Do people live on Elephanta Island?
Around 1,200 people live in the three villages on the island— Rajbunder, Shetbunder and Morabunder. No potable water and a dearth of medical facilities had most of the new generation islanders moving out for livelihood.
How long does it take to reach Elephanta Caves from Gateway of India?
45 minutes to 1 hour
Elephanta caves are on the elephanta island of Mumbai. To reach elephanta caves take ferry boats from gateway of India, which takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the island. After that you can take a ride of toy train or can go by a long walk.
Who made the Elephanta Caves?
The cave temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was excavated sometime in the 8th century by the Rashtrakuta kings.
Is elephant island in Mumbai?
Elephanta Island, Hindi Gharapuri (“Fortress City”), island located in Mumbai (Bombay) Harbour of the Arabian Sea, about 6 miles (10 km) east of Mumbai and 2 miles (3 km) west of the mainland coast of Maharashtra state, western India.
Who made Ajanta caves?
According to Walter Spink, they were made during the period 100 BCE to 100 CE, probably under the patronage of the Hindu Satavahana dynasty (230 BCE – c. 220 CE) who ruled the region. Other datings prefer the period of the Maurya Empire (300 BCE to 100 BCE).
What time does Elephanta Caves open?
There are ferries from the Gateway of India that takes 1 hour to reach the Elephanta Island by sea. It is closed on Mondays and the Elephanta Caves timings are from 9am to 5pm.
Who gave the name of Elephanta?
Known in ancient times as Gharapuri (or, ‘place of caves’), the name Elephanta island (Portuguese: ilha do Elefante), was given by 16th-century Portuguese explorers, after seeing a monolithic basalt sculpture of an elephant found near the entrance.
Is Elephanta open?
Elephanta Caves Timings The Elephanta Caves visiting hours are between 09:30 am and 05:30 pm. The first ferry leaves the Gateway of India jetty at 09:00 am and takes you to the Elephanta Island in about an hour.
Who built Elephanta Temple?
The caves of Ellora Elephanta were built by the Rashtrakuta rulers. They have been built by cutting the walls of high basalt steep rock walls. There are about 34 caves which are located 30 km away from the district in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state, These are declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Is photography allowed in Elephanta Caves?
Photography is free. Elephanta Caves Island also has a small toy train to take you from the jetty to the entrance of the cave complex. It costs ₹10 per person.
What is Elephanta Island in Mumbai famous for?
Elephanta Island (also called Gharapuri (literally “the city of caves”) or Pory Island) is one of a number of islands in Mumbai Harbour, east of Mumbai, India. This island is a popular tourist destination because of the island’s cave temples, the Elephanta Caves, that have been carved out of rock.
Which island is called Elephanta Island?
Elephanta Island. Elephanta Island (also called Gharapuri Island or place of caves or Pory Island) is one of a number of islands in Mumbai Harbour, east of Mumbai, India.
How much does it cost to visit Elephanta?
This lush, forest-covered island houses the historic Elephanta cave temples – almost 2,000-year-old Hindu and Buddhist cave temples. You will have to take a ferry from the Gateway of India to reach Elephanta Island. A return ticket costs about Rs. 120.
Why Elephanta Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Northeast of the Gateway of India in Mumbai Harbour, the rock-cut temples on Gharapuri, better known as Elephanta Island, are a Unesco World Heritage Site. Created between AD 450 and 750, the labyrinth of cave temples represent some of India’s most impressive temple carving.