time to visit |
| ☀️ Apr–Jun | Hot on the plains | Go early; carry water |
| 🌧️ Jul–Sep | Warm, monsoon showers | Fewer crowds, green views |
Base yourself in Mumbai to visit with ease. It has stays for every budget. Book ahead in the cool season. Compare hotels on Booking.com. Find homes on Airbnb. See our Mumbai guide for the best areas.
The caves and ferry rest on Mondays.
Take a morning ferry.
There are many steps up.
A good guide brings the history alive.
Shade can be limited here.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 🎫 Entry (Indian) | ₹40 (+₹10) |
| 🎫 Entry (foreign) | about ₹200 return |
| 🧑🏫 Local guide | ₹300–800 for a tour |
| 📷 Camera / video | Often a small extra fee |
| 🚕 Transport | ₹100–500 by auto or cab |
Costs are indicative. Confirm official rates on site.
Pair Elephanta Caves with sights close by. Together they make a full, rewarding day. Start early to beat the crowds and heat.
The site is ₹40 for Indians. About ₹600 for foreigners. A ferry costs extra.
They are closed on Mondays.
By ferry from the Gateway of India.
Their rock-cut Lord Shiva temples and the Trimurti sculpture.
A morning ferry, to beat the heat and crowds.
Allow half a day, with the ferry.
Yes. UNESCO rock-cut Lord Shiva temples on an island. Reached by ferry from Mumbai.
You can also visit Gateway of India. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai guide.
Stay in Mumbai. See our Mumbai guide.
Keep exploring around Mumbai.
