Elephanta Caves, Mumbai. Important visiting information
More about Elephanta Caves, Mumbai and Historical Information
Located 10 kms. to the east of Mumbai on the Gharapuri Island are the Elephanta caves that hewn out of solid rocks dating back to 600 AD. This network of caves resonating with spiritual energy is a collection of stone sculptures, shrines, porticos, and shrines. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the caves were given the name Elephanta by the Portuguese since there is a gigantic statue of an elephant at the entrance. Some of the stories depicted in the caves are of Lord Shiva slaying Andhaka, Shiva-Parvati on Kailash, Trimurti, Kartikeya, Ardhanarishvara, Wedding of Shiva, Ravana lifting Kailash, Nataraja and Yogiswara. Besides this there is a Buddhist stupa, Sitabai temple, and Pranalika. The Linga, formerly found in the central great cave, is lost along with several other sculptures which remain in the caves as ruins. The Archaeological Survey of India along with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage maintain the breathtakingly beautiful Elephanta caves spread over 60,000 sq. feet area. These caves are open on all days from 9AM to 5PM except on Mondays and the best time to visit is from October to March. The sublime beauty of these caves are surely a must see!!
Image Credits: Tewaryan
Elephanta Caves, Mumbai address and how to reach
How To Reach: "By Train: 11 KM away from Dadar Central railway station
By Air: 25.2 KM away from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport "
Railway Address :Dadar Central Railway Station, Lokmanya Tilak Colony, Dadar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400014 Airport Address :Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099
Way from Nearest Airport Way from Nearest Railway station
Popular trains in which you can travel to Elephanta Caves in Mumbai
- CSN CSTM T F SP (Train NO: 01153)
- CSTM JBP SPL (Train NO: 01711)
- MANDOVI EXPRESS (Train NO: 10103)
- KONKAN KANYA EX (Train NO: 10111)
- DECCAN EXPRESS (Train NO: 11007)
- SINHAGAD EXP (Train NO: 11009)
- KONARK EXPRESS (Train NO: 11019)
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- CHENNAI MAIL (Train NO: 11027)
- KOYNA EXPRESS (Train NO: 11029)
- CSTM CHENNAI EX (Train NO: 11041)
- AMRITSAR EXPRES (Train NO: 11057)
- MAHANAGARI EXP (Train NO: 11093)
- UDYAN EXPRESS (Train NO: 11301)
- CSTM SOLAPUR EX (Train NO: 11305)
- NANDIGRAM EXP (Train NO: 11401)
- SHATABDI EXP (Train NO: 12009)
- VIDARBHA EXPRES (Train NO: 12105)
- PANCHAVATI EXP (Train NO: 12109)
- CSTM AMRAVATI E (Train NO: 12111)