Delightful Elephanta Caves Excursion Mumbai (Guided Half Day Sightseeing Tour)
Description
Deep dive into the realm of heritage -We don't want to ruin the surprise, so come on this walking tour and discover the island hidden gem. Explore the major Shiva Cave, with its massive statues of Shiva and Hindu legends, as well as the Buddhist caves widely known as the Elephanta Caves, which are profoundly embedded among the tranquil surroundings of Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour in the frenetic Mumbai City. Discover UNESCO-listed caverns and rock art said to date from the 500bc, Buddhist sculptures and relief carvings, paintings and inscriptions that date between the 5th and 9th centuries and are attributed to several Hindu kingdoms. Enjoy a boat ride across Mumbai Harbour, a ride on the toy train, and a visit to the conceptually carved Cave Temples. Take a miniature train journey to the plateau and view the complex and amazingly detailed reliefs and sculptures representing narratives of the goddess Shiva; a once-in-a-lifetime event to share with your family and friends.
Tour Options
Itinerary
1. We will hop on a ferry from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, where we will enjoy a one-hour voyage with scenic coastline views. 2. Visit seven significant excavations in the area, which feature massive Shiva sculptures, Hindu mythology, and Buddhist caves. 3. Visit the three caves: the great Hindu cave, the Buddhist cave, and the main Shiva cave. 4. Ride the toy train to the plateau and marvel at the complex and astonishingly detailed reliefs and carvings illustrating Shiva narratives. 5. You will also receive complementary snacks from the locals during the trip.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(26)
Was not given specific meeting point just at gateway to India This is a vast area I had to make several calls before finding out the exact location Not good enough
Guide was extremely knowledgeable. The trip was a treat. Booking was easy. Great religious background
Avoid - Yo Tours Booked an early morning 09.00am tour as we had another tour in the late afternoon. You Tours altered the start time after we were at the meeting point and expected us to wait 2 hrs for an alternative tour -They refused refund and just kept telling us it was due to cruise ships being in town -do not trust this company and book with a more reputable organization - it may cost a few dollars more but you get what you pay for in our case we got NOTHING for our money and Yo Tours ruined a day.
Due to internet issues (Australians -Telstra doesn’t work in India!) the intended guide couldn’t contact me so I began the ferry ride without guide. The company, without my knowledge, arranged another guide who met me on the island, Avinash who was wonderful. Very knowledgeable (local to the island) and taught us a lot about the history and religion that we would not have learnt from reading the plaques. A beautiful experience.
While the island is amazing and the tour guide was very knowledgeable, the tour company was a complete mess. I was contact the day before to change the hour, which I didn't mind but the car picked me up 20 min late and I had to request the driver's license plate more than once. In addition, I was informed by the tour guide I have to take the ferry on my own, pay for it and he was going to reimburse me once in the island. I bought the ticket and requested the money in more than one opportunity and he kept saying later. At the end, when I got to the ferry to go back to the city, I got in fast because it was about to leave and only then I realised I never got the money. I think it's the company/tour guide responsibility to pay back as soon as the person arrives (at this point is not about the amount of money but the attitude. I feel they probably do this to several tourist). Finally, I found out the tour included only pick up but no drop off (usually when you hire the first, it includes the second one), so I found myself at Gateway India trying to find my way back to the hotel. I do recommend people visiting the island, just not with this company.
We apologize for the inconveniences you faced during your tour. We'll address the issues you raised to ensure a smoother experience for future guests. Thank you for your feedback, and we hope you'll consider giving us another chance in the future.
A very enjoyable tour of the island and caves with a knowledgable guide with extensive photography skills to help capture the moment. Highly recommend visiting the island and caves if you have a half day to spare in Mumbai. The ferry trip provides great views of the city and is a lovely way to get around.
The elephant caves were amazing very interesting!! Well worth the ferry crossing which is a bit long one hour !! well trained guide , Thank you
Let me start by saying I only reduced one star because the actual tour company is awful, but our guide was just wonderful. The company overcharges massively, they wouldn't put me in touch directly with the guide until I called and texted several times, and they tried to get our guide to ask us to come on a combined group tour two hours earlier than what we signed up for. Avinash Madhvi was our guide, he's native to the island and knows so much about the caves you wouldn't be able to learn or read on your own. Try reaching out to him via his FB page directly. Highly recommend him
Long ferry journey there and back. about a Kilometre of stalls on way up to caves which were extremely underwhelming. Would not reccommend
great place to visit, guided by very experienced person all the time. To visit the caves half day is sufficient
