Elephanta Caves

घारापुरी लेणी

Shiva cave temples carved between the 5th and 6th centuries on an island in Mumbai harbour; the six-metre three-faced Shiva is considered a peak of Indian sculpture.

Elephanta Island (local name Gharapuri) lies in Mumbai harbour about 10 km east of the Gateway of India. Its cave complex was carved between the 5th and 7th centuries CE and is dedicated to Shiva. The Portuguese named the island after a stone elephant that once stood there, and it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1987. The main cave (Cave 1) is a pillared hall 39 metres square. On its rear wall stands a six-metre-high three-faced Shiva (Trimurti), representing creation, preservation and destruction. Around it are nine large reliefs depicting Shiva myths: Shiva's wedding to Parvati, the half-male, half-female Ardhanarishvara, the descent of the Ganges, and Ravana shaking Mount Kailasa. Although Portuguese soldiers damaged them while using them for target practice, the sculptures remain majestic. Getting there: a ferry from the Gateway of India pier takes about one hour (departures 09:00–15:30, last return around 17:30; round trip about 260 rupees, with an upper-deck seat for an extra 10 rupees). After landing, walk the 1 km causeway (a little train costs 10 rupees), then climb about 120 steps lined with souvenir stalls, or take a palanquin. Entry for foreigners is 600 rupees (about 50 yuan) plus a 10-rupee village fee. Open 09:00–17:30, closed on Mondays. Take the first boat at 09:00; the full round trip takes about 4–5 hours. There are small restaurants on the island, but monkeys snatch food and drink bags, so keep your belongings secure. Note that ferries stop during the monsoon (about June to September). The caves are dim, so bring a flashlight to see the details. Official guides can be hired at the pier.

Elephanta Caves

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