Elephanta caves are located in the Grahapuri island. It means The City of Caves. However, it is called Elephanta Island now. Now, let's go back in history as the Portuguese settlers were who coined this name as they had found a stone elephant statue here on first coming here Now, turning back the clock lets find out some more facts about all the 8 caves. These caves are mostly visited during Monsoon Season due to some waterfall nearby these caves. Many experts say that Pullkesin II, the great Chalukya prince built these caves to celebrate his victory. Most of the caves are dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. But, there are a number of caves that represent Buddhist culture. We can also trace some sculptures that represent the combination of Hindu and Buddhist tradition. There are traces of some sculptures having both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Due to the Portuguese invaders, most of some amazing structures were destroyed. The invaders marauded and removed most of if not all of the carvings and the writings. Yet, these caves have a lot to offer and have been a mainstay in attracting people for centuries. Famous amongst all is the Trimurti Sadasiva it is the most important and most amazing sculpture. This sculpture is 20 feet high. It is the image of a three-faced Lord Shiva who is an important God of the Trinity. The Trimurti Sadasiva is a representation of the Panchamukha Shiva. The central figure is accompanied by the image of Gangadhara (the source of the Ganges) to its right and Ardhanarishwara to its left.
A visitor can take a local train from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Churchgate to reach Elephanta Cave. People can travel by taxi to reach the Elephanta Cave which takes only 10 minutes.
Sunday : 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Monday : 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Tuesday : 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Wednesday : 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Thursday : 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Friday : 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Saturday : 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Waiting Time
Entrance Fee
Indians: Rs 10
Foreigners: INR 250
Children (under 15 years): Free
Village entry fee: INR 10
Photography Charges: Free
Videography Charges: INR 25
Time you can spend
Weather
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