Private Elephanta Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour
Active
5h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Elephanta Caves, is an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Elephanta Caves have five Hindu caves, two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the Lord Shiva. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All the caves were also originally painted in the past, but now only traces remain.
The main cave (or the Great Cave) was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese rule began in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was renovated in the 1970s after years of neglect, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork.
Available options
Small Group Elephanta Caves
Experience Elephanta caves : Experience Elephanta caves with Local Guide who live at Elephanta island.<br/>Duration: 4 hours<br/>Mineral Water Bottle<br/>No Pickup includes : In this group tour option pickup and drop off not included. <br/>Meeting Point: Regal Cinema Colaba. We also request you to be there 10 minute before.<br/>Pickup included
Elephanta With Sightseeing
Duration: 8 hours<br/>Mineral Water Bottle<br/>Private Air Conditioner Car<br/>Pickup included
Elephanta Caves With Slum Tour
Duration: 8 hours<br/>Mineral Water Bottle<br/>Air Conditioner Car<br/>Pickup included
Private Elephanta Caves Tour
Duration: 6 hours<br/>Mineral Water Bottle<br/>Air Conditioner Car<br/>Pickup included
Group Tour For Cruise Tourists
Group Size: Group Size: Small group of 10 guests only – ensuring a more personal experience.<br/>Duration: 6 hours<br/>Water Bottle<br/>Car: A local taxi transfer is included from the International Cruise Terminal to the Gateway of India, which is only 10 min drive.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Green Gate, Indira Docks, WRMR+CW3, Indira Docks, Mumbai Port Trust, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
What's included
Private transportation
Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The Elephanta Caves contain rock cut stone sculptures that show syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist ideas and iconography.
They were named Elefante – which morphed to Elephanta – by the colonial Portuguese when they found elephant statues on it. They established a base on the island, and its soldiers damaged the sculpture and caves.
The island is 2.4 km (1.5 mi) in length with two hills that rise to a height of about 150 m (490 ft). A narrow deep ravine separates the two hills and runs from north to south. On the west, the hill rises gently from the sea and stretches east across the ravine and rises gradually to the extreme east to a height of 173 m (568 ft).
2
Stop 2
The Gateway of India is a monument built during the 20th century in Mumbai. The structure is a basalt arch, 26 m high. It was a crude jetty used by the fishing community which was later renovated and used as a landing place for British governors and other prominent people. In earlier times, it would have been the first structure that visitors arriving by boat in Mumbai would have seen. The structure was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder, when they visited India in 1911. Built in Indo-Saracenic style. The Gateway was later the ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. It served to allow entry to India.
What's not included
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle for Group Tour
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
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3★
1
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Tripadvisor
4.9
30 reviews
5★
29
4★
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3★
1
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Guide will be waiting outside the Green Gate with a placard displaying Young Tours And Travel.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
