Is Elephanta caves worth visiting?

So to answer the question: yes, it’s definitely worth it, primarily for Cave 1. The carvings there, even in their damaged state, are exquisite. It was also pleasant, if only for a couple of hours, to escape the constant noise of horns honking that forms the backdrop to life in Mumbai.

What is special about Elephanta Caves?

The Elephanta Caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, mostly in high relief, that show syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist ideas and iconography. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock.

How much does it cost to go to Elephanta caves?

Foreigners, however, need to pay INR 600 as Elephanta Caves entry ticket price.

Elephanta Caves Ticket Booking.
Entry Fee (Indian) INR 40
Entry Fee (SAARC and BIMSTEC) INR 40
Entry Fee (Foreigner ) INR 600
Entry Below (Children Below Age 15) Free

What is the best time to visit Elephanta caves?

Winter months from November to February are the best time to visit the caves. Avoid peak monsoon season (June to August ) as the sea becomes unpredictable and ferry schedules get disrupted. Morning hours are better to visit this destination.

Can you stay at Elephanta Caves?

Whether it’s a cheap hotels in Elephanta Caves, a 5 star Elephanta Caves hotel or a family friendly Elephanta Caves hotel, Hotels.com has the best accommodation for your stay.

Why are Elephanta caves called that?

The caves, as well as the island, were given the name Elephanta by Portuguese invaders after they took control of the place in 1534. It was the discovery of a gigantic rock-cut sculpture of an elephant on the island that prompted them to name the place so.

How many years old is Elephanta caves?

These archaeological remains reveal evidence of occupation from as early as the 2nd century BC. The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD. The most important among the caves is the great Cave 1, which measures 39 metres from the front entrance to the back.

Is Elephanta Caves safe for couples?

Elephanta Caves – Excellent for Families and Couples.

Which day Elephanta Caves closed?

It is closed on Mondays and the Elephanta Caves timings are from 9am to 5pm.

Is outside food allowed in Elephanta caves?

Elephanta Cave is closed on Monday

Tourists feeding these birds fried snacks causes serious damage on the birds’ health and is illegal but the practice continues.


Why do so many tourist visit Elephanta Caves?

Elephanta caves still present a rich heritage of ancient history to the tourist. The Elephanta Caves is also the site of the annual Elephanta Festival. Conducted by the Maharashtra Tourism Department, the festival is held every year in February.

Why should I visit Elephanta Caves?

There are five main caves dedicated to Shiva and two caves representative of Buddhism. The carvings and sculptures in these caves are believed to have been done around the seventh century. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, was recently declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Who damaged Elephanta Caves?

When the island was ceded to the Portuguese by the kings of Ahmadabad in the 16th century, it ceased to be a place of worship, and the caves and sculptures were damaged by Portuguese soldiers.

Is Aksa beach open?

Aksa Beach is accessible 24 hours a day.

Where can we go in lockdown in Mumbai?

You Can’t Afford To Miss These Places When Planning A Visit To Mumbai
  • Marine Drive. Roughly about 25 kilometres away from Central Mumbai, Marine Drive is an absolute soother to your yearning eyes. …
  • Juhu Beach. …
  • Gateway of India. …
  • Siddhivinayak Temple. …
  • Chor Bazaar. …
  • Haji Ali. …
  • Powai Lake. …
  • Essel World.

Is Gateway of India open today?

Gateway of India is open 24 hours for public, and. it is around 2.5 km far from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal and 2.4 km from Churchgate Railway Station.

How safe is Mumbai?

The Safe Cities Index 2021 report ranks 60 cities across 76 indicators, covering digital, health, infrastructure, personal and environmental security. Overall, Mumbai ranks 50 with a score of 54.4 out of 100. On the digital security front, the city ranks 53 with 45.4 points.

Why is Mumbai famous?

Mumbai is a mix of iconic old-world charm architecture, strikingly modern high rises, cultural and traditional structures, and whatnot. The city is known as the commercial capital of India, but there is more to it than that. Mumbai is all about art, history, culture, food, theatre, cinema, nightlife and a lot more.

Which of the following is not true about Elephanta Caves?

Elephant caves are excavated during the 11th century are not true about these caves. Explanation: The Elephanta Caves are located in Western India on Elephanta Island (otherwise known as the Island of Gharapuri), which features two hillocks separated by a narrow valley.

Who constructed the Elephanta caves?

The caves themselves were built much later. Recent studies on their architectural style suggest that they were constructed by King Krishnaraja of the Kalachuri Dynasty in the mid-6th century, and tens of copper coins of King Krishnaraja have been found at Elephanta.

Who built the Ajanta caves?

According to the historians and various studies, it has been found that second phase of the construction of Ajanta caves started during the reign of Harisena, a king of Vataka dynasty. The caves constructed during this period belonged to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.

What is the significance of Trimurti in Elephanta caves?

➡ It is also known as Sadashiva and Maheshmurti. The image, 6 m (20 ft) in height, depicts a three-headed Shiva, representing Panchamukha Shiva. The three heads represent three essential aspects of Shiva: creation, protection, and destruction.

Is Sanjay Gandhi National Park safe for couples?

The SGNP is turning into a dangerous spot for lovers. … The SGNP is turning into a dangerous spot for lovers. The secluded spots in the park may protect young couples from their families’ eyes, but they are drawing the attention of criminals who are lurking in search of prey.

Where can couples go for privacy?

  • Get to know each other at these Places to Visit in Bangalore for Couples.
  • Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore.
  • Cubbon Park, Bangalore.
  • Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore.
  • Lumbini Gardens, Bangalore.
  • Bangalore Palace, Bangalore.
  • Nandi Hills, Bangalore.
  • Ulsoor Lake, Bangalore.

Where can couples go for privacy in Mumbai?

So here is a list of a few Romantic Places in Mumbai where you and your loved one can have a wonderful time:
  • Marine Drive. Marine Drive, also known as Queen’s Necklace. …
  • Bandra Fort. …
  • Bandra Bandstand. …
  • Worli Sea Face. …
  • Versova Rock Beach. …
  • Jamjar Diner. …
  • Colaba Causeway. …
  • Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Why is Elephanta Caves closed on Monday?

1 answer. Yes. the caves are closed on monday’s for cleaning purpose. over a year ago.

Who named Elephanta Island?

Known in ancient times as Gharapuri (or, ‘place of caves’), the name Elephanta island (Portuguese: ilha do Elefante), was given by 16th-century Portuguese explorers, after seeing a monolithic basalt sculpture of an elephant found near the entrance.

Which caves is a network of sculpted caves located in Mumbai Harbour?

Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. They are on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally “the city of caves”), in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) east of Mumbai in the Indian state of Mahārāshtra.

Is photography allowed in Elephanta caves?

Video Shooting is not allowed in the caves only Photography is allowed.

Is Ferry open for Elephanta caves?

Elephanta Caves in Mumbai is open throughout the year, except on Mondays. It takes an hour for an Elephanta Caves ferry to reach the island from Mumbai. The first ferry leaves the Gateway of India jetty at 9 AM, and the last one is at 2 PM.

How do I get to Alibaug via ferry?

The quickest way of reaching Alibaug is by boat to Mandwa Jetty from the Gateway of India in South Mumbai’s Colaba neighborhood. It takes about an hour to reach Mandawa Jetty by ferry, or 20 minutes by speedboat. From the jetty, the beach is another 30-45 minutes south, by bus or auto rickshaw.

Which is the biggest cave temple in India?

The Kailasa temple (Cave 16) is the largest of the 34 Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cave temples and monasteries known collectively as the Ellora Caves, ranging for over two kilometres (1.2 mi) along the sloping basalt cliff at the site.

Kailasa Temple, Ellora.
Kailasa Temple
Location Ellora
State Maharashtra
Country India
Shown within India

Which city is called the Gateway of India?

The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder area at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The monument has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, and is the city’s top tourist attraction.

Which is the cleanest beach in Mumbai?

The Top 7 Cleanest Beach in Mumbai
  • Madh Island Beach, Mumbai (source)
  • Juhu Beach, Mumbai.
  • Aksa Beach, Mumbai (source)
  • Gorai Beach, Mumbai (source)
  • Uran Beach, Mumbai (source)
  • Erangal Beach, Mumbai (source)
  • Kalamb Beach, Mumbai (source)

Is Juhu Beach clean now?

With Mumbaikars unable to pollute the city’s coastline during the lockdown, Juhu beach is now cleaner than it has been at any point in the past 20 years, residents of the area told Mirror on Monday.

Is it safe to go to Aksa beach?

Aksa is a very beautiful and clean beach. It cannot be shut down simply because of the accidents that have taken place. The BMC should inform visitors about the danger. People should not allowed to go into the water.

Which is the most visited place in Mumbai?

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mumbai
  1. Visit the Gateway of India. …
  2. Watch the Sunset on Marine Drive. …
  3. Drive across the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. …
  4. Take Pictures of the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. …
  5. Visit the Kanheri Caves. …
  6. Tour the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum. …
  7. Meditate at the Global Vipassana Pagoda.

What is famous in Mumbai to buy?

Find here 15 Best Things to Buy From Mumbai:
  • Spices. Apart from being the “Land of Diversity”, India is also described often as the “Land of Spices”. …
  • Decor items. …
  • Jewellery. …
  • Sarees or block-printed fabric. …
  • Art. …
  • Retro Bollywood Posters. …
  • Gateway of India Photographs and Postcards. …
  • Lampshades.

Are malls allowed to open in Mumbai?

MUMBAI: Many major malls in the city which had shut business completely have opened up again but only partially. … On August 15, malls in the city opened up. They said that they were following the BMC chief IS Chahal’s verbal directions that said staff of malls will be allowed to work if they had one vaccine dose.

Is Marine Drive safe at night?

Worli Sea Face

Soak in the serene vibes and admire the views of the sea glittering under the city lights. The best part about Worli Sea Face is that it is open and free for all, you can take a leisurely stroll on the designated footpath under the stars at night.

Is Juhu Beach Open today?

Juhu beach is open 24 hours a day, but you should leave the beach at 9 pm as it can become very dark and can become dangerous.

Is Gateway of India free?

Entry to the Gateway of India is free of charge, even though the place is under continuous protection of guards and police.

Who is the don of Mumbai?

Dawood Ibrahim. listen), born 26 December 1955) is an unapprehended Indian gangster and drug kingpin from Dongri, Mumbai.

Is Mumbai dirty?

Washington: India’s commercial capital, Mumbai, has been named among the world’s ‘dirtiest’ cities, ranking last in the ‘cleanest streets’ category, a global survey of 40 key tourist cities has found.

Is Mumbai safe for female?

Mumbai has consistently been ranked as one of the safest cities in India. Being the most developed and posh city in India, it is also the financial and commercial hub. … Women feel safe to travel even at night in Mumbai due to readily available transport and buzzing nightlife.

Why is Bombay called Mumbai?

The city’s official name change, to Mumbai from Bombay happened when regional political party Shiv Sena came into power in 1995. The Shiv Sena saw Bombay as a legacy of British colonialism and wanted the city’s name to reflect its Maratha heritage, hence renaming it to pay tribute to the goddess Mumbadevi.

Is Mumbai more developed than Delhi?

A city’s liveability is rightly measured by the infrastructure it provides to its citizens, and real estate growth is also driven largely by the development of proper roads and transport systems. In this regard, Delhi clearly trumps over Mumbai and has steadily evolved its infrastructure over the last few years.

What sweet is famous in Mumbai?

Puran Poli is yet another special sweet, popular not only in Mumbai but all over Maharashtra. Made with jaggery, plain flour, yellow chana gram and ghee, it’s a must try! Shira is a famous sweet dish, usually eaten along with Poha during breakfast and you will find it as staple street food in Mumbai.

Which is the most famous culture on the island of Elephanta?

Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves are a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. They are on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally “the city of caves”), in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) east of Mumbai in the Indian state of Mahārāshtra.

Why are Elephanta Caves called that?

The caves, as well as the island, were given the name Elephanta by Portuguese invaders after they took control of the place in 1534. It was the discovery of a gigantic rock-cut sculpture of an elephant on the island that prompted them to name the place so.

How old are Elephanta Caves?

The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD. The most important among the caves is the great Cave 1, which measures 39 metres from the front entrance to the back. In plan, this cave in the western hill closely resembles Dumar Lena cave at Ellora, in India.

What is the importance of Elephanta Caves?

Elephanta Caves holds its significance because: The Shaivite group of caves − While there are many examples of Buddhist Caves in India, Elephanta Caves stand as a unique and important example as it is influenced by Shaiva traditions and mythology in the Shiva Purana.

Are Ajanta and Ellora caves same?

Ajanta is 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the Ellora Caves, which contain Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves, the last dating from a period similar to Ajanta. The Ajanta style is also found in the Ellora Caves and other sites such as the Elephanta Caves, Aurangabad Caves, Shivleni Caves and the cave temples of Karnataka.

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