Overview of Elephanta Caves Island or Gharapuri Island
Elephanta Caves Islands is a network of 7 sculpted caves dating back to the 5th to 8th centuries. Elephanta Caves are regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva. Gharapuri Island or Elephanta Caves Island is also known as the ‘City of Caves’. It spans an area of approximately 16 square kilometers. Gharapuri Island is at a distance of around 10 kilometers distance from the Gateway of India, Mumbai in the Sea of Oman.
Indian rock-cut art at Elephanta Island has found one of its most perfect expressions in the seven caves here. Especially, the huge high reliefs in the main cave need special mention.
The island owes its name to the huge stone statue of an elephant found there by Portuguese navigators, which they tried to take in a ship. Portuguese abandoned the plan because the chains were not strong enough to hold the giant statue through the rough seas. The statue was later moved to a museum in Mumbai by the British.
Gharapuri Island Alias Elephanta Island is famous for the Elephanta Cave temples of the seventh century dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Maheshamurti panel in which God Shiva is shown as the creator, the protector, and the destroyer, is a rare sight to the eyes, which will make you spellbound. You should visit this place at least once in your lifetime.
Gharapuri Island has a toy train, intended for the kids. It takes kids to the steps at the bottom of the caves. There are Street vendors selling snacks and food packets at Gharapuri island. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, MTDC, runs a restaurant on the island.
A word of caution, beware of the monkeys that snatch food or snacks from you.
How to Reach Gharapuri Cave Island?
Regular ferry services to Elephanta island caves are available. It takes an hour’s journey from Gateway of India, Mumbai.
What are the Gharapuri Caves Timings?
Ferry services to Gharapuri caves are available from 9 am to 2 pm. Tickets for the ferry services are available at the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation office at Gateway of India, Mumbai. Gharapuri Island is closed for tourists on Mondays.
Overnight stay is not allowed on the island for tourists. However, Local residents numbering around 12 hundred, reside at Gharapuri Island Alias Elephanta Caves Island.