Elephanta Cave is a gathering of Buddhist and Hindu Cave, around 10 km away from Mumbai. It is situated on Elephanta Island, otherwise called Gharapuri island.
The gathering has seven rock-cut Caves, and it has been pronounced a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of the seven Caves, five are committed to the Hindu God Shiva, and the other two Caves are an underlying Buddhist style.
Elephanta Caves(Mumbai) – All You Need to Know About It Before Visit
Albeit a large portion of the works of art and inspirations in caves are destroyed, portions of it have been re-established. Furthermore, Cave 1, otherwise called the Incomparable Cave, is in the best condition among others.
Elephanta Caves Island is likewise famous as a position of love among Hindus. They come here to love Ruler Shiva. It fills in as a traveling objective as well. On a crisp morning, you could partake in an astounding perspective on the Mumbai horizon.
In this way, get on a ship and visit these noteworthy Cave.
The architecture of Elephanta Cave
The Elephanta Cave complex comprises seven Cave, partitioned into two groups. What’s more, the Cave is cut from strong basalt rock.
The main gathering has five Cave, which is cut with Hindu figures. Cave 1 is the most intricate. Lovely work of art covers the walls. The Cave has a pillared mandapa as well, which is home to a Shivalinga. An enormous hall is likewise important for the Cave, which has various sculptures of Lord Shiva along the walls.
The other four Caves are more modest, and not as detailed.
What’s more, the subsequent gathering has two Cave works in the Buddhist style. The bigger Cave has chambers for priests, a central shrine, and a major corridor.
History of Elephanta Cave
Elephanta Cave’s history is dubious.
In any case, based on excavations and similitudes with different Cave, students of history date them to be fabricated anyplace between fifth century CE and the eighth century CE. Furthermore, the credit for their development goes to the lords of the Kalachuri administration. Certain individuals likewise accept that Chalukya or Rashtrakuta rulers made these great Cave.
Numerous different rulers, including the Mauryas, the Shahis, and the Marathas, regulated the locale a short time later. Portuguese came here during the 1500s and named it as Elephanta Island when they saw an immense elephant sculpture. That sculpture today is kept in Dr Bhau Daji Land Museum in Mumbai.
The Cave experienced serious harm as well, during the Portuguese rule. When the English showed up, in the seventeenth hundred years, the Cave was in unfortunate shape.
The protection of Elephanta Cave started during the 1900s, and during the 1970s, the Great Cave was reestablished to its current structure. Other caves were repaired as well.
What should be done at Elephanta Cave
The Grand Cave (Cave 1) is the biggest in the complex and it has been protected and reestablished however much it very well may be. At the north entry, you’ll find sculptures of Shiva, in his Nataraja structure and Yogishvara structure. What’s more, inside the Cave, you’ll track down many figures and carvings from Hindu folklore. Of those, the enormous 20 feet solid sculpture of Trimurti – a three-headed Shiva, is the most striking.
The Trimurti is one of the fundamental attractions of the Cave. Also, it is on the south wall, confronting the entry. The Shivalinga in the huge mandapa corridor is towards the west. What’s more, you’ll likewise track down figures of Ardhanarishvara, Gangadhara, and Ravananugraha on the walls.
A carving known as the Wedding of Shiva is available as well.
Cave 2 and 3 are more modest than the primary Cave and each has a mandapa lobby remaining on support points. The other two Hindu Cave are in ruins today.
Cave 6, which gives a brief look at the Buddhist style, is otherwise called the Sitabai Sanctuary. It has an enormous corridor with three chambers, the central one of which has a sanctuary. The walls of this Cave are embellished with mind-boggling carvings. The other Buddhist Cave is fragmented.
A narrow way close to the principal gathering of Cave takes you to the highest point of Cannon Hill. You’ll see two huge groups there. What’s more, you likewise get enamoring perspectives on the encompassing ocean and the horizon of Mumbai.
Aside from the Cave, you can likewise visit the little archeological museum. It is close to the ticket counter. Here, you can see different things connected with Elephanta Cave and the island. The historical center additionally shows data about other stone-cut cave sanctuaries in India.
On the way towards the Cave, you’ll find numerous keepsake shops and snack stalls as well.
Elephanta Cave Entry Fees and Timings
Elephanta Cave in Mumbai is open over time, except on Mondays. It requires an hour for an Elephanta Cave ship to arrive at the island from Mumbai.
The first ferry leaves the Entryway of India breakwater at 9 AM, and the last one is at 2 PM. What’s more, the last ferry, to get back to the central area from Elephanta Island. leaves at 5.30 PM. You will get the return tickets from the Gateway of India itself. The Elephanta Cave ferry costs somewhere in the range of ₹100 and ₹200 relying upon the boats your board. Furthermore, a boat departs the pier each thirty minutes.
Concerning the Elephanta Cave entry charge, it is ₹40 per individual for Indians and guests from SAARC nations. For other foreign nationals, the expense is ₹600. Alongside the passage charges, an extra ₹10 is collected to enter the town. You are additionally charged ₹25 for the camcorder. Photography is free.
Elephanta Cave Island likewise has a little toy train to take you from the wharf to the entry of the Cave complex. It costs ₹10 per individual.
Best Opportunity to Visit Elephanta Cave
The best chance to visit the Cave is between October and March when the temperature isn’t high, and the sky remains nearly clear. Additionally, assuming you visit Mumbai in February, you can go to the Elephanta Island celebration. It’s a two-day social celebration highlighting local music and dance programs.
Elephanta Cave in rainstorms is captivating as well. However, the ferry services may be off while it’s pouring, or the ocean waves aren’t great for the short voyage.
Thus, visit the Cave during winter, between November and February. Furthermore, take the first ferry of the day to investigate the Cave with practically no problem.
