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Where is Elephanta?

Elephanta is an island in Arabian Sea,  is just 11 kilometers (about 9 nautical miles) from the heart of Mumbai city.

Who made the Elephanta Caves?
Unlike many other ancient monuments in India, very little is known about the history of Elephanta. In other words who and when theses monuments were executed still remains as a matter of speculation and debate.

Much of the beliefs on the patrons of this mysterious island are based on the stylistic ground on which the caves and its sculptures are executed.

What are the attractions in Elephanta?

Mainly the massive caves cut into the granite hills. The walls of the main cave (Cave 1) is carved with massive Hindu mythical themes, of Shiva affiliation.

Apart from the main cave, there are 5 to 6 minor caves with varying level of details. Most of these are located just around the hill, a short trek from the main cave complex (Elephanta Cave 2, Cave 3, Cave 4, Cave 5, Cave 6&7).

If you still have energy (and time) after visiting the main cave and the minor caves, trek up the the Cannon Hill. There is a old cannon post overlooking the harbor. There are also a few un-excavated Buddhist sites, dating back to 2nd century BC.

And of course there is a tiny site museum next to the ticket counter with great narration of the themes at Elephanta, better visit before exploring the caves.

What is the best time to visit Elephanta Caves?

November to February are the best time (winre months). Avoid peak monsoon season (June - July - August ) as the sea gets rougher and ferry service get disrupted or cancelled. Prefer Morning hours (forenoon), as it's less exhausting.

How to access Elephanta?

Take the ferry from Mumbai's Gateway of India point. This 1 hour ferry is the only way to access this island. Churchgate and CST are closest railway stations. There are also bus connections close to the Gateway of India.

How much time required to visit Elephanta Caves?

Keep at least of 2 hours to explore the cave.
Another 2 hours for the ferry ( up & down boat ride).

If you are with flair for art and archaeology, you'll need a full day, catch the first ferry at 9am , and return by the evening (6'ish). The ferry is 1 hour in each direction. There is a 30 minutes trek from the ferry point to the caves. Keep at least 2 hours for a decent tour of the caves. Add another couple of hours, if you are keen to visit other minor caves and attractions in the island.

In short, keep half a day in your plan to Elephanta, full day is ideal.
Elephanta tour is a day activity that is exhausting.

So keep some good buffer time for do it in a relaxed fashion.

Yes, you can do a 3 hour whirlwind tour, if everything is in your favour.

Here is some idea of how much time you should plan for the Elephanta itinerary.

How much does it cost for the Elephanta tour?

It's a do it yourself tour. Means, buy everything separately yourself. The ferry tickets (about Rs 165 to Rs260) . Buy the entry ticket at the island (Rs 40 for Indian, BIMSTEC or SAARC citizens/Rs600 for others/ Free entry for children under 15) . Local guide fees (500 to 800) if you would prefer one). There's also a nominal fee collected by the village for entry.

A superb guide book on Elephanta by ASI costs Rs99 (buy from the ticket cave entry ticket counter). Snacks and foods are sold at the canteen and at the kiosks.

Facilities at Elephanta?

There are some limited facilities available at the island catering to the tourist population. The toy train can save you some walk from the boat landing point to the entry point of the village. There is a canteen at this point. Near to it is a post office.

Further are a series of souvenir shops. At the descent of the trek , you'll find the 'Dolly Service' , a palanquin like service for those who can not scale the steps to the cave entry.

Near the ASI ticket counter there is a restaurant operated by the state owned MTDC.