Mumbai Elephanta Caves Private Half-Day Tour including Guide

Mumbai , India

Mumbai Elephanta Caves Private Half-Day Tour including Guide

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(146 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Visit the Elephanta Caves on this 4-hour tour. Explore the more enormous Hindu caves, the smaller Buddhist caves as well as the main cave, also known as the Shiva Cave. See the numerous sculptures depicting various aspects of Shiva’s life.

Available options

Spanish Or German Guide

Spanish or German Guide: Inclusion of Spanish or German Language Speaking Guide

Tour with English Guide

Tour with English Speaking Guide. Not inclusive of lunch

Cave tour with Family Lunch

What's included

Ferry to Elephanta Island

Local Family's home Lunch (Only if Lunch Inclusive Option Selected)

Toy Train Ticket

Governement approved Licence Guide (English, Spanish or German speaking depending on option selected

Elephanta cave Entry fees

Elephanta Village Tax

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Disemark with your Tour Guide After an hour long boat ride to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India, explore the magnificent caves. The outer caves were used as a place of Hindu worship until Portuguese rule was established. The caves further in are smaller and are Buddhist caves.

The main cave, otherwise known as the Shiva Cave, contains numerous carvings throughout depicting various aspects of Lord Shiva including his wedding, his slaying of Andhaka and more. There will also be a sculpture of the Trimurti in the main cave that is approximately 20 feet tall.

Other wings of the caves have shrines dedicated to Shiva’s sons, Kartikeya and Ganesh. Book and explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with a guide from Gharapuri, which is a small village on the south side of the island.

The Gateway of India is an arch monument built during the 20th century in Mumbai. The monument was erected to commemorate the landing of King-Emperor George V and Queen-Empress Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911.

What's not included

Hotel pickup & dropoff by airconditioned vehicle (available for extra charge of USD 40 for 1-4 pax)

Gratuities

Any other meals or drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

31 reviews

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4★

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Tripadvisor 4.8

115 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Minimum age is 10 years

No strict dress code is enforced at tour sites. However, please be advised to dress accordingly for places of worship; spaghetti straps and short shorts are not recommended

A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses/sunscreen are highly recommended, as well as a hat or scarf for ladies

prices for English,Spanish and German are different

Important notes

• You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity

About Mumbai

Mumbai, India's bustling financial capital, is a vibrant metropolis where tradition meets modernity. Known for its Bollywood industry, historic landmarks, and bustling street life, Mumbai offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and economic opportunities.

Top Attractions

Gateway of India

A historic arch monument built during the British Raj, located in the Apollo Bunder area.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Elephanta Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock-cut temples and caves.

Historical Half-day trip 600 INR (including ferry and entry)

Marine Drive

A scenic promenade along the Arabian Sea, popular for evening strolls and views.

Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Vada Pav

A popular street food item consisting of a spiced potato fritter sandwiched between two slices of bread.

Snack Vegetarian

Pav Bhaji

A thick vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls.

Dinner Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Sanjay Gandhi National Park Water sports at Juhu Beach Yoga and meditation at various centers Spa treatments at luxury hotels Visiting art galleries and museums Attending Bollywood dance classes Boating at Powai Lake Fishing at Girgaon Chowpatty

Best Time to Visit

November to February

The best time to visit Mumbai is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

18°C to 32°C 64°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Marathi, English
Widely spoken: Hindi, Gujarati
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

IST (UTC+5:30)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Mumbai is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid scams and pickpocketing.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services or apps like Uber and Ola.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
• Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus

By bus

Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus

Getting around

Public transport

The Mumbai Metro is a fast and efficient way to travel, but it currently covers only specific routes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colaba Bandra

Day trips

Alibaug

50 km from Mumbai • Half-day to full-day trip

A coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and historic forts.

Lonavala

80 km from Mumbai • Full-day trip

A picturesque hill station known for its lush greenery and scenic viewpoints.

Festivals

Gudi Padwa • March or April Ganesh Chaturthi • August or September

Pro tips

Visit the Elephanta Caves early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Try local street food like vada pav, pav bhaji, and pani puri for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the city's Art Deco architecture in the Colaba and Oval areas.
Take a Bollywood dance class for a fun and unique cultural experience.
Visit the Dharavi slum on a guided tour to learn about the local community and their innovative recycling practices.