Elephanta Caves Mumbai: Ancient Shiva Temple & Ferry Tour

Ancient Stone, Open Water: A Morning at Elephanta

You take a ferry from Mumbai across the Arabian Sea to Elephanta Island, walk through 5th-century rock-cut temples with a guide explaining the Trimurti and smaller shrines, and return by boat with views of the coastline. Admission, water, and all fees are included in one outing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Elephanta Island and Caves

• Take scenic ferry to Elephanta Island
• Visit main cave dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Explore smaller caves with Hindu deities
• Learn about sculptures and mythology
• Enjoy panoramic views of Mumbai skyline
• Return by boat to Mumbai

The experience

The ferry cuts through the Arabian Sea, and Mumbai's skyline shrinks behind you. Forty minutes out, Elephanta Island rises from the water. A low, green shape that holds something most travelers never see. You climb the stone steps toward the caves, and the air changes. It's cooler inside, and darker, and the moment your eyes adjust, you're standing in front of the Trimurti: a three-headed Shiva carved straight from the rock face, twenty feet tall, watching over a chamber that's been here since the 5th century. Your guide walks you through what you're seeing: the principal cave, the smaller shrines branching off, the carvings of Hindu deities and mythological scenes etched into walls that have survived centuries of monsoons and neglect.

The Elephanta Caves aren't a quick stop. You move between chambers, and the guide points out details: the precision of the chiseling, the way light falls on certain sculptures at certain times of day, the stories carved into stone. The caves date from between the 5th and 8th centuries, and they're a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means the Indian government takes them seriously. The rock-cut temples here were built without mortar, without modern tools, and the fact that they're still standing, still legible, still moving to look at, is the whole reason you're here. It's not Instagram-ready in the way some ruins are. It's quieter than that. More permanent.

The ferry ride back is part of it. You get bottled water, and the boat moves slowly enough that you can actually see the coastline, the fishing boats, the way the light changes on the water in the afternoon. The total time (travel, caves, the walk up and down) is built into the day, so you're not rushing. Admission is included, taxes are included, and you're back on the mainland by late afternoon, still thinking about that three-headed face carved into the dark.

What’s included

• Your day includes ferry transport from Mumbai to Elephanta Island and back, admission fees to the caves, bottled water, and a guided exploration of the principal Shiva temple and smaller shrines.
• All taxes and fees are covered.
• Travel time is part of the total duration.

Options for this experience

6 options

Group tour to the Elephanta CavesGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Meeting point: Pizza Express Colaba, opposite the Gateway of India. Pickup and drop-off are not included.

Private Elephanta TourGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Private Elephanta tour with hotel pickup: select this option if you would like us to collect you directly from your hotel, so you can relax and enjoy a personalized tour. Pickup is included.

A Private Speedboat Trip to ElephantaGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00Elephanta Caves by private speedboat, with pickup and drop-off from an air-conditioned car. No ferry and no crowds, just your comfort and privacy. Pickup is included.

See 3 more options

Elephanta tour for cruise guestsGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00Meet your guide at the cruise terminal for a private Elephanta Caves tour. Pickup is included.

Elephanta + Local MealGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Elephanta and local meal: pickup and drop-off included, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals available. The tour runs 5 to 6 hours, depending on weather and traffic. Pickup is included.

Elephanta + City TourGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Private tour with pickup and drop-off included. The tour runs 9 to 10 hours, depending on weather and traffic. Pickup is included.

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

Information

Lasts 5h–6h, runs Tuesday to Sunday, 7 start times, from US$ 30 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesTuesday to Sunday7 departure times: 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate6 group tours ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by ICONIC MUMBAI TOUR

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see 5th-century rock-cut temples and Hindu sculptures without arranging your own ferry and entry. The guide handles the history, and the boat ride is built into the experience. The caves involve climbing and walking, so plan for a half day and wear comfortable shoes.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the ferry ride to Elephanta Island?

Approximately 40 minutes each way across the Arabian Sea from Mumbai.

What is the Trimurti sculpture?

A 20-foot tall, three-headed carving of Lord Shiva, the principal sculpture in the main cave, dating from the 5th to 8th centuries.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility concerns?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it involves climbing stone steps to reach the caves and walking between chambers inside.

What's included in the price?

Admission to Elephanta Island, bottled water, and all fees and taxes. The ferry ride is part of the experience.

When were the Elephanta Caves built?

Between the 5th and 8th centuries. They are rock-cut temples dedicated primarily to Hindu deities and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How much walking is involved?

You climb steps to reach the caves and walk between multiple chambers inside. The total duration includes travel time, so plan for a half to full day.

Can I bring my own water?

Bottled water is provided as part of the tour. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need additional supplies.