Elephanta Island

Tourists who want to explore the history of religious beliefs in India must visit the complex of caves located on the island, which used to be called Gharapauri, and is now called Elephanta. The island is protected as a world cultural heritage.

There is a huge temple erected on it in honor of one of the most revered gods - Shiva.

Historical information

The island got its name from the Portuguese, who arrived there and discovered a huge sculpture of an elephant in one of the temples. This sculpture attracted the attention of the British, and they began to want to get the statue. But they were only able to deliver it to Mumbai, where this relic from ancient times is still kept in the Prince Albert Museum.

Architecture

All buildings on the island were created between 450 and 750 AD. Ancient architects put a lot of effort into carving four huge temples dedicated to the god Shiva into the rocks of the island.

There were a total of seven caves on the island, which the monks united into a single complex. Stone steps lead to it. The temples, created in caves, abound with columns, spacious halls and pedestals of gods. On the walls of temples you can find a variety of carvings dedicated to Indian gods and their incarnations: Shiva, Parvati and others. One of the main attractions of the complex is a 6-meter statue of Shiva with three heads. Each of them personifies one of his hypostases: Creator, Savior, Destroyer.

Visiting rules

Visiting the caves is available every day of the week except Monday. To get to the island, you need to pay 10 rupees, but visiting the temple complex in the caves will cost 250 rupees.

When visiting a temple, you need to take into account its architectural features. Since 1987, the temple complex has been protected as a world cultural heritage. There is no need to raise your voice in the temple; any word spoken loudly will echo throughout the entire complex.

Excursions

Elephanta Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations. On the island, if you wish, you can visit the temple complex. You can take photos in the temple. Don't forget to take a camera so you have something to show your family and friends.

Interesting Facts

One Indian legend says: the Monkey King lived on the island, who in difficult times helped Rama, one of the avatars of Shiva. He swam across the 10-kilometer strait in one fell swoop. There are still many small monkeys living on the island, who are not averse to asking tourists for a treat. Sometimes they do it quite brazenly. If you don't want to part with your drink and food, be sure to hide it all in your bag.

Indian craftsmen sell their products on the island. You can buy various jewelry made of metal, stone or wood if you like something.

If you don’t want to climb the mountain on your own, then for 10 rupees a train will take you there, visually reminiscent of a train from Romashkovo.

Getting there

Boats go to the island from Mumbai every day from 9 am. The cost of the trip is 120 rupees, a trip on the upper deck costs 10 rupees more. The entire trip takes about one hour.

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