Mumbai Sightseeing & Elephanta Caves Private Tour

Walk through carved rock temples while your guide traces the mythology in the stone.

A private full-day tour of Mumbai combines city sightseeing at the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Marine Drive and other heritage sites with a boat trip to Elephanta Island to explore the UNESCO World Heritage caves carved into solid rock with intricate sculptures of Hindu deities. An English-speaking guide leads the day. You choose whether to add a private speedboat or include the Dharavi Slum visit when you book. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours and includes transport, water and all fees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Elephanta Caves4h · entry included
2. Gateway of India15m · entry included
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus20m · entry included
4. Churchgate5m
5. Dhobi Ghat15m · entry included
6. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum20m · entry included
7. Hanging Gardens10m · entry included
8. Marine Drivepassing by

Mumbai city and Elephanta Caves tour

• Visit Gateway of India
• See Rajabai Clock Tower
• Walk along Marine Drive
• Explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
• View Flora Fountain
• Visit Dhobi Ghat laundromat
• Tour Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
• Relax at Hanging Gardens
• Explore Elephanta Caves on Elephanta Island

The experience

The day starts with city stops that show Mumbai's layered history. You'll see the Gateway of India, the 26-meter arch built in 1924 to commemorate a royal visit, then move through the Fort district to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (a UNESCO site that was once called Victoria Terminus), and the Rajabai Clock Tower, which stands 85 meters high in the University of Mumbai grounds. The guide points out Dhobi Ghat, the open-air laundromat built in 1890 where dhobis still wash linens for the city's hotels and hospitals, and takes you past Flora Fountain at Hutatma Chowk and the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, where Gandhi lived for 17 years and launched his major movements. Marine Drive, the 3.6-kilometer coastal boulevard known as the Queen's Necklace for its nighttime lights, and the Hanging Gardens on Malabar Hill round out the city portion.

The second half crosses to Elephanta Island by boat. The operator offers a choice between a shared ferry or a private speedboat when you book. Once on the island, you walk into the Elephanta Caves, carved entirely from solid rock and filled with sculptures depicting Hindu deities. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the guide walks you through the ancient mythology embedded in the stonework and explains the craftsmanship. The island itself sits on two hillocks separated by a tight valley, so the setting frames the experience as much as the carvings do.

An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up and handles all transport within the city. Bottled water is provided throughout. The guide speaks English and can also conduct the tour in Hindi or Marathi. If you want to add the Dharavi Slum visit instead of or alongside the caves, that option is available at checkout. The full day runs between 7 and 8 hours.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle for all city transport.
• English-speaking guide (also available in Hindi or Marathi).
• bottled water throughout the day.
• all entry fees and taxes to the Elephanta Caves and city attractions.
• boat passage to Elephanta Island (shared ferry or private speedboat, your choice at checkout).

Options for this experience

3 options

Mumbai sightseeing tour that includes the Elephanta CavesGuide in English, Hindi or Marathi · 13 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 13:30Duration: 9 hours. The length of the tour varies with traffic and weather and can run 8 to 10 hours for a full day. Pickup is included.

Elephanta Caves and Dharavi SlumGuide in English, Hindi or Marathi · 8 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 11:00Elephanta and slum visit: discover Mumbai's Elephanta Caves and its lively slums in a single memorable tour that combines history and resilience. Duration: 8 hours. The length depends on traffic and can run 7 to 9 hours. Pickup is included.

Includes a private speed boatGuide in English, Hindi or Marathi · 10 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 12:00Private speed boat option: this covers a city sightseeing tour plus a visit to the Elephanta Caves, travelling by speed boat. Duration: 7 hours. The length of the tour varies with traffic and weather and can run 6 to 8 hours for a full day. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to Sunday13 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 13:30

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Hindi and Marathi

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Linda Tours Mumbai

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to combine Mumbai's colonial landmarks with Elephanta Caves in one day. Your private guide handles all logistics and timing, including the ferry crossing, so you move seamlessly between the city and island without coordinating separate bookings.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Hindi and Marathi.

What is the Gateway of India and why is it on this tour?

The Gateway of India is a 26-meter arch monument built in 1924 in Indo-Saracenic style to commemorate King-Emperor George V and Queen-Empress Mary's visit to India in 1911. It served as the ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and Governors and is one of Mumbai's most recognizable landmarks, making it a central stop on any city tour.

Can I see the Elephanta Caves without taking a boat?

No. The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea, so reaching them requires a boat crossing. You choose between a shared ferry or a private speedboat when you book the tour.

What exactly will I see inside the Elephanta Caves?

The Elephanta Caves are carved entirely from solid rock and contain intricate sculptures depicting Hindu deities. Your guide will walk you through the ancient mythology represented in the stonework and explain the craftsmanship. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the island itself sits between two hillocks separated by a valley.

Is breakfast included in this tour?

Breakfast is not included. The tour provides bottled water and covers all entry fees and transport, but you'll need to arrange your own breakfast before the day begins.

What's the difference between the private speedboat and the regular ferry option?

The private speedboat is faster and offers a more exclusive crossing, while the shared ferry is the standard option. Both reach Elephanta Island. You choose which suits your preference when you book.