Gharapuri – Elephanta Caves
One of the must see items on any sightseeing list among first time visitors to Mumbai is the Gharapuri Leni, which is more commonly known as the Elephanta caves. These caves are located on the Elephanta Island. They are just 10 kilometers away into the Arabian Sea from the city. The ferry provides a thrilling experience for all those who have never ventured into the sea. And of course, what you see on arrival in the caves is certainly the better part.
The island boasts of two groups of rock-cut caves – the first group consists of 5 Hindu caves while the second group, which is smaller, comprises of 2 Buddhist caves. Dating back to the 5th and 8th century AD, the caves have been hewn out of solid basalt rock and were painted to perfection. The Hindu caves mostly contain rock-cut stone sculptures of Lord Shiva, representing the Shaiva Sect of Hinduism.
Since they are 10 kilometers or 6.2 nautical miles away from the city of Mumbai, you will be able to reach them easily by ferry boats. They leave daily (except Monday) from the Gateway of India. It takes about an hour to reach the island. There is also the option of hiring a “luxury boat”. But of course the cost is more here. The first ferry leaves the Gateway of India at 9 in the morning till 2 in the afternoon.
Once you reach the island shores, you can take the toy train to the foot of the caves. There are various food kiosks in Elephanta that sell fresh fried sea fish. There are also plenty of stalls selling Mumbai’s famed veggie snack ‘Pao Bhaji’. But whatever you may do, make sure that you take the last return boat to reach Mumbai as there is no provision for night stay on the island.
How to reach: The only way to reach Gharapuri is by taking the ferry service. The ferries leave Mumbai everyday from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon. You should reach the Gateway of India to take the ferry. You can travel in the general ferry or hire one exclusively for your group. It will take about an hour in the boat.
You should visit the island from Mumbai. If you are not from Mumbai, then you can choose from the many hotels in Mumbai, resorts in Mumbai and home stays in Mumbai.
