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Private Half Day Elephanta Caves Tour in Mumbai: Explore Hindu and Buddhist Temples
4.6
129 Ratings
Mumbai
Visit the Elephanta Caves on this 4-hour tour. Explore the more enormous Hindu caves, the smaller Buddhist caves as well as the main cave, also known as the Shiva Cave. See the numerous sculptures depicting various aspects of Shiva’s life.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Elephanta Caves - Disemark with your Tour Guide After an hour long boat ride to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India, explore the magnificent caves. The outer caves were used as a place of Hindu worship until Portuguese rule was established. The caves further in are smaller and are Buddhist caves.
The main cave, otherwise known as the Shiva Cave, contains numerous carvings throughout depicting various aspects of Lord Shiva including his wedding, his slaying of Andhaka and more. There will also be a sculpture of the Trimurti in the main cave that is approximately 20 feet tall.
Other wings of the caves have shrines dedicated to Shiva’s sons, Kartikeya and Ganesh. Book and explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with a guide from Gharapuri, which is a small village on the south side of the island.
- Gateway Of India Mumbai - The Gateway of India is an arch monument built during the 20th century in Mumbai. The monument was erected to commemorate the landing of King-Emperor George V and Queen-Empress Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911.
What's Included
- Ferry ride to explore Elephanta Island
- Authentic lunch with a local family (with Lunch Inclusive Option)
- Toy train adventure
- Guided tour with a government-licensed multilingual guide
- Entry to the historic Elephanta Caves
- Contribution to the Elephanta Village through tax
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup & dropoff by airconditioned vehicle (available for extra charge of USD 40 for 1-4 pax)
- Gratuities
- Any other meals or drinks
Additional Information
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Minimum age is 10 years
- No strict dress code is enforced at tour sites. However, please be advised to dress accordingly for places of worship; spaghetti straps and short shorts are not recommended
- A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses/sunscreen are highly recommended, as well as a hat or scarf for ladies
- prices for English,Spanish and German are different
Location
Regal Cinema
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(129 Ratings)
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Batman170962
Apr 28, 2024
Exploring Elephanta caves - Very interesting tour. Our guides Sameer and Arpit were very good and explain the history of the caves
They also had a lot of knowledge about shiva and the statues in the Elephanta Caves
We visited the city and passed a good time
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah_k
Apr 2, 2024
This was an incredible... - This was an incredible experience! Our guide lived on the island, was very knowledgeable, and helped us capture so many great photos along the way! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Tami_u
Mar 15, 2024
Tour was canceled, but the back-up plan was excellent - Unfortunately, the tour to the Elephant Cave was cancelled, because the ferry was cancelled due to the visit of the President Modi to Mumbai, but this tour company offered an excellent back-up plan for me.
They let me join the Dharavi slum tour, and I enjoyed it a lot.
Review provided by Viator
343logank
Feb 18, 2024
Excellent tour, Mukesh was amazing and was the best driver i have seen in all of India - The whole tour was very good, Mukesh showed us all of the sights and knew a lot about everything . He spoke very good English and, as he was so good he made it the best tour I have ever been on. A big thank you to Mukesh for being such a good driver and for knowing so much about all of Mumbai
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_w
Feb 13, 2024
A Must See in Mumbai! - The caves are phenomenal. They are a
must see in Mumbai. Sameer is a great
guide and very knowledgeable. He takes great photos as well. I had a fabulous time!
Note: There is a hand-off from the Mumbai side, and then you meet the guide on the island.
Review provided by Viator
465janellem
Jan 23, 2024
Amazing - I can’t say enough amazing things about this excursion. Raj our guide was the best. Very informative and helpful on top of being very personable and making us feel like part of the lifestyle. Thank you again for a wonderful day🙏🏻
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ksfdjf60
Dec 23, 2023
Great day to Elephanta caves - What a great day to Elephanta caves with Raj our guide and Mukesh our driver. Both locals who could provide wonderful insight to the city and the people. It was wonderful socializing with others on the ferry. Keep in mind all the steps- but even if you can’t - locals will carry you up and down the steps for a small fee. Would recommend. Great lunch at local restaurant.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kenneth_f
Dec 23, 2023
A great day to Elephanta caves - A great day seeing Elephanta caves. Our guide Raj was great. Mukesh our driver was wonderful - such a delight to talk to and be around. Both locals who know so much of the area. The ferry ride to and from was so enjoyable, socializing with Indian families. Keep in mind - a lot of stairs - but you can be carried up and down like a king or queen so no worries. Wonderful local lunch. Great day. Recommend highly
Review provided by Viator
Shaktiruby
Dec 15, 2023
Magical Indeed! - This tour far exceeded my expectations. They don't call themselves Magical Mumbai for no reason, it was seriously magical. The boat ride with my guide Anthony was fun and entertaining and then comes the caves. My guide on the island was Haresh and WOW, his knowledge, enthusiasm and willingness to share phenomenal place was nothing short of miraculous. Do not miss this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shekosusan_k
Dec 15, 2023
Totally worth the lost sleep, highly recommended! - This tour was amazing and I recommend it to everyone who wants to understand the organized chaos which makes Mumbai so special. Tvishi was one of the most informative and fun guides I have had. She made this early morning adventure a true cultural learning experience. It's worth getting up before the sun.
Review provided by Viator
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