A Heritage Excursion to the UNESCO Listed Elephanta Caves

You will be picked up from your hotel in Mumbai and escorted to the Gateway of India. The ferry takes an hour across the harbor to the amazing Elephanta Island. This small island is dotted with numerous ancient archaeological remains of its rich heritage. These archaeological remains reveal evidence of occupation from as early as the 2nd century BC. The rock-cut Elephanta Caves were constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD. Elephanta caves are among the most enigmatic heritage sites in India. The fifteen large reliefs surrounding the lingam chapel in the main Elephanta Cave constitute one of the greatest examples of Indian art. It is also one of the most important collections for the cult of Shiva. The most important among the caves is the great Cave 1. The main body of the cave is 290 square feet and is supported by rows of six columns each. The 22 foot high masterpiece “Sadashiva” dominates the entrance to Cave 1. This sculpture represents three aspects of Shiva: the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer.

Once you have visited these impressive caves, you will take the ferry back and then driven back to your hotel in Mumbai.