Discover the Secret of Elephanta Caves: Day Trip from Mumbai

Mumbai , India

Discover the Secret of Elephanta Caves: Day Trip from Mumbai

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4h - 5h

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

Embark on a captivating day trip from Mumbai to uncover the secrets of Elephanta Caves. Begin your journey as your guide picks you up at your hotel, setting the stage for a memorable experience. The iconic Gateway of India serves as your gateway to Elephanta Island, reached by a scenic ferry ride. Marvel at the Mumbai skyline and Arabian Sea during the journey. Upon arrival, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Elephanta Caves, where rock-cut temples and the towering statue of Sadashiva await. Take a break to savor local delights before a leisurely island stroll. The return ferry offers picturesque views, concluding the day with lunch recommendations and a comfortable return to your Mumbai hotel. Immerse yourself in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes on this unforgettable day trip.

Available options

Car, Guide & Entrance

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.<br/>Pickup included

Car & Guide

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides.<br/>Pickup included

Car Only

Includes: Private Car with Driver.<br/>Pickup included

Car, Guide, Entrance & Lunch

Includes: Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary & Lunch.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

English speaking local guide, if option selected.

Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.

Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.

Lunch, if option selected.

Bottled water in the car.

Detailed itinerary

8:00 AM - Meet your tour guide at your hotel lobby in Mumbai. You will be picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle for the journey to the Gateway of India.

Stop 2

8:30 AM - Arrive at the Gateway of India and board the ferry to Elephanta Island. Your guide will help you purchase tickets for the ferry and guide you through the boarding process. The ferry departs from the Gateway of India. During the one-hour journey, you will get to enjoy stunning views of the Mumbai skyline and the Arabian Sea.

Stop 3 Pass by

9:30 AM - Arrive at Elephanta Island and disembark from the ferry. Your guide will lead you to the entrance of the Elephanta Caves. There are two routes to reach the caves, one is to take the toy train, and the other is to walk. You can choose which one to take based on your preference.

Stop 4

9:45 AM - Start your tour of the Elephanta Caves. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are home to numerous rock-cut temples and sculptures depicting various aspects of Hindu mythology. Your guide will take you through each cave and explain the history, architecture, and significance of each structure. The most famous attraction is the 20-feet tall statue of Sadashiva, a three-headed depiction of Lord Shiva. The tour typically takes around 2 hours.

Stop 5

11:15 AM - Take a break and enjoy a light snack at the local food stalls near the caves. You can try some local specialties such as vada pav or samosas, and wash it down with a refreshing drink. You can also browse through the souvenir stalls and pick up some local handicrafts.

Stop 6

12:00 PM - Take a leisurely walk around the island and enjoy the scenic views of the sea and the surrounding hills. There are several walking trails on the island, and your guide can recommend the best ones based on your preferences.

Stop 7 Pass by

1:00 PM - Board the ferry back to the Gateway of India. During the return journey, you can relax and enjoy the sea breeze and the views of Mumbai's skyline.

Stop 8

2:00 PM - Arrive back at the Gateway of India and have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Your guide can recommend some good local restaurants where you can try some delicious Indian cuisine.

3:00 PM - Drive back to your hotel in Mumbai, with the memories of the beautiful Elephanta Caves and the stunning views of the Mumbai Harbor.

4:00 PM - Arrive back at your hotel, and your tour of Elephanta Caves Day Trip comes to an end.

What's not included

Camera charges at monuments.

Gratuities and optional activities.

Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Important notes

Please provide up pick up information at least one day before the tour

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.