Elephanta Caves

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Located on Gharapuri Island about 11 km east of Mumbai, Elephanta Caves are reached by a one-hour ferry ride from the Gateway of India. The main Cave 1 houses the magnificent Trimurti (Maheshmurti) — a 6-metre three-faced Shiva depicting Creator (Brahma), Preserver (Vishnu), and Destroyer aspects. Other sculptural panels depict Shiva as Nataraja (Cosmic Dancer), Ardhanarishvara (half-male/half-female), Ravana shaking Mount Kailash, and the marriage of Shiva-Parvati. The caves date to the Kalachuri and later Chalukya dynasties. The annual Elephanta Festival of music and dance is held here each February.