Entry to the main cave in Elephanta
Entry to the main cave in Elephanta
E
lephanta is easily one among the most enigmatic heritage sites in India. Who created this spectacular sculptural and architectural feast is still mysterious.Elephanta represents the pinnacle of rock cut architecture and sculptural art medieval India achieved. Despite the mindless destruction, Elephanta's art suffered during the colonial past, it still reserves the right to awestruck any ordinary visitors.
Elephanta island stands in stark contrast with hectic Mumbai city, which is an hours ferry ride away..
Quick Tips:
Elephanta Boat Timing: The first boat for Elephanta leaves Gateway of India ferry point at 9 am. The first return boat leaves from Elephanta island at 12 noon and the last return boat leaves at 5.30pm from Elephanta. See how to travel to Elephanta
Elephanta Cave Timing: Elephanta is open on 6 days a week. Closed on Mondays
Elephanta Entrance Fee: Rs35 (Indian, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives,Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand citizens) ; Rs550 (other foreign citizens ). Village entry fee for all (Rs10). Free entry for children under 15.
Other Charges for Elephanta visit: Photography : Free. Videography: Rs 25. Toy Train in the Elephanta pier (optional) : Rs10.
Boat Ticket : Rs 200 to Rs 250 for two way, based on the type of boat. There is also a concessional child fare.
Season: Elephanta is open throughout the year. Winter months (November to February) are pleasant. Avoid peak monsoon season (June to August ) as boat schedules could get interrupted due to the rough seas and heavy rain.
Elephanta Festival : Two day dance and music festival in February every year. See Elephanta in a Nutshell
Mahesh Murthy
The central image of elephanta.
Ferry to Elephanta Island from Gateway of India
Quick Tips:
The first boat of the day leaves Gateway of India ferry point at 9AM.
The first return boat leaves Elephanta island at 12 noon and the last one leaves at 5.30pm for Gateway of India ferry at Mumbai.
Elephanta Open on 6 days . Closed on Mondays
Entrance Fee: Rs10 (Indian) ; Rs250 (Foreigner). See also ASI Entry Fees
Photography : Free
Video graphy: Rs 25
Mumbai Suburban Rail connections to reach Elephanta.
Churchgate and CST are nearest railway station to Gateway of India. From there you can take the Ferry to Elephanta.
Copyright Info: The original of this image is sourced from Wikimedia attributed to PlaneMad. This map is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.
Elephanta Island is located near Mumbai in India
Elephanta Island is located near Mumbai in India
Nataraja at Elephanta Caves
Nataraja at Elephanta Caves
The heritage wing of the Taj Mahal Hotel.
The heritage wing of the Taj Mahal Hotel.
Elephants Island Map
Elephants Island Map
The legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and the equally legendary Mumbai Taxis !
The star attraction of Elephanta Cave temple is the iconic image of the three headed Shiva called Mahesh , the great Lord.
Mahesh Murthi in Elephanta Cave 1
Ardhanarishvara, ( the “Lord Who Is Half Woman”) is a composite male-female figure of Lord Shiva together with his consort Parvati.">
Ardhanarishvara, ( the “Lord Who Is Half Woman”) is a composite male-female figure of Lord Shiva together with his consort Parvati.
Ardhanarishvara, ( the “Lord Who Is Half Woman”) is a composite male-female figure of Lord Shiva together with his consort Parvati.
Elephanta
Shiva with his Consort Parvathi. This is the only panel in Elephanta Caves where the lower portions of the images are not damaged.
Shiva as Nataraja the Lord of Dance
Shiva as Nataraja the Lord of Dance