The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO-listed complex of 6th-century rock-cut Hindu temples on an island in Mumbai harbor, crowned by the majestic three-headed Trimurti Shiva. You reach them on a roughly one-hour ferry from the Gateway of India, then climb steps lined with stalls and monkeys. Plan a half-day, avoid Mondays when the caves close, and note the last return ferry leaves mid-afternoon.
Key facts
| Hours | Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00am-5:30pm Monday: Closed |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | — |
| Time needed | — |
| Best time to go | — |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.2/10- Value7.5
- iconic8.5
- excellence8.5
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility5.5
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the ferry to Elephanta Island?
- About an hour each way from the Gateway of India, with boats roughly every 30 minutes. On arrival there's a long jetty; a small toy train (about Rs 10) or a 10-minute walk gets you to the base of the steps.
- Watch out for the monkeys at Elephanta?
- Yes. The island's monkeys are bold and will grab food, water bottles and loose bags. Don't eat in the open near them and keep snacks zipped away. They're the main nuisance up top.
- Do Elephanta ferries run during monsoon?
- Often no. Ferry services are frequently suspended June through September due to rough seas. If you're visiting in monsoon, check locally the same morning before heading to the jetty.
- Can I visit Elephanta in half a day?
- Comfortably. Catch a 9-9:30am ferry, spend 90 minutes at the caves, and you're back at the Gateway by early afternoon. Combine it with the Gateway and Colaba for a full day.
- What are the Elephanta Caves timings?
- The caves are open 9:00am to 5:30pm and closed on Mondays. The first ferry leaves the Gateway of India around 9am and the last boat back from the island departs by 5:30pm, so start early.
- Are there a lot of stairs at Elephanta?
- Yes, roughly 120 steps up to the caves, lined with souvenir stalls. It's manageable at a slow pace, and hand-carried palanquins are available for those who need them. Wear decent shoes and carry water.
- Is Elephanta Caves worth it?
- For the main Cave 1 with its monumental Trimurti carving, yes, it's a highlight of Mumbai and a proper UNESCO site. Some smaller caves are damaged and plainer, so temper expectations and go for the great hall.
- How much are Elephanta Caves tickets?
- Entry is Rs 550 for foreign nationals and Rs 35 for Indian and SAARC citizens, plus a Rs 10 village fee. The ferry is roughly Rs 200-250 round trip. Children under 15 enter the caves free. Verified July 2026.
Nearby in Ask Mumbai
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- Crawford MarketMarket10.31 km · 129 min walk
- Britannia & Co.Restaurant10.32 km · 129 min walk
- Rani Baug (Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan)Park10.35 km · 129 min walk
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj TerminusAttraction10.44 km · 131 min walk
Where to stay near Elephanta Caves
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