Our guided adventure to the Elephanta Caves began at Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India, where Debbie and I boarded a boat for the hour-long ride across the bay. The sea breeze was refreshing, and as we left the city’s chaos behind, we enjoyed watching the Mumbai skyline fade into the horizon. The gentle rocking of the boat, the occasional call of seabirds, and the hum of fellow travelers made for a relaxing and scenic journey.
When we arrived at Elephanta Island, a small toy train was waiting at the dock, offering a fun (and slightly bumpy) ride to the base of the caves. From there, we began our ascent up a long flight of 125 stone steps lined with vibrant market stalls. Vendors called out, selling everything from colorful scarves and handcrafted jewelry to ice-cold coconut water—perfect for the warm day.
But the real entertainers of the island were the monkeys. They were everywhere, swinging from trees, eyeing tourists, and occasionally making daring grabs for food. Debbie and I kept a close watch on our belongings, laughing as we saw an unsuspecting traveler lose his snack to a particularly bold monkey.
At the top, the Elephanta Caves felt like stepping into another world. The massive rock-cut temples, carved between the 5th and 7th centuries, were breathtaking. The highlight was the colossal Maheshmurti sculpture of Lord Shiva, its three serene faces radiating a timeless presence. We wandered through the cool, shadowy interiors, marveling at the intricate carvings and the sheer skill it must have taken to create them.
After soaking in the history and spirituality of the caves, we made our way back down through the lively market, dodging more monkeys along the way. The return boat ride was just as enjoyable, giving us time to reflect on the day’s journey—an experience filled with history, adventure, and just the right amount of monkey mischief.
Some fun facts: the island was renamed Elephanta by the Portuguese after a stone elephant that once stood here. The origins of the caves are lost in obscurity but probably date to the 6th century CE.
Our guide was excellent, knowledgeable and friendly. In fact we’ve kept up with her! If you’re interested in visiting the caves we would be happy to assist you. Just reach out to Debbie at dhorres50@gmail.com or Debbie@livewelltraveloften.com.
Namaste
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