Elephanta Caves Tours

All photos

Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

Loading available options...

Overview

Duration:3 hours 0 minutes
Travelers:12 guests
Tour Type:Daily tour, Group tour, Package tour, Private tour
Language:English

Elephanta Caves Tour – UNESCO Heritage Site Day Trip from Mumbai

Discover one of Mumbai’s most iconic historical landmarks on this Elephanta Caves Tour, a perfect blend of culture, mythology and scenic beauty. Located on Elephanta Island, these ancient rock-cut caves date back more than 1,500 years and are dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is one of the most popular Elephanta Caves day trips from Mumbai.

Your experience begins with a scenic ferry ride from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves, offering beautiful views of the Mumbai skyline, naval ships and coastal landmarks. Upon arrival, your expert Elephanta Caves tour guide will walk you through the main cave complex, explaining the mythology, artwork and fascinating stories carved into these magnificent sculptures.

What You’ll See on This Elephanta Caves Guided Tour

✔ Trimurti (Three-Headed Shiva)

The most famous sculpture on the island, symbolising creation, protection and destruction.

✔ Nataraja – Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer

A detailed panel showing the universe’s continuous cycle.

✔ Yogishvara & Kalyanasundara Panels

Beautiful carvings depicting Shiva in meditation and sacred marriage.

✔ Main Shiva Temple & Rock-Cut Pillars

Explore ancient architecture carved entirely by hand.

✔ Meditation Chambers & Hidden Caves

Learn how monks and artisans used these caves centuries ago.

✔ Viewpoints Overlooking the Arabian Sea

Great photo spots after your cave visit.

Why This Elephanta Caves Tour Is Special

Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Includes ferry ticket + guided tour (optional)

Explore centuries-old mythology carved in stone

Great for culture lovers, families, solo travellers and Mumbai first-timers

Led by trained and knowledgeable Mumbai tour guides

Perfect half-day experience from South Mumbai

Combines history, nature and scenic views in one trip

Good to Know Before You Go

The ferry to Elephanta Island runs every 30–40 minutes from Gateway of India

Ferry schedules depend on weather conditions

The island requires some walking and climbing steps

Local toy train is available from the jetty (optional)

Wear comfortable shoes and carry water

The complete tour takes 4 to 5 hours

Experience Mumbai’s most ancient heritage site with an expert guide.

Book your Elephanta Caves Tour today — limited daily ferry slots available.

You may also enjoy our
Mumbai City Tour
and our cultural
Mumbai Heritage Walk.

Plan your next Mumbai Tour effortlessly by visiting cityscapemumbaitours.com.

✔ Explore Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Mumbai
✔ Visit ancient rock-cut Shiva temples carved over 1,500 years ago
✔ See the iconic Trimurti – the three-faced Shiva sculpture
✔ Enjoy a scenic ferry ride from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island
✔ Guided Elephanta Caves Tour with history, mythology and artwork explained
✔ Perfect half-day trip for culture lovers, families and first-time Mumbai visitors

Includes/Excludes

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Guide
Drinking water

Food and Drinks

Departure & Return

Start: Multiple pickup locations offered.
PizzaExpress, Dhanraj Mahal, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India

Hotel pickup offered
During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.

Airport pickup offered
During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099, India

Port pickup offered
During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.
Alexandra Dock, WRMR+9WV, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India

End -This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Elephanta Caves Tour?

The Elephanta Caves are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Sunday. The first ferry to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India usually leaves around 9:00 AM.

How long does a typical Elephanta Caves Tour take?

A complete Elephanta Caves Tour usually takes 4 to 5 hours, including the ferry ride, climb to the caves, and the guided tour inside the main cave temples.

What is the best time of year to visit Elephanta Caves Tour?

The best time to visit Elephanta Caves is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ferry rides run smoothly. Tours may pause in monsoon depending on sea conditions.

Can I take photos during the Elephanta Caves Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed throughout the Elephanta Caves, including the Trimurti and other rock-cut sculptures. Tripods may not be allowed.

Is there a lot of walking involved in Elephanta Caves Tour?

Yes. After the ferry, there is a climb of 120+ steps to reach the cave complex. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes. A toy train is available from the jetty (optional).

What should I wear on the Elephanta Caves Tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, breathable clothing, and carry a hat, sunscreen, and water. The island gets warm in the afternoon.

How do I book the Elephanta Caves Tour?

You can book directly through our website or WhatsApp. Advance booking is recommended, especially in weekends and holiday months.

How do I reach Elephanta Caves from Mumbai?

Take a ferry from the Gateway of India. The ferry to Elephanta Island takes around 45–60 minutes each way and offers scenic views of the Mumbai coastline.

Are the Elephanta Caves suitable for children and older travellers?

Yes, but some climbing is required. Elderly travellers can take breaks along the way. Families with kids commonly join this tour.

What does the Elephanta Caves Tour include?

Most tours include a ferry ticket, expert guide, and a complete walkthrough of the main cave complex. Private tours may include hotel pickup as well.

Extra Services

from₹3,850.00 /person

Date

1

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

2

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Apply

Guest

You can select up to 12 travelers in total.

AdultAge 13+

ChildrenAge 3 - 12

InfantAge 0 - 2

Please select guests

Apply

Chat on WhatsApp

Why booking with Cityscape Tours - Mumbai?

Reliable and efficient arrangements

Trusted by 100K+ travelers

Get the lowest prices

Private guides providing insights

Elephanta Caves Tour – What You’ll See

What Will You See on the Elephanta Caves Tour?

Explore one of Mumbai’s most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Elephanta Caves. Located on Elephanta Island, these rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva date back over 1,500 years and showcase the artistry of ancient India.

The Great Trimurti

Marvel at the 20-foot-tall three-headed sculpture of Lord Shiva — symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction — the spiritual centerpiece of the caves.

Main Cave Temple

Walk through the grand pillars and intricate carvings of the main Shiva temple, featuring magnificent panels depicting episodes from Hindu mythology.

Other Rock-Cut Shrines

Discover smaller caves dedicated to various deities, with beautifully detailed reliefs and motifs carved directly into the basalt rock.

Ferry Ride from Gateway of India

Enjoy a scenic one-hour ferry journey across Mumbai Harbour, with panoramic views of the city skyline and the Arabian Sea.

Local Market on the Island

Stroll through colorful stalls selling souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, and local snacks — a perfect place to pick up mementos of your trip.

Hilltop Views

Climb the steps leading up to the caves for stunning views of the island, lush greenery, and the distant Mumbai coastline.

Historical Insights

Learn from expert guides about the island’s history — from its ancient name ‘Gharapuri’ to its rediscovery by the Portuguese in the 16th century.

Tour Logistics

Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours (including ferry ride)
Meeting Point: Multiple
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Note: Closed on Mondays

Language

Currencies