The Best of Mumbai: Small Group Tour Elephanta Island and Caves
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5 hours (approx.)
Small Group Tour
Overview
We begin our journey with a breath-taking drive toward the Gateway of India - an illustrious arch-monument in Mumbai - with the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel providing a magnificent backdrop. From here we continue onto the ferry transportation taking us to the famous Elephanta Caves.
Our local guide will be on hand providing in-depth knowledge during the journey, as we catch glimpses of scenic landmarks on the way - such as Butchers Island, a historic jetty for oil tankers visiting the city.
Our journey continues as we arrive into Elephanta Island where a small train will take us on a leisurely ride to the bottom of the Caves. Once we arrive there are plenty of souvenir stalls, cafes, restaurants, and the green monkeys are in full view as they wander around trying to find food.
To get to the caves there are approximately 120 steps, which can be taken at your own pace, and there are plenty of refreshment stalls as we walk up these steps should you wish to purchase something.
As we conquer the top, your eyes will be feast on a wonderful collection of masterfully sculpted picturesque caves - awaiting your exploration.
Dating back to the fifth century, we discover the greatest example of Indian rock-cut art and architecture. The sculptures are known for their many forms, dimensions, and spiritual themes. The first cave we will venture into, is the most prominent sight - with a 23-foot high Sadashiv monument fiercely dominating the entrance. This magnificent sculpture represents the three aspects of the god Shiva: Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer of Darkness. All surrounding sculptures in the caves are in their natural setting, which will allow you to appreciate India's most historic achievement in the field of rock architecture.
After our guided visit around the Elephanta Caves, we embark on a short walk to the top of the island.
Cannon Hill is a flourishing setting, and an ideal location for many memorable photographs as we soak in the magnificence of our surroundings. We then return on a leisurely walk back to the bottom of Elephanta hill, before making preparations to make our way back to the ferry.
Once we have arrived back at the Gateway of India we join back up with the coach taking us back to the port.
However, along the way we will enjoy a few more landmarks on our panoramic drive back (this will include Fort - a vibrant business district, and Colaba - Mumbai's bustling art center, renowned for high-end boutiques).
Basic Itinerary:
- • Depart from the port (15 minute drive)
- • Arrive at Gateway of India (30 minutes)
- • Ferry journey to Elephanta Island (75 minutes)
- • Exploration of Elephanta Caves (90 minutes)
- • Ferry journey back to Gateway of India (75 minutes)
- • Panoramic drive back to the port (20 minutes)
- • This itinerary is subject to timing changes due to local road traffic on the day.
- • Panoramic drive back to the port (20 minutes)
- • Ferry journey back to Gateway of India (75 minutes)
- • Exploration of Elephanta Caves (90 minutes)
- • Ferry journey to Elephanta Island (75 minutes)
- • Arrive at Gateway of India (30 minutes)
What's Included
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Cruise port pick-up
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Air-conditioned transportation
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Professional English speaking guides
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Ferry & train transportation at the Elephanta Cave
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Entrance fees to the Elephanta Caves
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Bottled water
Considerations
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Food and drinks are not included (except bottled water)
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Bring cash and/or credit card for any additional purchases on the day
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Gratuities/Tips are not included in your tour, if you would like to leave a tip, please bring cash
Special Instructions
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Guests should note that there is about a mile walk to the Elephanta Caves. Please wear suitable footwear for this excursion as there is some walking on uneven ground, inclines, and steps.
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If you are using a wheelchair we do not recommend taking excursions in Mumbai as the places we visit are not always wheelchair friendly.
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Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhat and water bottle.
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Please ensure that you are appropriately dressed for visits to any local places of worship, as you could be refused entry. Long sleeves, loose trousers, long skirts are all acceptable in places of worship.
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Participants must be able to step on and off of the ferry transportation and walk uphill and downhill with little / no assistance
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Please be aware the green monkeys roam freely and if they think you are holding food, they will take it from you
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup and Dropoff at the Cruise Port Included.
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