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Elephanta Island caves near Mumbai in Maharashtra state, India; Shutterstock ID 268775351; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Elephanta Caves Mumbai India, An ancient Cave; Shutterstock ID 598410503; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Elephanta Island caves near Mumbai in Maharashtra state, India; Shutterstock ID 267665357; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Elephanta Island in the city ofBombay Mumbai, India; Shutterstock ID 50421973; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

The caves of Elephanta Island, Mumbai, India.; Shutterstock ID 135814238; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Elephanta Island caves near Mumbai in Maharashtra state, India; Shutterstock ID 259103372; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Ancient Sculpture of Elephanta Caves Mumbai ; Shutterstock ID 600496631; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Shiva lingam in Elephanta caves near Mumbai, India; Shutterstock ID 247414516; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Elephanta Island caves Mumbai in India. This is the place of spirituality of Buddha.; Shutterstock ID 1074668594; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Elephanta Caves historical architecture in Mumbai, India; Shutterstock ID 1105431302; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

January

12.6 - 35.2 °C

February

13.9 - 36.8 °C

March

17.1 - 38.6 °C

April

21 - 37.2 °C

May

24.5 - 35.7 °C

June

23.2 - 35.4 °C

July

23.4 - 32.6 °C

August

23.4 - 31.8 °C

September

23 - 33.5 °C

October

20.3 - 36.4 °C

November

17.8 - 36 °C

December

14.3 - 35.2 °C

Major Airports :

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai

Nearest Railway Station :

Mumbai Central Railway Station (MMCT)

Make history come alive and embark on an historical expedition today!

Step into an incredible realm where time stands still through art and devotion - the Elephanta Caves, a captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site. These resplendent rock-cut cave temples located on picturesque Elephanta Island take you back in time from 5th to 7th century spiritual devotion and offer insight into that way of life.

A tribute to divinity

These magnificent cave temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stand as testaments of human creativity and reverence. As you travel along their stone corridors, intricate carvings and sculptures come to life before your very eyes; Nataraja, Trimurti, Ardhanarishvara and Sadashiva can be seen depicted across their walls, telling tales of devotion through mediaeval Indian art history.

From the 5th to 7th centuries, these cave temples provide an engaging look into an earlier age. Although much is still unknown about them and their construction dates back centuries later than commonly reported, some theories attribute the building of these caves to figures such as Pandavas or Banasura or even Konkan Mauryas, Kalachuris, Chalukyas or Rashtrakutas - adding further intrigue.

Connection to the past

Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves offer an unforgettable journey into history, where towering sculptures and cave entrances welcome you into an environment where spirituality meets art.

A glimpse of Mumbai's heartbeat

Caves provide an unforgettable experience that extends far beyond their confines. From their elevated perch, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of Mumbai's skyline - an impressive mix of ancient tranquillity and contemporary bustle.

Exploring the Elephanta Caves is more than a visit to admire art and architecture; it's an adventure into India's rich cultural history. Every carving, chamber and hall in these caverns speaks volumes of devotion, history and artistic development.

Captivated by the past, connected to the present

As you leave the Elephanta Caves, not only do you take away memories of intricate carvings but a link to past events which influenced present ones. They serve as a testament to human creativity and faith throughout time - which still delights visitors today. Their resurgence reached its pinnacle when UNESCO granted them a World Heritage Site status in 1987 - this recognition added new vitality into their existence, reinvigorating it as an unparalleled tourist destination.

Unesco. Hindu Temple, Elephanta Island caves, near Mumbai, Bombay, Maharashtra state, India; Shutterstock ID 314524529; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Timings

Opening time - 09:00 AM

Closing time - 05:30 PM

Legends surrounding its mysterious origin are abundant

Elephanta Caves have long been the source of mystery and intrigue, offering up both folklore and historical mystery that continues to intrigue us today. Historians place them between the 5th-8th century AD; yet their creators remain unknown. Dipping into local legends reveals whispers suggesting the Elephanta Caves might be beyond mere human construction. Some stories attribute their creation to legendary heroes like Pandavas while others attribute it to Banasura - a devotee of Shiva who could possibly have helped make these caves! Their intricate connection to the Pashupata Shaivism sect shared by Konkan Mauryas and Kalachuris further solidifies this theory, though their true architects remain unknown despite all speculations.

Resurrection amidst historical transitions

Elephanta Caves have experienced transitions across centuries. Beginning with 1534 when it passed from Gujarat Sultanate control into Portuguese hands and was later given its current name of "Elephanta Island," an homage to an impressive elephant sculpture on its vicinity, however its Portuguese era left significant deterioration on these sacred chambers that finally saw renewed life restored during the 1970s revival efforts that revived their main cave - embodying history's poetic tales within an intriguing journey through time and legends that paint an unforgettable narrative. At their core lies their essence - an enigmatic journey where history and legend come together to paint an engaging narrative.

Beginning Mumbai's iconic trail

Expand your journey beyond Elephanta Caves and immerse yourself in Mumbai's captivating mosaic of iconic attractions. The Gateway of India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as an impressive monument commemorating royal visits with its striking architectural blend.

From there, slip into the exciting world of Indian cinema at the National Museum of Indian Cinema. Experience film history through a vast collection of recordings, equipment and memorabilia at this museum devoted to Indian filmmaking history. If spiritual heritage is what draws you in then consider visiting Mahalaxmi Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth - another ancient wonder!

Haji Ali Dargah is a serene Indo-Islamic shrine perched atop an islet and revered saint Haji Ali Bukhari is revered here. Furthermore, witness remarkable faith at Mount Mary Church situated atop a hillock overlooking Arabian Sea.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount welcomes visitors from across the globe, seamlessly merging spiritual connection with architectural magnificence. Mumbai's rich cultural mosaic and historical essence come to life here, creating an unforgettable narrative of exploration and discovery.

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