Mumbai: Elephanta Caves Private Tour & Island Ferry with Lunch

Summary

Boat ride from Mumbai to Elephanta caves with local stories and temple carvings

You’ll catch the ferry from Mumbai’s Gateway of India with a local guide who knows every twist of Elephanta Island. Explore ancient Hindu and Buddhist caves, hear stories of Shiva by torchlight, and share a home-cooked lunch if you choose. Expect small surprises—the sound of birds echoing through stone or laughter over chutney—that stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We were still figuring out the best spot to stand on the ferry when our guide, Sameer, waved us over—he’d already found the side with the least spray. He grew up in Gharapuri village, right there on Elephanta Island, and as we crossed the harbor from Mumbai’s Gateway of India, he pointed out odd little things—a fisherman waving from his boat, the way the salt air smells different once you’re past all that city diesel. I tried to ask about the monkeys (“Are they really that sneaky?”), and he just grinned. “You’ll see.”

The walk up from the dock is steeper than I expected—there’s a toy train but we skipped it because Sameer said it’s more fun on foot (my calves disagree). The caves themselves are darker and cooler inside, almost echoey. It’s hard to explain how massive that Trimurti sculpture feels in person—twenty feet tall but somehow gentle-faced. Sameer told us stories about Shiva that didn’t sound like textbook stuff; he talked about weddings, battles, even a bit about jealousy. I still think about how quiet it felt in there compared to Mumbai noise—just our footsteps and distant birds.

If you pick the lunch option (which you should), you end up sitting cross-legged in someone’s home in Gharapuri village. The chapati was warm enough to steam my glasses for a second. I tried to say thank you in Marathi—Li laughed at my accent but helped me out. There was this sweet-sour chutney that I wish I could pack home. We lingered longer than planned; nobody seemed to mind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Elephanta Caves tour from Mumbai

• Depart from Gateway of India
• Boat ride to Elephanta Island
• Explore outer Hindu caves
• Visit smaller Buddhist caves
• Tour main Shiva Cave sculptures
• See shrines of Kartikeya and Ganesh
• Return to Gateway of India

Top questions

How do you get to Elephanta Caves from Mumbai?

The tour includes a ferry ride from Mumbai's Gateway of India directly to Elephanta Island.

Is lunch included in the Elephanta Caves private tour?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch-inclusive option during booking.

How long does the day trip to Elephanta Caves take?

The tour lasts about four hours including ferry time and cave exploration.

Are guides provided at Elephanta Caves?

Yes, an English-, Spanish-, or German-speaking licensed guide leads your visit.

What is special about the main cave at Elephanta?

The main cave features large sculptures depicting Lord Shiva, including a 20-foot Trimurti carving.

Is there much walking involved at Elephanta Caves?

A moderate amount of walking is required; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can children join this tour?

The minimum age for this tour is 10 years old.

Are there any dress code requirements for visiting?

No strict dress code, but modest clothing is recommended for places of worship.

What’s included

Your day includes a ferry ride from Mumbai’s Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, entry fees for all caves, guidance from a licensed local expert (in English, Spanish or German), toy train tickets if needed, village tax, and—if selected—a traditional home-cooked lunch with a family in Gharapuri before heading back across the harbor.