Elephanta Caves

close up of Mahesamurti statueAbout 10 kilometers to the east of Mumbai, lies the island of Elephanta.  A true example of Hindu cave culture, it consists of seven caves which can be divided into two groups.  The first is a large group of 5 Hindu caves while the second is a smaller group of two Buddhist caves.  The Hindu caves are the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. Nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, this unique island is not only a worthy destination in itself, but it also provides a great view of Mumbai’s skyline and is a perfect escape from the chaos of the city.

The origins of these temple caves is still quite vague, though there are believed to date back to about the 7th century. The island was originally a Hindu place of worship and was called Gharapuri, until the Portuguese rule began in 1534. They renamed it Elephanta after they found a large stone statue of an elephant near their landing place. Unfortunately, the figure collapsed in 1814 and has been reassembled and placed in the garden outside the Bhau Daji Lad Museum at Jijamata Udyan in Mumbai. Moreover, many of Elephanta’s priceless statues were damaged or destroyed by the Portuguese, who apparently used the Hindu gods for target practice.

elephanta caves elephant

the caves

One enters the caves through the main northern entrance to a massive hall which is supported by large pillars. The caves are felled from solid basalt rock. All caves were painted in the past but now only traces remain. The most notable cave among them is Cave 1 or the Mahesamurti cave. It is a rock cut temple which is enormous in size covering an area of 60,000 feet supported by a row of six columns each.

pillars

The main temple consists of a large pillared hall and a freestanding shrine at the west end of the hall. The huge Mahesamurti statue is housed in the massive hall. At a height of 6.3m, this impressive sculpture depicts Shiva in his three-headed aspect: as Creator (facing right), Protector (the crowned face at the center) and Destroyer (facing left, with serpents for her). Other sculptures near the doorways and on the side panels celebrate Shiva’s accomplishments. What makes this sculpture all the more remarkable is that in spite of Shiva’s multiple actions, this work of art still conveys a sense of grace and peace. The temple consists of a main chamber, two lateral chambers, courtyards and subsidiary shrines. Is it the residence of Shiva.

Mahesamurti statue

ruined structures

courtyard

On the eastern side of the island is the Stupa hill. It gets its name from the religious Stupa monument that the caves display. This is where the caves which house the Buddhist monuments are located. One of the two caves is incomplete, while the other contains a Stupa made out of brick.

Ardhanari

entrance to a cave

An outstanding dance festival is held at the Elephanta caves every February, hosted by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The best time to visit this island is between November and March.

the caves from the outside

Timings: 9:30am-5:30pm (closed on Mondays)

Entry fee:
• Rs.10/- for Indian Nationals.
• Rs.460/- for Foreigners.

69 comments to Elephanta Caves

  • V Raghavan

    I recall visiting the Elephanta caves many years ago. For anyone visiting Mumbai, the Elephanta caves must form part of the itinerary. The three-headed statue is a familiar figure to all Indians. The sea ride to the caves is also enjoyable.

  • Manvinder

    Good things done…I had visted this place..thnx to Priya Malhotra for sending such beautiful picts….

  • Khattak

    Representing an excellent past of the then era. We having visit of such places gives message that world is not permanent. Our creation is not purposeless. Are we ready to get prepare for our premanent fure life?

  • Pushpa

    Marvelous monuments.

  • gopal singh

    I have seen the caves during the year 1972.Now again I am happy to recollect memories visiting a place of excellence.

  • Jagdish

    The Caves photoes are excellent. No need to visit.But the experience by personal visit is some what different.

  • abdul

    thanks for seeing ajanta caves.Pune is my birth place.i wish touring India one day.

  • vijay

    best historical caves,art work on cave are still alive

  • Chitra

    I like to visit this place one day. It is really interesting. I have heard of other caves too. Can you send me the pictures of Rishikesh where General Taylor is in charge of the place.

  • R.V.SHAH

    Many of the Beautiful Statues are broken and disfigured. Cannot our artists repair them to make them presentable ? The Caretaker of these caves must get permission from the concerned authorities urgently and get them repaired on Urgent Basis

  • Uma Maheswar Nakka

    VERY INFORMATIVE AND USEFUL.
    THANKS FOR SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND TOURIST INFORMATION.
    REGARDS
    UMA MAHESWAR NAKKA

  • Santanu Chakraborty

    I wish if I could visit the place in my life. The sculpture is mind blowing.

  • poongodi ganesan

    It is just a kilometre away from nehru port.I established some survey points in elephanta island for references. Solar power is the main source of power to the people living in that island.

  • poongodi ganesan

    Nice place to visit.

  • Rupali D'souza

    Thanku so much for the beautiful information !!!!

  • poongodi ganesan

    very very good place.

  • Pramod R. Mistry

    Hi Priya,

    Some of te photographs are very creative. Keep up the good work.

  • vikram

    this is amazing pic of elephanta caves.

  • balu

    we will arrange a school trip, pls advise.

  • poongodi ganesan

    nice place like madurai.

  • Nizam HM

    This reflects the atrocities of the Portuguese.

    They do not understand and not capable to assess and accept the talents, culture and the values of the religious faith. It is very important to respect others religious faith.

  • VN SHANMUGAM

    SOOOOPERB, ITS TELLING US THE ABOUT OUR ANCIENT HINDU RULERS INTEREST IN DIVINITY N SCULTURES N ARCHITECTURE KNOWLEDGE ——

  • V.N. Gopalakrishnan

    It is an excellent heritage site which should be visited by all. It throws light into the history of a certain period. How amazingly the temples are rock-cut during a period when facilities are limited compared to the present day. Thanks to UNESCO, such sites are protected and preserved.
    V.N. Gopalakrishnan
    Mumbai

  • Prof. Jameel Pathan

    Wonderful” caves its India’s glory

  • B S NAIK

    I REMEMBER , I WAS AT THIS ELEPHANTA CAVES IN 1980, IT CHANGED MY VIEW OF LOOKING AT INDIA & LIFE……… IT SPARKED MY INTEREST IN PAST GLORIES OF ANCIENT & ADVANCED INDIA AT THAT PERIOD…. IT IS TRULY FACINATING, AMAZING,….ITS BEYOND IMAGINATION THE RICHES OF OUR CULTURE & heritage….MUST SEE PLACE WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS.THKS WITH REGARDS–B S NAIK —MOBILE NO..9449148520
    –KARWAR, KARNATAKA

  • Prakash Kulkarni

    Vaah: I am delighted.

    Prakash

  • G.RAJAPPA, SRIRANGAM

    It is a nice place to vi8sit I have visited ones. But we should have enough strength to walk through a rocky areas. It should be maintained properly since all monuments are in a dilaphidated condition. Worth to visit.

  • prakash Khatiwala

    Mumbai and surroundings offer enough opportunities of touristic value making MUMBAI ONLY trip worthwhile-only if the Maharashtrian politicians can rise above petty politics and think of what is good for the people of Maharashtra.

  • prakash Khatiwala

    My son who lives abroad gets livid with this discrimination of charges between Indians and foreigners which he claims is not done anywhere else.

  • prakash Khatiwala

    OMG, they are so rich in stone architecture and sculptures. It’s been ages having visited the place, don’t recollect anything like seen in the pictures. The credit also goes to nature for endowing Maharashtra with terrain made of Basalt rock most suitable for cave architecture. Must take the first boat to Elephanta.

  • R.V.SHAH

    I am ashamed to find that Most of the Statues have been mutilated by Vandals. Why can’t Govt. put cages around the Good Statues and entrust the job of rectifying all the broken statues to real experts ON URGENT BASIS as otherwise after some time all the statues will totally break down and nobody will be attracted to visit Elephanta. Secondly why should the Govt. ask foreigners to pay Rs.460/- against Rs.10/- for Indians. When you visit Rome or Venice or Paris, we are not asked to pay higher entrance fees. It discourages Indians to take their foreign friends to Elephanta. Will the tourist dept. take urgent action ?

  • Freddie Desai

    Wish the authorities take better care of the relics. Its a place easily approachable and worth visiting. Will be doing a photo session the next time i get there.

  • Madan

    It z just lovely.

  • Shah Madhusudan

    thnk you for presenting such beutifull pictures of our heritage.

  • Shiva

    I remember visiting Elephanta Caves in the year 2001, when we were staying right opposite Elephanta Caves near JNPT port.

  • raajkummar

    I have seen this place.Amazing & enjoyable place.

  • Chakresh Jain Kashipur

    thanks ..I will surely visit this place

  • Dhanaraj

    Recall having visited this place a few years back. Thanks Priya for the photos, it reminded me of the wonderful place.

  • VasantBhat

    How cruel mind work for destruction of grand art….Talibanian mind was working even centuries before……
    Bad for our heritage……..

  • Ramkrishna Hardikar

    Unfortunately I have not visited Elephanta Caves so far.I have made a point to visit the place during my next visit to Mumbai.The Photos give the idea about the temples , stups & scculptures in the caves.We should be proud of such heritage in India.

  • Satish Mulavekar

    Marvelous monuments, Thanks a lot

  • NAVAZ KARANJIA

    the elephanta caves is a must visit destination in mumbai,advisable with a professional Guide from the dept. of tourism through the talks every stone has a story to tell & the meaning behind this excellent piece of art.

  • Arul Nambi

    Though i ‘lived’in mumbai for quite some time, never could make it.
    🙁
    Got to try during future visits.

  • Ranjan R.Poddar

    Elephanta caves are a must visit for all tourist who make a stop over at Mumbai. In fact during my long stay in Mumbai, every guest who came and had stayed with us were taken to Elephanta caves by boat from Gateway of India. Such is the beuty of the place that many who returned to Mumbai later visited the place again to refresh their old memoirs. The marvelous architecture and huge sculptures are sure to enthral all. Thank you Priya, you rekindled my old memories afresh. Elephanta caves are so near, but alas, many miss the spot due to lack of knowledge and information.

  • Jyoti Ranjan Mohanty

    I had visited this cave some 20 years back. Perhaps there are many new additional attractions as seen from the pictures. any way a splendid place to spend time. there should be an alternative helicopter service for those who don’t have much time.such places can generate much.

  • Abraham George

    I am really thrilled by the workman ship of our anscestors

  • Indus

    Govt. & Tourism Dept.should take urgent steps not only to protect the precious monuments but also to rebuild the damaged statues employing skilled architects

  • amresh kumar

    every where in india wonderful places,

    i think my india so beautiful

  • Sathyanarayana

    Very good photographs and informative,thanks a lot priya.

  • sexynowon

    this albun is so nice like live show

  • naik bs

    THESE CAVES ARE SIMPLY AMAZING…!!! THE CRAFT THIS PLACE AT THAT TIME IS WONDERFUL.. EVEN TODAY THIS TYPE OF STONE CARVING IS VERY DIFFICULT….SO GOOD WORTT VISITING ALL ART SEEKERS… …..LOVE B S NAIK

  • Bharat Gandhi

    Is the first picture with an elephant and white building in the back ground of the elephanta caves? I doubt very much. Also, the last picture looks of Ajanta or Ellora caves. Can any one give more lights on these Q?

  • Sankar Mukherjee

    It is a beautiful heritage of our country. Thank you so much for providing all the information of this beautiful caves alongwith its lovely pictures.

  • RANGARI V H

    VERY NICE PLACE, I USED TO VISIT THIS PLACE WITH GUEST AND ENJOYING BOATING AS WELL AS SUCH HERITAGE, ARCHITECTURE AND SCULPTURES

  • Anil M. Gupte

    As usual you are terrific; Priya your mails on tourist places are really really good …. Thanks. keep them coming.

  • sanjay dugar

    hi priya thx for send the nice pictures of cave we have visited this place in june’12 really nice memorable also send khujhrao pics if u have thx once again dear

  • Dipak Kumar Chatterjee

    It is a master piece,since I first visited in 1962 and up to date many a time with my visitors.I feel proud to be an Indian and about my religion
    which made me more logical than emotion.It is Satyam Shivam & Sundaram is main mantra.JOY ho.

  • Sethuraman

    Marvelous. No doubt. Thanks

  • Sethuraman

    Marvelous. Thanks

  • Natarajan from Panruti of Tamil nadu

    Elephanta caves are excellent indeed to see forever and I had visited this place. I think Elephanta caves may be 10 or 12 kilometers from gateway of India, Mumbai.The sculptures and statues are partially ruined. It is better Maharashtra Govt must take action in repairing the statues as fresh & beauty.

  • jitu trivedi

    The last photo is not of Elephanta caves!
    May be Ajanta/Ellora or Canneheri caves at Sanjay Gandhi Nationla park.

  • Shirish Shanbhag

    Visitors to Elephanta, beware of monkeys on this island. They are violant, and snatch food and other articles from you, when you sit ina group for eating your food. There is hardly any mobile network available on this island, and there is no landline PCO here. Drinking water is not available free of charge. There is no electricity on this island. There are two small villages on this island, managed by Group Garm Panchayat. Island is with nevy, therefore, except native of this island, no outsider is allowed to stay overnight here.
    Boat service is available from Gateway of India, Jetty. When you book ferry srvice ticket, it is always a return ticket. At the time of booking, ask ferry office, wlhen last-but-one and last ferry boat of that company leaves Elephanta Jetty. Accordingly you reach Elephanta Jetty, after your sight seeing. I say that you should reach before departure of last-but-one ferry, as, if that ferry is full, then you can tell that ferry man, that he has to carry you in his last trip.
    DONT FORGET TO SEE TWO CANNONS, INSTALLED BY PORTUGUESE TO GUARD THIS ISLAND. MOST OF THE TOURISTS ONLY SEE CAVES AND GO.

  • shruti

    authorities must strive to maintain this culturaal heritage.Few relics which attracts lakhs of people needs to be taken care of immediately.

  • pratibha

    visited the elephanta caves recently (23-12-2012).a marvellous place,but pity not well maintained,now being used just for and as a business.efforts can be made by the respective authorities for the restoration of the same.the last snap showing the layered architecture of the caves was not seen/visited by us.may be not open to public?

  • Mark Devandara

    What a wonderful place to visit.
    I will try to visit the caves on my next visit.

  • eswari balan

    Simply Beautiful. It is quite Ok for foreigners to pay more.

  • sugumaran

    When China can repair its Great Wall and when our own country is doing some restoration at Angkor Watt in Compuchea why can not we do the same to repair & restore the vandalized statues scattered all over the country in various monuments. And it is really obnoxious to see someone etching their lover’s name and sometimes very vulgar words on walls or wherever they want who should be caught & punished severely. I wonder why on earth we should charge extra entrance charges for the foreigners who come all the way to this wretched country. Some stupid sarkari babu had come out with this clownish idea and being implemented all over the country which is highly discriminatory Will the Indians will tolerate such things when they go abroad it is simply disgusting and very unfriendly. THAT IS WHY INDIA IS INCREDIBLE

  • Natarajan from Panruti of Tamil nadu

    I had already visited Elephanta cave which is situated nearly 12 kms from Mumbai.I find some statues are broken and they need to be repair.Three Moorthy statue is so beautiful to look at. Will Maharashtra Govt take action for renovation work?

  • sheetal

    good pics you have shown actually i have recalled all the beautifull monuments.

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