Elephanta Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Elephanta Island, which is about 10 kilometers away from Mumbai, India.
Above is the most famous cave is the Maheshamurti cave, which features a 6-meter-tall sculpture of Trimurti, a three-faced Shiva.
Dating back to the 5th to 8th centuries, Elephanta Caves are one of the oldest rock-cut cave temples in India.
The island was originally called Gharapuri, which means “city of caves.”
The caves are divided into two groups - the first group consists of five caves that are mainly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and the second group consists of two caves that are unfinished.
The caves were named “Elephanta” by the Portuguese, who found a stone elephant near the landing place of the island.
The Elephanta Caves were damaged by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later by the British during their occupation of India.
The caves were restored by the Archaeological Survey of India in the 1970s.
The island is accessible only by boat, and visitors have to climb 120 steps to reach the cave complex.
Elephanta Caves are a popular tourist destination and attract visitors from all over the world.
In recent years, the caves have been used as a venue for cultural events such as music and dance festivals.
How to reach this place-
By Boat 
: The easiest way to reach Elephanta Caves is by taking a ferry from Gateway of India. The ferry ride takes approximately one hour, and the boats operate from morning till afternoon. There are different types of boats available, including regular, luxury, and AC boats, and their prices vary accordingly.
By Private Boat 
: Visitors can also hire a private boat to reach Elephanta Caves. This is a more expensive option, but it allows visitors to customize their trip and avoid the crowds.
By helicopter 
: Visitors can also take a helicopter from Juhu airport to reach Elephanta Island. This is a more expensive option but provides a unique aerial view of the island.
Once visitors reach the island, they have to climb 120 steps to reach the cave complex. It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear and carry water during the climb. Visitors can also hire a guide at the entrance of the cave complex to learn more about the history and architecture of Elephanta Caves.
