Elephanta Caves

There are two groups of caves at the site: one featuring five caves dedicated to Hindu deities, and a second group with two Buddhist shrines. While there's a lot of debate about the true origins of the caves, there are elements of South Indian Badami Chalukya architecture as well as architectural styles from the Gupta Empire.

Many city tours come to the island, and going with a guide can help you make sense of the caves, as the signage here isn’t the greatest.

• The Elephanta Caves are a must-visit for those with an interest in history, art, or religion.

• Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.

• Beware of naughty monkeys, particularly on the stairs leading up to the attraction.

• This attraction is not suitable for those with compromised mobility, and accessing it requires climbing lots of steps.

Elephanta Island is located in the Mumbai Harbour, about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) northeast of the Gateway of India monument, from which boats to the attraction depart. Once on the island, travelers can take a miniature train up to a tall, steep set of stairs that lead up to the monument.

The caves are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 5:30pm. It's best to get there first thing in the morning to beat crowds and hot temperatures, but if you come in the evening, try to get on the last boat of the day, when things have quieted down. Note that visiting during monsoon season may make for a choppier boat ride to the island and back.

You may see lots of monkeys while on the island (and all over India, in general, especially in rural areas). On Elephanta Island, you’re most likely to encounter them on the stairs leading up to the monument, and they can be aggressive and carry disease. Do not feed them, and keep an eye on any possessions you may have, from food to the eyeglasses on your head, as they are known to pickpocket the inattentive.

Yes, the Elephanta Caves are worth visiting if you have free time during a Mumbai stay. It’s close enough to squeeze in a (well-planned) day visit, the ferry trip is fun, and the first cave especially is great to see; this intact grotto boasts fascinating bas-reliefs and Shiva-representing statues.

For a visit that takes in all of the Elephanta Caves on the island, estimate around two hours to check out all the different Buddha and Hindu sites. Trips that include transport from Mumbai are roughly double this in duration, as a one-way ferry crossing lasts around an hour.

Yes, solo travelers can go to the Elephanta Caves just as travelers in groups or couples can. All visitors access the caves after taking a ferry ride with many other travelers. As it’s a popular tourist attraction, the chances of being in the Elephanta Caves alone are slim.

Many travelers agree that the best time to visit the Elephanta Caves is in the morning. By catching an early ferry (from 9am), you’ll have most of the day free to tour and explore at leisure without missing the last ferry (around 5pm).

Yes, the main ferry service to the Elephanta Caves is from the Gateway of India. The pier is well-connected and offers frequent daytime ferry services. Another less busy boat service is the CBD Belapur-Elephanta in Navi Mumbai, which offers catamarans and speed boats—albeit at a higher price.

There are a few eateries dotted around outside the Elephanta Caves. If you don’t plan to eat local food, you’d be wise to take your own snacks with you. Remember to remove your waste to avoid worsening the garbage problems, and stay away from greedy resident monkeys.