Elephanta caves : The island is 9 km north east of the Gateway of India and is known as Gharapuri (Place of caves). The Portuguese renamed the island as Elephanta, because of a large stone elephant near the shore. This statue collapsed in 1814 and the British moved and reassembled the remaining pieces at Victoria Gardens, where it stands today. The Elephanta caves (Passenger tax : Rs 5, Admission Rs 10, closed on Mondays), are supposed to created between AD 450 and 750. The caves are a World Heritage monument by UNESCO.

The main cave has a number of sculpted panels, all relating to Lord Shiva. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurti - Brahma - Where the god is depicted as destroyer, preserver and creator.

There are also figures of Shiva dancing the Tandava, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, Ravana Shaking Kailasha, Shiva killing the demon Andhaka, and one in which Shiva appears as Ardhanari, uniting both sexes in one body.

The small ASI museum has some informative pictorial panels on the origin of the caves and the Maharashtrian rock cut architecture.

Cave No 1 is a collection of 3 caves, each has a Shiv lingam. The main cave is spacious and has huge stone carved statues in partially damaged condition. The cave has a good array of carved square pillars. On the right side, there is a big water tank and a cave with a Shiv linga. On the left of the main cave, there is a medium size cave, in which a Shiv linga is enshrined. No puja is conducted here now a days inside the caves.

Four more caves are located on left side of the main cave. A 10 minute hill walk takes one to a huge Naval cannon (obsolete) at cannon hills (150 m ASL). Another cannon is nearby. There is a safe underground escape route from the both cannons.

How to reach : Launches are available to Elephanta caves from Gateway of India at Rs 100 return.

Spacious deluxe launches with roof top seats cost Rs 120 return (English speaking guide's service free). Boats depart from Apollo Bunder at every half an hour and takes one hour to reach the island. When the boat leaves the jetty, it gives a picturesque view of the Gateway of India and the Taj hotel.

On the left side is the Mumbai dockyard and the naval warship's area. Photography is prohibited around this area due to security reasons. The whitewashed fortress like Butcher island comes into view (a prison, now under navy). The cruise near the Ship channel gives one a chance to view
ships in close quarters. The route crosses a small island with ship refueling / fuel storage facility. The island with hills is the Elephanta. From the jetty, a 3 minute walk (mini train at Rs 10) takes one to the stairway leading upto the caves. The route is lined with handicraft stalls and patrolled by pesky monkeys. Palanquins are available for those who feel the need to be carried (Rs 150, oneway).

The island has two small villages, restaurants and a MTDC hotel for staying. The last boat to Mumbai is at 0530 pm (caves closes).