Elephanta Caves Tour

SHORE EXCURSION OR ONE DAY TOUR

A very popular excursion that will take you to the surprising Elephanta Island accompanied by an English speaking Official Guide who will take you through the points of interest in the amazing caves.

SPECIAL OFFER
Individual bookings now : $110US

STRONG DEMAND : We recommend that you book well ahead in order to ensure to do Elephanta Caves excursion with the experts of Southindia By car and driver.

HIGHLIGHTS

Gateway of India
Boat trip across Mumbai Harbour
Elephanta Island
Elephanta Caves
Lunch on the island
Boat back to the mainland

PICK UP and DROP OFF

Shore Excursions : Our vehicle will enter the protected Cruise Ship Port to pick you up as you leave your ship and to return you there at the end of your excursion before your ship’s sailing time.
One day tours : We will collect you at the location defined in your booking agreement (hotel, airport, train station, …) and return you there or to a different predefined place.

ITINERARY

Gateway of India

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

Built in Indo-Saracenic style, the foundation stone for the Gateway of India was laid on 31 March 1911. The structure is an arch made of basalt, 26 metres (85 feet) high. The final design of George Wittet was sanctioned in 1914 and the construction of the monument was completed in 1924. The Gateway was later used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. It served to allow entry and access to India.

The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder area at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The monument has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, and is the city’s top tourist attraction.

Boat trip across Mumbai Harbour

You will enjoy the one hour boat trip across the harbour and the different views of Mumbai and the islands of the bay.

Mumbai Harbour is a natural deep-water harbour in the southern portion of the Ulhas River estuary. The narrower, northern part of the estuary is called Thane Creek. The harbour opens to the Arabian Sea to the south. The historical island of Elephanta is one of the six islands that lie in the harbour. Front Bay is the official name of the harbour so named because the city started as a tiny settlement facing the harbour.

Elephanta Island

Gharapuri Island, is best known as Elephanta Island, has a population of about 1,200. The inhabitants are mainly involved in growing rice, fishing and repairing boats. There are two British-era cannons at the top. Quite recently, a small dam has been built so as to hold rainwater but that part of the island is privately owned and not accessible for tourists. There are a total of three villages: Shentbandar, Morabandar, and Rajbandar, of which Rajbandar is the capital. Caves and stalls can be seen in Shentbandar. Morabandar has a thick forest.

Lunch on the Island

You will enjoy lunch in a typical restaurant on the island.

Elephanta Caves

 The Elephanta Caves located on the island are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cave temples are predominantly dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. They contain rock cut stone sculptures, that show syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist ideas and iconography. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. Except for a few exceptions, much of the artwork is defaced and damaged. The main temple’s orientation as well as the relative location of other temples are placed in a mandala pattern. The carvings narrate Hindu mythologies, with the large monolithic 20 feet (6.1 m) Trimurti Sadashiva (three-faced Shiva), Nataraja (Lord of dance) and Yogishvara (Lord of Yoga) being the most celebrated.

The origins and date when the caves were constructed have attracted considerable speculations and scholarly attention since the 19th century. These date them between 5th and 9th century, and attribute them to various Hindu dynasties. They are more commonly placed between 5th and 7th centuries. Most scholars consider it to have been completed by about 550 CE.

Boat back to the mainland

The chance to see the wonderful views again on the way back to the Gateway of India.
From here you will be driven back to your ship or to your hotel.

UPCOMING CRUISE SHIP ARRIVALS IN  MUMBAI

SPECIAL OFFERTHE PRICE

Individual bookings now : $110US

STRONG DEMAND : We recommend that you book well ahead in order to ensure to do the Elephanta Caves excursion with the experts of Shore Excursions India.

The price includes

• Pick up and drop off at your ship in Mumbai Port or at your hotel
• Transfers to the boat at the Gateway of India
• Escort by a friendly professional English speaking guide
• Boat trips to and from Elephanta Island
• Lunch on the island
• Entrance fees to the selected sites and camera fees where applicable
• A bottle of water per person

BOOK NOW

Please use the form below to book your trip with Shore Excursions India. We have a policy of replying within 48 hours.
If you are a Cruise Ship Guest booking a Shore Excursion, please indicate the excursion you require and the name of your ship.
Otherwise, please indicate the tour you have selected and the points of pick up and drop off.

More Mumbai Excursions

You can use the following links to offers on our other Mumbai Excursions
Each page gives the itinerary of the excursion, its price and a booking facility.

City Tour with Chor Bazaar
Jewish Heritage in Mumbai / Bombay

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR SATISFACTION

WE ARE are a Government Approved Tours and Travel Company and a Government Approved Cruise Liner Transporter.
WE HOLD the Government Permit allowing entrance to the protected Cruise Ship Port.
WE PICK YOU UP as you leave your ship and to return you there at the end of your excursion before your ship’s sailing time.
WE PROVIDE excursions for Cruise Ship travellers wishing to discover the incredible sites of India in and around our wonderful city.
WE SERVE cruise ships regularly and know how to meet their requirements.
OUR EXCURSIONS are all-included no-hassle excursions with no add-ons and no unwanted commercial visits. Obviously you will support any personal expenses you might decide to incur.
OUR VEHICLES are recent, fully air conditioned, comfortable, safe, clean and perfectly serviced.
OUR SMALL GROUP POLICY enables you to enjoy a private tour in a convivial atmosphere, ideal for communicating with your guide and visiting the sites together.
OUR GUIDES are English Speaking Official Guides who will accompany you during the whole of the excursion, guide you round the sites, and explain local culture and history. They will be delighted to give you any additional information you might request (if you prefer another language, please consult us for a quote).
OUR DRIVERS are Government Registered Tourist Drivers who furthermore have signed our Drivers’ Charter.
OUR EMPLOYEES are professional, experienced and trustworthy local people who will look after you at all times.
WE CARE FOR YOU AS OUR GUEST to ensure you enjoy your excursion in comfort and security. We will take you only to safe areas and to places of proven quality.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS can be found on this website and on the links to TripAdvisor. We encourage you to add your own review after your excursion to help Cruise Ship travellers choose us.
OUR REPUTATION depends on YOUR SATISFACTION and we are organised to achieve your satisfaction during your excursion.

… IF YOU ARE HAPPY, WE ARE HAPPY.