Elephanta Caves
UNESCO-listed rock-cut Shiva temples on an island an hour's ferry from the Gateway
At a glance: Elephanta Caves is UNESCO-listed rock-cut Shiva temples on an island an hour's ferry from the Gateway. Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9 AM – 5 PM; closed Mondays. Tickets: ASI ticket approx. ₹40 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign) plus ferry approx. ₹260 return; check current rates. Allow half a day including the ferry. Best time to visit: October to March; take the first ferry to beat the heat and crowds. Nearest station: Ferry from Gateway of India.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- Tue–Sun 9 AM – 5 PM; closed Mondays
- Entry fee
- ASI ticket approx. ₹40 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign) plus ferry approx. ₹260 return; check current rates
- Time needed
- Half a day including the ferry
- Best time to visit
- October to March; take the first ferry to beat the heat and crowds
- Nearest station
- Ferry from Gateway of India
- Address
- Gharapuri Island, Mumbai Harbour
About Elephanta Caves
Carved between the 5th and 8th centuries, the cave temples of Gharapuri island are dominated by the six-metre Trimurti, a three-headed image of Lord Shiva that is among the finest sculptures in India. The main cave is a cool, pillared hall of dramatic panels: Lord Shiva as Nataraja, as Ardhanarishvara, and slaying Andhaka. The boat ride across the harbour is half the experience.
Tips
- Ferries run from the Gateway of India jetty from about 9 AM; last return is around 5:30 PM
- There are 120 steps from the jetty to the caves, lined with stalls, a toy train covers the flat stretch
- Monkeys will snatch food and bottles; keep them zipped away
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Elephanta Caves?
Elephanta Caves opening hours: Tue–Sun 9 AM – 5 PM; closed Mondays.
How much does it cost to visit Elephanta Caves?
Tickets for Elephanta Caves: ASI ticket approx. ₹40 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign) plus ferry approx. ₹260 return; check current rates.
How long do you need at Elephanta Caves?
Allow half a day including the ferry at Elephanta Caves.
When is the best time to visit Elephanta Caves?
October to March; take the first ferry to beat the heat and crowds.
How do I get to Elephanta Caves?
The nearest station is Ferry from Gateway of India. Elephanta Caves is at Gharapuri Island, Mumbai Harbour.
Itineraries that include Elephanta Caves
48 Hours in Mumbai
The old city on day one, the sea and the suburbs on day two
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