Excursion to Elephanta Caves

Excursion to Elephanta Caves

Dating back between the 5th and 8th centuries, the Elephanta Caves in Mumbai are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that represents the diorama of the Hindu and Buddhist culture dilating from the rock cut sculptures. It is safely nestled in an island on the harbor channel of Mumbai. The tour include ferry transfer, English speaking guide service an entrances to monuments.

Itinerary
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Stop At: Elephanta Caves, Mumbai India

Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Gateway of India. Visit -The Elephanta Island - Located 10km away from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. Motorboats take passengers from Appollo Bunder near the Gateway of India. These caves house rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century BC. The rock cut temples dedicated to Shiva Mahadeva are rich in sculptural content. The rock cut temples were created by carving out rock, and creating the columns, the internal spaces and the images. The entire temple is akin to a huge sculpture, through whose corridors and chambers one can walk. The entire complex was created through a process of rock removal. Some of the rock surfaces are highly finished while some are untreated bare rock.

Consists of two groups of caves the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the god Shiva. The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated to between the 5th and 8th centuries, although the identity of the original builders is still a subject of debate. 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 (Cave 1, 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.

After sightseeing board ferry back to Gateway of India, then after drop off to your hotel.

Duration: 2 hours