My travelogue continues by visiting The Elephanta caves early January 2012. It was instant and not planned. The boat ride was of 2 hours from Gateway of India and pleasurable because of the weather. Once you get down from the boat it’s a tiring 45 minutes walk and some 100 steps to reach the caves. Carry loads of water besides wearing comfortable shoes. Or there is toy train for lazy lads.
The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the god Shiva.
The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated to between the 5th and 8th centuries, although the identity of the original builders is still a subject of debate. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All the caves were also originally painted in the past, but now only traces remain.
The caves are divided into four different wings, with each representing an era and a story. There will be a great deal of on-foot for this tour. AND BEWARE OF MONKEYS
Open from 9am till 6pm. Every day except Sunday.
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