Private Elephanta Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour
4.9
21 Ratings
Mumbai
Explore the ancient Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the stunning rock-cut stone sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of these Hindu and Buddhist caves.
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Elephanta Caves - The Elephanta Caves contain rock cut stone sculptures that show syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist ideas and iconography.
    They were named Elefante
  • which morphed to Elephanta
  • by the colonial Portuguese when they found elephant statues on it. They established a base on the island, and its soldiers damaged the sculpture and caves.
    The island is 2.4 km (1.5 mi) in length with two hills that rise to a height of about 150 m (490 ft). A narrow deep ravine separates the two hills and runs from north to south. On the west, the hill rises gently from the sea and stretches east across the ravine and rises gradually to the extreme east to a height of 173 m (568 ft).
  • Gateway of India - The Gateway of India is a monument built during the 20th century in Mumbai. The structure is a basalt arch, 26 m high. It was a crude jetty used by the fishing community which was later renovated and used as a landing place for British governors and other prominent people. In earlier times, it would have been the first structure that visitors arriving by boat in Mumbai would have seen. The structure was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder, when they visited India in 1911. Built in Indo-Saracenic style. The Gateway was later the ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. It served to allow entry to India.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and/or taxes
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle for Group Tour
Additional Information

The Elephanta Caves are recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage location and consist of five Hindu and two Buddhist caves. These Hindu caves house rock cut sculptures executed in solid basalt rock, symbolizing the Shaiva Hindu sect dedicated to Lord Shiva. Previously, all caves were adorned with paint, but only remnants persist today. The primary cave, also regarded as the Great Cave, served as a Hindu worship area until the inception of Portuguese rule in 1534, which led to significant damage to the caves. Following years of disregard, this cave was restored in the 1970s and claimed the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to conserve the art within.

Location
Elephanta Caves
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(21 Ratings)
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Ladytinky
Apr 16, 2024
A must when in Mumbai - This was well worth the visit. The ferry ride takes about 40 mins and then a train ride followed by an uphill walk to the caves. I had people carry me up there. Caves were amazing and the guide was so good and helped with taking pics.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Igor
Mar 21, 2024
Excursion to Elephanta Island - A great excursion if you are tired of the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. You find yourself in a calm environment and can immerse yourself in the local culture. Of the three caves, in fact, only one, the largest, has interesting sculptures. The guide Samir is excellent, he talks interestingly about religion and the peculiarities of life on the island (he is a local himself). There are no elephants on the island, but there are monkeys. You have to be careful with them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daria
Mar 21, 2024
Elephanta - We were picked up from the hotel at 8:30 am and taken to the ferry to Elephanta Island. The guide Samir met us on the island. He turned out to be a resident of this island, so he talked in the most interesting way about how life works there and about historical sights - the Elephanta Caves. We learned a lot of new things about Hinduism. Thanks to Samir for the interesting excursion and support, and to Rahul for organizing the tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kokoskokos
Jan 29, 2024
Exploring Mumbai with Rahul - Thanks to our tour guide Rahul we had an amazing experience in Elephanta caves. Everything went smoothly . We didn’t have to wait in the lines because his team had already bought the tickets for us. The guide in the caves was very knowledgeable and told us about that unique place in a very interesting way. Even my kids said it had been interesting even though they generally don’t like travelling. Apart from the Elephanta caves, Rahul managed to show us all parts of Mumbai, from the most beautiful British buildings to the Dharavi slums and Dhobi Ghat. I’m looking forward to coming back to Mumbai and exploring more of it with Rahul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Iliana_r
Jan 12, 2024
Relaxing escape! - I loved this tour and my guide Hardik. He was very knowledgeable, punctual and professional. He had great energy and I felt relaxed with him at the helm. He made sure to take care of all my needs and answered all my questions. This is a great tour to escape the chaos of Mumbai and see some beautiful nature and history. I would definitely use this company again.
Review provided by Viator
Daniell10806
Dec 9, 2023
Elephanta Caves Tour - Our tour guide, Rahul set us up with the best tour of the Elephanta Caves! This was most certainly a highlight of my 3 week trip in Inida. The history and architecture found here are beautiful, the pictures were amazing! There's a really cool market with local artwork and high quality hand made products. A must-see. Enjoy!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ej-to
Dec 8, 2023
Experience Mumbai with Locals - Rahul hooked my friend and I up with a local guide living on the Elephanta Caves island to give an intimate tour of the caves and their history. Hearing it from the perspective of a local who'd lived there his entire life elevated the experience to a whole new level and really delivered great value. We enjoyed the trip and recommended it to other friends and family immediately. 5/5 experience and would definitely encourage others to do the same. Rahul also hosts other tours throughout Mumbai which we thoroughly enjoyed, including the Bollywood Studio tour and a visit to the local slums where his family grew up.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Massimo
Sep 19, 2023
Such a beautiful experience - The entire tour was really cool from the beginning to the end. Both guides show me the best of this tour. At elephant cave, the guy shows me how beautiful and unique that island is. Divya,instead, show me the best part of the Slum. How they work hard,how they live, how beautiful that part of the city is, and what they have to offer. I tried something that I had never tried before. Something special. Truly raccomanded
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curiosity51153439917
Aug 26, 2023
Excellent - Really enjoyed our tour. We were picked up from our specified location, taken to the Gate of India where the tour guide was waiting. Our guide took care of everything. After getting to the island our guide showed us all the sculptures, explained in details their history, cultural and religious meaning. The place is clean and very well developed for tourists. There are many stalls with souvenirs and food
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hugo11333
Aug 6, 2023
Great Tour! - Excellent tour of local business within the area from very informative guides, highly recommend way to see an important part of the city
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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