Mumbai: Elephanta Island Caves Tour - Explore a UNESCO Gem All Inclusive Private Tour with Meeting Point & Expert Guide
ID: GYG944594-O-1471974
Category:
Country: India
Duration:
04:00 hours
Description
Explore Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this tour. Discover stunning 7th-century cave art, enjoy a scenic ferry ride, and take a fun toy train journey to the caves.
Take a short tour from Mumbai to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a ferry ride away. Dating back to the 5th to 8th centuries AD, the caves feature intricate rock-cut sculptures and temples. Marvel at the ancient caves and learn about their history, artifacts, and structures from your guide.
Visit the Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1924, this grand arch overlooks the Arabian Sea and symbolizes India’s colonial history and independence.
Elephanta Caves Ferry Ride
To begin your Elephanta Caves tour, take a ferry from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The one-hour ride offers breathtaking views of the Mumbai skyline and the Arabian Sea. Upon arrival at Elephanta Island, enjoy the much-anticipated toy train ride to the caves.
Explore Elephanta Island
Upon reaching the Elephanta Caves, explore both the Hindu and Buddhist caves. The Hindu Caves honor various forms of Lord Shiva, while the Buddhist section features ancient stupas and water tanks. The intricate rock-cut artwork is a major highlight. Along the way, you’ll also find shops selling handicrafts and artifacts.
As you explore the Elephanta Caves, admire the detailed carvings and sculptures depicting mythological scenes, gods, goddesses, and animals like elephants and lions. The highlight is the three-headed bust of Shiva, the most famous sculpture, located in the main cave.
A visit to the Elephanta Caves is a must for history and culture enthusiasts, as well as those looking to admire the beauty of this unique and awe-inspiring UNESCO site.
After exploring one of Mumbai’s most fascinating sites, you'll take a ferry back to the Gateway of India harbor. There, our driver will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of the tour.
Highlights
- Explore the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a guided tour
- From Mumbai Harbour, enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Arabian Sea.
- Enjoy a toy train ride around the caves and admire the intricate carvings.
- Explore the 3 main caves: the Large Hindu Cave, Buddhist Cave, and Shiva Cave.
- Visit other caves dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and an unfinished cave.
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a climb of 120 steps to reach the caves.
Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Be prepared for a ferry ride to and from the caves.
Flash photography is not allowed inside the caves, so be ready to enjoy the sights without it.
Your guide will meet you at the Gateway of India, and your tour will begin at your preferred time.
INCLUDED
- Hotel pickup and drop-off by private AC car
- Elephanta Caves Entry Fee
- Round-trip ferry charges
- Toy train ticket
- Expert local English-speaking guide
- All taxes and service charges
NOT INCLUDED
- Food and drinks
- Camera fee at monuments
- Personal expenses
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
