Where are the Elephanta Caves situated?

The Elephanta Caves are located in Western India on Elephanta Island (otherwise known as the Island of Gharapuri), which features two hillocks separated by a narrow valley.

How do I get to Elephanta Caves?

How to Reach Elephanta Caves. To get to the Elephanta Island, you need to take a ferry from the Gateway of India jetty. The ferry charges around INR 150 for a two-way trip. Career across the bay towards Mumbai Harbour for an hour and then you will arrive at Gharapuri or the Elephanta Island.

Is Elephanta Caves open?

Elephanta Caves in Mumbai is open throughout the year, except on Mondays. It takes an hour for an Elephanta Caves ferry to reach the island from Mumbai. The first ferry leaves the Gateway of India jetty at 9 AM, and the last one is at 2 PM.

Why is Elephanta Caves named so?

The caves, as well as the island, were given the name Elephanta by Portuguese invaders after they took control of the place in 1534. It was the discovery of a gigantic rock-cut sculpture of an elephant on the island that prompted them to name the place so.

Where are the Elephanta Caves in Mumbai located?

Elephanta Caves are situated on Elephanta Island about 7 kms from Mumbai’s mainland shore. The caves can be reached by an approx. 1-hour boat ride from Gateway of India.

Is there a boat service to Elephanta Caves?

It has an array of temples inside its caves that attract the tourists in huge numbers. These caves are known as the Elephanta caves. They were carved out of rocks in ancient times. The island has two mountains in two directions. One can use the boat service to reach there from Mumbai to the southeast coast of the island city.

What is the history of the Elephanta Caves?

History of Elephanta caves. Not much is known about the origin of the Elephanta Caves. The island was previously known as Gharapuri and renamed as Elephanta by Portuguese. These are believed to have built in the 7th century. It is still unclear as to which dynasty ruled when the caves were being built.

Which is the best hotel to go to Elephanta Caves?

Some of the best hotels are: To reach the Elephanta Caves, you have to take a ferry from the Gateway of India. Various ferries are available throughout the day to reach the Elephanta Caves. It takes almost 45 minutes to reach the caves from Mumbai. You can buy tickets from the Gateway of India.