Mumbai: Elephanta Caves Tour & Ferry from Gateway of India

Summary

Ancient carvings echo through elephanta caves mumbai day trip

You’ll start your day by catching a ferry from Mumbai’s Gateway of India, then climb up into the cool shadows of Elephanta Caves with a local guide sharing stories as you go. Touch ancient carvings, hear legends echoing off stone walls, and catch glimpses of island life between steps. There’s something quietly powerful about standing where history still lingers.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the Gateway of India itself, but this low hum—people chatting in bursts of Hindi and Marathi, pigeons flapping up as the morning ferries started loading. Our guide, Sunil, waved us over by the Pizza Express sign (I never thought my day would start next to pizza in Mumbai) and got our tickets sorted. The ferry ride was longer than I expected—about an hour—and the air smelled like salt and diesel, mixed with something sweet from someone’s breakfast. We passed little fishing boats bobbing near the harbor; one guy waved and grinned at us for no reason. That stuck with me.

Landing at Elephanta Island felt like stepping into another world—quiet except for birds and a few vendors calling out chai offers. The climb up those 120 steps is no joke (Sunil kept an easy pace, thank god), but you get these glimpses between trees of the sea behind you. Inside the Elephanta Caves, it’s cool and shadowy. Sunil pointed out faded carvings—he told stories about Shiva that made me wish I remembered more from school—and there’s this massive three-headed Shiva statue that just… looms. I tried to take a photo but it didn’t really capture how huge or calm it felt in there.

We wandered through three caves, each different—one Hindu, one Buddhist, one dedicated to Shiva again. The stone pillars are rough under your hand; you can feel centuries worn into them. At one point a local kid tried to explain something about the sculptures to me in broken English while his mom laughed softly nearby—I think he was proud to show off what he knew. It’s funny how even old stones can feel alive when people are around.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves

• Start at Gateway of India
• Take 1 hour ferry to Elephanta Island
• Climb 120 steps to cave plateau
• Explore three Elephanta Caves

Top questions

How do you get to Elephanta Caves from Mumbai?

You take a ferry from the Gateway of India in Mumbai to Elephanta Island; the ride takes about an hour.

Are entry fees included for Elephanta Caves?

Yes, entrance fees for Elephanta Caves are included in this tour.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, if you select the option during booking, hotel pickup is included.

How many caves will I see on this tour?

You’ll explore three main caves: one Hindu cave, one Buddhist cave, and another dedicated to Shiva.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is outside Pizza Express Restaurant opposite Royal Bombay Yacht Club in Colaba.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children under 15 get free entrance; infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

How physically demanding is visiting Elephanta Caves?

You need moderate fitness since there are 120 steps up to reach the caves.

What’s included

Your day includes ferry tickets from Mumbai’s Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, all entrance fees for exploring the caves (children under 15 go free), and guidance throughout from a knowledgeable local guide—plus hotel pickup if you choose that option when booking.