Elephanta Caves, the city and Dharavi

About this experience

This listing bundles three things: a city tour, the Elephanta Caves and Dharavi. It sells them as options from 4 to 10 hours, with a private option and a pickup. We could read only the listing card, so we can't tell you which option includes which stops, who runs it or the meeting point. A 4-hour option can't fit all three, since the ferry alone takes about two hours there and back, so read the option text and pick the one with the stops you want.

Elephanta is the big draw. The island, also called Gharapuri, lies about 11 km east of the Gateway of India, and boats from the Gateway take about an hour each way. The rock-cut caves date from about the mid-5th to 6th century AD and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Cave 1 holds the 7-metre Sadashiva, the three-faced Shiva often called the Trimurti. From the jetty it is about 120 steps up to the caves, with a small toy train for part of the way.

Two practical points. The caves are closed on Mondays, per the Archaeological Survey of India, which also lists the entry fee for most foreign visitors at Rs 600 (Rs 550 online), free under 15. Check whether your option includes it. And a day this full gives Dharavi less time than a dedicated walk. If Dharavi is the main reason for your trip, book a walk of its own and do Elephanta another morning.

• The Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO site since 1987
• The Sadashiva (Trimurti) in Cave 1
• An hour each way by boat from the Gateway of India
• A walk in Dharavi and the city sights, by option
• Private option and pickup available

How the day runs

1. StartPickup or meeting point

   Depends on the option; your confirmation has the details.

2. About 1 hBoat from the Gateway of India

   Ferries cross the harbour to Elephanta Island in about an hour.

3. On the islandUp to the caves

   About 120 steps from the jetty to Cave 1 and the Sadashiva, plus the smaller caves.

4. By optionCity sights and Dharavi

   The longer options add Mumbai's sights and a Dharavi walk. Check the option text.

5. EndBack to your hotel

   Drop-off depends on the option.

What's included

Who it suits

Tips before you book

• Don't book a Monday option that includes Elephanta: the caves are closed.
• Go early. Mornings are cooler on the steps, and the caves are quieter.
• Watch your snacks on the path up. Monkeys live on the island.
• Check whether the Elephanta entry fee is in your option; for most foreign visitors it is Rs 600.
• Wear one pair of shoes for everything: steps on the island, uneven lanes in Dharavi.

Read next:

• The best Dharavi tour
• Is Dharavi safe?

Frequently asked questions

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