At the entrance

This is the 1st carving that greets one at the entrance to the Elephanta caves.

Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves! Once known as Puri - later Gharapuri - this island was the proud capital of a powerful coastal kingdom and the great cave shrine in praise of Shiva, excavated in the sixth century, added to the ruling dynasty. It seems, different dynasties held their sway over this island, namely, the Konkan-Mauryas, Trikutakas, Chalukyas of Badami, Silaharas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Yadavas of Deogiri, Muslim rulers of Ahmedabad and then by the Portuguese. The Marathas also had this island under their control and from them it passed into the control of the British. When the Portugese took possession of the island, they found a monolithic stone elephant at the place where they landed and named this a ilha do elephanta, island of the elephant.

Atop!

Yes! We have reached the top and now we can see the jetty below from where we had started the toytrain ride. Behind us are the famed Elephanta Caves!

Souvenirs

All the way to the top, you will not get bored, as you will have these shops on either side of the steps selling beautiful souvenirs. Bargain hard and you will pick up some real treasures!

Palanquin

If, for whatever reason, you feel you are unable to climb, there are these makeshift palanquins in which you can sit and be carried all the way up for a small price.

Steps to the Cave

This is the beginning of the gentle climb up to the Elephanta Caves. Because of the shops on either side and their awnings there is shade all along.
The cave temple, which is the pride of Elephanta, sprawled over an area of approximately 5000 square metres, is reached by climbing a flight of more than 100 steps, to the top of a hill. Inside the temple, is a large pillared hall with rows of columns, that appear to hold up the roof of the cave.

Toy train

The toy train takes passengers from the jetty to the footsteps of the Elephanta Caves. This journey takes a couple of minutes and costs only Rs.10/- for a return ticket per head.