elephanta caves mumbai tour

Background:

 The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, also known as Gharapuri. The Island lies 10 km to the east of Mumbai. Two groups of caves make up the Elephanta Caves — a large group of five Hindu caves and a smaller group of two Buddhist caves.

 Main  attraction:

The caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. They have been carved out of a single solid basalt rock, which represents Mount Kailash, the residence of Lord Shiv.

The caves have beautiful stone carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses. There are sculptures of Parvati, Ravana and Lord Shiva (which shows his three forms as the creator, destroyer and the preserver).These statues are the main attraction of the caves and are of religious importance to some tourists. There are many other sculptures, including of Ravana holding up Mount Kailash, Shiv and Parvati on Kailash Mountain, Ardhanarishwar, and the weddings of Shiva, Natraja and Kartikeya. On the eastern part of the island is the Stupa Hill where the Buddhist caves are located. One of these caves has a stupamade in brick, while the other is incomplete .

Another attraction is Cannon Hill located at the top of the island. It was used to safeguard Bombay harbor during the colonial era. The caves are also the site of the annual Elephanta Festival,which is organized by the Tourism Department of Maharashtra in February every year. During World Heritage Day on 18 April and World Heritage Week between 19 and 25 November, there are special events held at the caves. In addition, there isa mini toy train for tourists who wish to avoid walking through the caves.

 Connectivity: 

The Elephanta Caves can be reached by ferry from the Gateway of India, Mumbai. The nearest airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (at Mumbai), which is 20 km from the Gateway of India and the nearest railway station is at Mumbai at a distance of 12 km from the caves.

 Accommodation: 

There is no place to stay on the island, but there are good hotels at Mumbai. However, there are many restaurants at the foothill and some at the top. While coming down, there are some eating places(and generally the restaurants serve Indian food). 

 Recommendations:

 The region is rich in its

heritage, architecture and religious relevance. Some potential areas that could be focused on include:
 *Medical facilities on the island (including first aid)
*Smart toilets with bio- digester (non- networked standalone) at strategic locations across the island
 *Improved power supply, basic and recreational facilities, and security arrangements.
 *Proper maintenance of the island, including cleanliness in and around the caves.