Elephanta Caves: A Mumbai Visit Guide
The Elephanta Caves sit on Elephanta Island, also known as Gharapuri, in Mumbai Harbour. The island's rock art is linked to the cult of Shiva, with huge high reliefs in the main cave.[1] There are seven cave excavations, and Cave 1 is the most impressive: a pillared hall, a lingam shrine and sculpted panels including the Mahesa-murti relief.[2] Details: UNESCO World Heritage listing and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) cave information.
Ferries run from the Gateway of India, and the crossing takes about an hour.[3] From the landing a set of steps leads up to the caves, and a toy train is available if you prefer not to walk.[3] Allow roughly half a day for the return crossing, the climb and the caves, and ask for the last return sailing before you set off. More: Maharashtra tourism visit page.
Hours and entry fees
The caves are open from 09:00 to 17:00 and closed on Mondays.[2] Children below 15 enter free. Visitors from the SAARC and BIMSTEC countries pay INR 40 per head, or INR 35 when paying online; other foreign visitors pay INR 600 in total, or INR 550 online.[2]
| Visit | Cave entry |
|---|---|
| Opening days and hours | Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 17:00; closed Monday[2] |
| Children | Free entry below 15 years[2] |
| SAARC and BIMSTEC countries | INR 40 per head; INR 35 online[2] |
| Other foreign visitors | INR 600 in total; INR 550 online[2] |
In Cave 1 you walk through a pillared hall past Shiva panels, among them Shiva and Parvati playing chausar and the cosmic dance of Nataraja.[2] The 7-metre Sadashiva relief at the entrance of the cave shows three aspects of Shiva: Creator, Preserver and Destroyer.[1] Wear comfortable shoes for the steps up from the landing. For the wider trip, see the India travel guide.
Things to Do
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Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Elephanta Caves. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [2] Archaeological Survey of India: Elephanta Caves: visitor information. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
- [3] Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra: Elephanta Caves. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are rock-cut caves on Elephanta Island, also known as Gharapuri, in Mumbai Harbour. Their rock art is linked to the cult of Shiva, with huge high reliefs in the main cave.
Take the ferry from the Gateway of India. The crossing takes about an hour. Ask the ferry operator for the last return sailing before you go.
Allow half a day for the crossing of about an hour each way, the climb up from the landing and the caves themselves.
The ASI fee covers entry to the caves only. Ask the ferry operator what its ticket includes before you pay.
Children below 15 enter free. Visitors from the SAARC and BIMSTEC countries pay INR 40 per head, or INR 35 online. Other foreign visitors pay INR 600 in total, or INR 550 online.
The caves are open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Sunday, and closed on Mondays.
Cave 1, with its pillared hall, lingam shrine and sculpted panels. The 7-metre Sadashiva relief at its entrance shows three aspects of Shiva.
Yes. A set of steps leads from the landing up to the caves, and a toy train is available if you prefer not to walk.
