Elephanta Caves

The rock cut caves Elephanta island are 9km into the sea, from Mumbai. They were carved out between 450 and 750 AD when the island was the capital of a major naval power. The Portuguese, who later captured the island called it Elephanta after the huge elephant statue found near the shore. There is one main cave with a number of large sculpted panels, all relating to Shiva. The most famous of the panels is the impassive ;Trimurti' or 'Maheshmurti' a masterpiece of Indian sculptural art. It depicts Shiva as the Creator, Destroyer and Preserver... in one.

By launch from Gateway Of India, Mumbai, at a distance of 9 kms.

Ajanta  |   Ellora  |   Kanheri  |   Bibi Ka Maqbara  |   Elephanta  |   Karla