Nine
nautical miles across the sea from the Gateway of India lies Elephanta Caves,
also known as 'Gharapuri'. Visit this green island for the wonders of the 7th
century, the pains taking.17 hewnrock-cut cave temple, dedicated to Shiva. The
Maheshmurti panel, in which Shiva is known as a creator protector and destroyer,
is a sight that should been joyed at least once in a lifetime. Regular
excursions to Elephanta start every day from the Gateway of India. Though the
ascent to reachthe cave is difficult to climb, ‘doli’ is always ready to pick
up you. Launch service is also there from Alibag and Uran of Raigad district.
The Portuguese renamed thisisland Elephenta after a large stone elephant
found near the shore. (theElephenta sculpture collapsed in 1814, when the
British relocated it to theVictoria Gardens now Mumbai’s zoo, where it still
stands.) Once a year the MIDCarranges a two-day Festival of dance and music
here. The Elephanta caves are agreat tourist attraction in the vicinity of the
large Mumbai meteropolis.
By
Air:
Nearest airport is Mumbai 20 kms. Up to Gateway and 9nautical miles across the
sea.
By Rail:Nearest railheads are Chhatrapati Shiviaji Terminus (C. S. T)and Churchgate.
By Rail:Nearest railheads are Chhatrapati Shiviaji Terminus (C. S. T)and Churchgate.
From
Mumbai approach to the island is by boat . Luxuryand ordinary launches as well
as catamarans leave for Elephanta from Apollo atthe Gateway of India. Boats
usually start every half-hour from 9 am to 2 pmfrom Apollo and between 1 pm and
5 pm from Elephanta Island. Tickets are soldat booths near the Gateway of India
and the MIDC offers daily tours to theisland. During the monsoons the ordinary
boat services are usually suspended.