Elephanta caves

Hello sir I am going to see the Elephanta caves so please provide me suitable information about how to reach there.

[Kiran Chandar]

The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri in Mumbai Harbour.

About the caves

The Elephanta Caves (180 56’ 20” N; 720 55’ 50” E), taluka Uran, district Raigad is located on island hills about 11 km north-east of the Apollo Bandar, Mumbai and 7 km from the shore of the mainland.

The island is named after a colossal elephant found in the island, which is popularly known as ‘Gharapuri’.

At present, the statue of elephant is housed at Jijamata Garden in Mumbai.

In ancient period, the place is variously identified as Puri which is mentioned in the Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II.

It seems, different dynasties held their sway over this island, namely, the Konkan-Mauryas, Trikutakas, Chalukyas of Badami, Silaharas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Yadavas of Deogiri, Muslim rulers of Ahmedabad and then by the Portuguese.

The Marathas also had this island under their control and from them it passed into the control of the British.

How to reach Elephanta caves

Elephanta is an island off the Mumbai (Bombay) coast.
So the first point is to get to Mumbai.

This is one of the most connected cities in India.

A large number of daily flights are operated to Mumbai (BOM) from the rest of the main cities in India. So are the international connections to Mumbai.

Once in Mumbai head for the Gateway of India.

This is an immensely prime landmark of Mumbai.

It is from this point the ferries to Elephanta Island operate.

Though heavily crowded during the peak hours, Mumbai has an excellent suburban local rail network.

From wherever you are in Mumbai, catch a local train to Churchgate or CST station. Both are terminal stations, so it is a bit easy to get out and get in.

It’s a 20 to 30 minute walk. Or a 10 minute taxi ride.