Elephanta Caves Private Tour: Explore an UNESCO World Heritage Site in Western India
4.9
349 Ratings
Mumbai
Embark on a private tour of the Elephanta Caves, an UNESCO World Heritage Site in Western India. Explore ancient archaeological remains and marvel at the stunning rock-cut caves.
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Elephanta Caves - Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. They are located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally “the city of caves”) in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Mahārāshtra. The island, located offshore about 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) west of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, consists of five Hindu caves and a few Buddhist stupa mounds that date back to the 2nd century BCE, as well as a small group of two Buddhist caves with water tanks.
What's Included
  • Hotel / Port pickup and drop-off
  • Expert multilingual guide (English, Hindi, Marathi)
  • Complimentary mineral water bottles
  • Included entry/admission fees for Elephanta Caves
  • Ferry tickets provided
  • Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and Drinks
Additional Information

Located in Western India, the Elephanta Caves are found on Elephanta Island, also known as Gharapuri Island, distinguished by two hills separated by a narrow valley. Scattered across the tiny island are numerous ancient archaeological artifacts, perpetuating its deep cultural history. These relics shed light on inhabitance dating back to the second century BC. Built between the mid-5th and 6th centuries AD, the well-known Elephanta Caves feature stone-cut architecture. The prime cave among them, Cave 1, extends 39 meters from the front entrance to the back, closely mirroring the Dumar Lena cave at Ellora in India in design. The main body of the cave, which excludes the terraces on the three open sides and the access path at the back, is a 27-meter square and stands on row of six pillars each side. The Elephanta Caves are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Location
Regal Cinema
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(349 Ratings)
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Q1717qtstevek
Apr 21, 2024
Amazing tour through time - A must see when visiting Mumbai. Our guides Manoj and Abhi are both knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend the tour with. Without them both we would not have known the story of the caves, really interesting and definitely recommended. Manor will also take photos for you capturing great moments.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Darren-jack-007
Apr 21, 2024
Visit to Elephanta Island Bombay - Rabat and Neeraj were fantastic. What an incredible tour would highly recommend doing this tour. I was so intrigued with the history of the caves and the stories behind them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Getaway817743
Apr 21, 2024
Visit the elephant caves - Great tour friendly tour guide very informative, very enjoyable , highly recommended, bring some water had a long boat ride
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aaronhu3530ki
Apr 21, 2024
Excellent time! - Manoj and Lucas were amazing tour guides and drivers! Our car to the venue was really nice, air conditioning, safe ride and punctual meet up! Lucas was super helpful and clear! We had a lot of fun on the boat ride to the island, calm, smooth sailing. Beautiful sights. You get on the boat at Gateway of India, so gold photos. Manoj at the Elephanta Caves was an expert. He explained all panels amazingly. Helped answer any questions and was super knowledgeable! Highly recommend this tour and these guides!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Departure30659168062
Apr 21, 2024
100% worth it trip - Lucas and Manoj were our guides and they were amazing. So kind and helpful every step of the way. We both really enjoyed the experience. The caves are a must in Mumbai.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
360micaha
Apr 19, 2024
Awesome time at the elephanta caves - The tour was amazing. Manoj and Lucas were awesome and very informative. Manaj took a lot of cool photos and is very knowledgeable. It was my birthday trip and they even surprised me with a birthday care. 10/10 recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daveena
Apr 19, 2024
Highly recommended - Manoj guide Lukas were wonderful. Both very knowledgeable. The special touch was having a birthday cake present to celebrate my husband.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
142gregoryh
Apr 18, 2024
The absolute bestbtour guide company in Mumbai - My wife and I had an amazing time at are Elephant caves private tour. Absolutely amazing! Are guide, Abhi and driver, Santosh were exactly on time with a beautiful, comfortable car. I knew right away we were dealing with professionals. After a quick ride we made it to the ferry boat. Abhi escorted us for are relaxing 1 hour boat ride to the island. At the island, Abhi introduced us to are 2nd guide, Milind, who is not only a extremely knowledgable Elephant island guide but also a full time resident. Well the next 2 hours were amazing. Milind was very passionate to share all of his knowledge about this awesome historical cave. We felt we were spending time with a friend, not a tour guide. After the tour we rejoined Abhi who escorted us back to the boat and we all rode together back to the dock. Santosh was waiting for us in a very cold, comfortable car to drive us back to the hotel. We had a great trip. Just think, we had 3 professionals join together with all of their professionalism to guarantee my wife and I had a great trip. They also gave us several waters and soda's to keep us cool. The island was amazing and coupled with the great service our day was perfect. This is a very professional tour company and I completely recommend their service. My wife and I are professional travelers and rarely receive such a high standard of care. We are taking another tour with them tomorrow and I know it will be fantastic. If you visit Mumbai and want a tour this company is the absolute best choice!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
421mackenzip
Apr 17, 2024
Beautiful- well worth the trip! - The trip was a good of relaxing moments, beautiful landscape and sculptures, and incredible food served by the kindest guide- Manoj and his family. Abhi handled everything with care from the hotel making us feel comfortable. The photos Manoj took for us in the cave were amazing! What a wonderful trip. I can’t recommend it higher. 5 🌟
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katherine_p
Apr 19, 2024
It was OK - It was nice to see the caves but the local guide spent more time telling us how to pray to Krishna. We had spent a month in India and this was the first time a guide tried to tell us how to pray in his religion. He really didn't seem to know much about the sculptues. All in all, it was disappointing.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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