A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE

Tripoto

Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. They are located on Elephanta Island, in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres to the east of the city of Mumbai . The island, located offshore about 2 kilometres west of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, consists of five hindu caves and a few Buddhist stupa mounds that date back to the 2nd century BCE. The name Elephanta was given by the colonial Portuguese when they found elephant statues on it. It takes nearly 1 hour to reach the island by steamer boat which charges INR 200-250 for to and fro journey. Toy train service is available from the port to the caves. But one may prefer a walking as we liked so along the sea side. Caves are situated upstairs. Beautiful sculpture are there in the caves but most of them are ruined now. In spite, they are very attractive , specially to the history lovers. You may find some good restaurants serving south Indian food. After having some enjoyable hours and a refreshing returning journey through Arabian sea, it is time to return to Mumbai.

Remember: So many monkeys are there just monkeying around the tourists. Be aware of them

Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 1/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Gate way of India
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 2/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Journey begins by steamer boat
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 3/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Famous Taj Hotel, silent witness of the terrorist attack 26/11
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 4/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 5/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
floating alone towards destination
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 6/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Toy train track from dock to caves
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 7/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Visitors come here round the globe
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 8/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Joy ride to cave
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 9/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 10/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 11/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 12/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
work of art but tending to be ruined
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 13/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Time left its mark on the ruined face, still attractive for a good snap
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 14/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 15/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Tridev (3 gods)
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 16/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Erotic architecture
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 17/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 18/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
No statue there
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 19/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Cannon on the hill top
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 20/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
It is attached to a pulley which could rotate the canon 360 for destroying the enemy ship approaching towards the island from any direction
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 21/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 22/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Sea gull flying around the boat
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 23/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 24/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Returning to the dock
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 25/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
On the way back to Gateway of India
Photo of A day's outing from Mumbai to Elephanta caves: A historical journey towards 2nd century BCE 26/26 by Dr. Rajesh Chakraborty
Back to Mumbai