All inclusive Elephanta Caves Guided Tour

Easy Way to Visit Elephanta Island

Easy to find meeting place in front of the Pizza Express. Simple walk down past the Gateway to India and onto the ferry. The ferry ride takes about 1 hour out to the island. First guide hands you off smoothly to the island guide, who ha actually been born and grew up on the island. No one better to tell you about the place then. The climb up to the caves is a little taxing but there are plenty of opportunities to stop along the way. The cave itself is quite spectacular and to see the work that must have been done to carve it out of the solidest of rock is quite impressive. Watch out for the very cute monkeys that will attempt to take anything you are not hanging on to. The ferry back took a little over an hour as we seemed to be into a headwind. This tour makes the visit to Elephanta Island go very smoothly.

Elephanta caves

Daivat is the best tour guide there is. He was knowledgeable, funny, interactive and looked out for you. I absolutely recommend booking with him.

Opening

As an introduction to Hindu temples the information I received with this package was helpful and has got be questioning and wanting to approach more in tho this art form of sculpture and craftsmanship

Our guide was great!...

Our guide was great! Super easy to meet and get on the ferry. The caves were amazing and was very nice to have someone explaining the history and construction

A very special place

Definitely recommend this tour for anyone interested in history and culture. Elephanta Caves is such a special place that holds so many stories. A great break from Mumbai city as well. My guide, Krupesh, was so knowledgeable and passionate. I learnt so much from him and he was very engaging in explaining the history of the caves and spiritual significance.

Gorgeous

The hike up the hill was worth it to see such beautiful artwork. Just remember to bring ice cold water.

Well organised and managed value for money

Great tour we were extremely well looked after by our excellent guide Krupesh. He was most informative and catered to our needs wonderfully. Just did not get the opportunity to say goodbye as our ferry left. Really recommend this trip

Good tour

Good tour guide, easy to meet and communicate. 1 hr ferry ride to get there. Good history of the island and amazing how they carved out of mountain. Monkeys on island. Train ride was included in price

Great tour :))

Haresh was a great guide - he's very knowledgeable and friendly. He told us about the history of the caves, and the religious significance. He made sure we all had a good experience, stopped when needed and kept us hydrated :) Thank you Haresh!!

Great experience.

It was a great experience. We took the ferry to the caves and our very knowledgeable tour guide ( Said at Vishnu Patil ) made it fun by explaining the story of everything to us and he was a local in the area just making it better.

An insightful view of centuries old history!

What a fascinating tour of this UNESCO site! I ended up going on the busiest day of the year, Mahashivratri, but Daviat and Krupesh made sure we were able to navigate the crowds, stayed hydrated and gave excellent explanations of the carvings within the cave. That added to a delightful ferry ride back and forth, 10/10 recommend!

Worth the effort to visit.

Guide was born on the island which added some interest to the usual overload of Hindi stories and legends. Caves were a nice respite from the mid day sun. Good indirect lighting for photography.

Must see Elephanta Caves

The boat ride was very pleasant. The tour of the caves magnificent. Our guide was helpful, friendly and very informative. Would highly. Recommend

An amazing cultural experience in Mumbai

It was a great experience and the guide was very knowledgeable. It was also great that the guide was from a village in the region, which added to the personal touch.

A good day at Elephanta

Add Elephanta to your list of great things to do around Mumbai. There's a relaxing boat trip of about an hour each way to 'get to the island (going with a tour guide can be smart since they get the boat tickets and know which queue to be in and so on). there's a very funny little train ride to the base of the hills once you get there, and then a fairly steep and hot walk up. Plenty of refreshment stops (I had a great lunch on the way back) and stalls selling souvenirs,, I stopped several times to catch my breath and watch the crowds. Finally, the main cave. Cool and dramatic and beautiful. The main carving of the multiple Shiva heads is really something to take in. Pleasant wanderings around to the next cave, but the first one is THE one. Going with a guide helped a lot - Rahil from World of Bollywood Tours made everything clear and easy to get around.

Very Easy, Very Memorable

Mr. Daivat was a great guide--not only knowledgeable about the specifics and the overall cultural/historical context, but also always watching out for everyone and making sure we were okay. He helped with all the small logistical issues every step of the way. The one caveat I'd make is that because the meeting time was not until 10:30 and we ate a (quick) lunch after the caves, this was not the half-day excursion you may see mentioned here and there, but fills up most of the day, so plan accordingly.

Amazing tour

Get a guided tour. It's so much better than going solo. You will appreciate everything so much more. Our guide was kind and polite. This was probably the best attraction I've had in Mumbai. Highly recommend.

Elephanta caves worth a visit

Our tour guide David was born on the island and therefore his insight into the structure itself and his explanation of the various carvings and idols was facinating. Pity about the slow boat but definitely worth the visit. 120 years to complete starting from the top and working down in solid rock using hammer and chisels, incredible workmanship..

Elephanta Caves, a must see site.

Elephanta island is a must see destination when visiting Mumbai. Our guide, Dev, was engaging and informative in telling both the historical and religious components of the caves.

Our tour guide was really...

Our tour guide was really great, very friendly and informative! The island is beautiful and has a lot of history

Informative day at Elephanta Caves

We had a wonderful half day private tour with Daivat to the Elephanta Caves. His explanation was very clear and he is easy to relate to. We were well looked after throughout the tour with all our needs catered to plus being a great photographer for us. This is the second tour we booked with Amaze and both tours were conducted by very capable guides

A tour worth doing

Really good experience. Our tour guide was really knowledgeable and didn't waste time. Really on point with everything and loved the short cut back against the high holiday traffic trying to leave the caves

A fantastic tour

I joined this tour as solo. Although nine persons joined the tour totally. When we got on a ship and cross the Elepanta Island from the Gate of India Mumbai, we were excited because the scenery was good. On the ship on the way to the island during 1.5 hour, some persons bought snacks and fed to seagull. After we arrived at the island, we separated into two team with a tour guide. We went to walk on the railway track. It was not so long. After we went up stairs took about twenty minutes, we found a plate named 'World Heritage' with many people. The tour guide told overview and history of this place. He could answer anything when we asked questions. In the Caves, we found many Sculptures made of volcanic rock. These Sculptures shows Hindu gods. We found some destroid sculptures dameged by people who came here about five hundred ago. They should have saved everything because they have been created in this Caves during thousand years. We watched four Caves. The tour guide told some Caves are used for meditation. On the way back to the port in the island, we got on a train. We felt well with a cooling sea breeze. We recommend to join this tour.

Awesome

The caves on Elephanta Island are a must see!!! They are truly spectacular. Probably the most impressive caves and carvings I've ever seen. Go early in the morning as the crowds start to build up around 11.00am. Our guide Samir was so great and so knowledgeable! AND he's something like 4th or 5th generation born and living on Elephanta Island. So I'm really glad he was our tour guide. It's a must see! Great half day tour. We left at 9.30am and I arrived back to my hotel at 2.30pm.

Interesting and fine for a half day.

The guide was very informative, and we spent just about the right amount of time in the caves. They weren't as spectacular as I had imagined, but worth a short visit.

Interesting and worthwhile visit!

We met our initial guide easily and were directed onto the boat. The outgoing boat trip took about an hour. We sat on the top for some great views. We were met by our guide for the caves who took us on the mini train. Be aware that there are still around 120 steps but our guide checked several times if we needed to stop. The guide was very knowledgeable about the caves and the religious significance of the sculptures but less so about the history of the caves themselves. There are a lot of souvenir stalls and also restaurants but we needed to get back for our return boat so did not stop to look at these. On the return boat trip they wanted to charge us extra to sit on top! We actually found that sitting on the bottom was better due to less sun and a more refreshing breeze.

Amazing!

Our guide Krupesh was excellent, native to the island and therefore very knowledgable about the caves themselves and the community that live there. Booked a group tour but ended up being just us which was lovely. Very punctual with meeting point time and assisted us with getting the boat across, giving us the option of the land train or walking route from the boat drop off. So you wouldn’t have to walk too much if you didn’t want to. Only criticism would be that food was not included but due to the timings of the tour being 10:30-14:30 and very hot temperature, we didn’t feel we needed food. Overall amazing tour and would recommend. Krupesh was brilliant!

Worth the effort. I will always remember this trip

Great trip. Well organised and reassuring to get texts straight after booking - made arrangements very clear and gave good advice about travel time and potential for rain. Local island guide met the group on time - pickup point easy to find. Crowded getting to boat and busy on the other side but boat trip peaceful and enjoyable. A 10-20 minute walk up steps to reach Elephanta (30 degrees!) but a large part in shade as all the stall holders along the steps have it covered and not too steep.. But you do need to have a basic level of fitness to do this. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Caves and sculptures out of the rock are awesome, some badly damaged but some not. And wonderful to be up there with views over the island. Guide was very informative and no rushing - plenty of time to wander.

Superb!

We had a private programme with Hareshbasbour guide. He met us at the meeting points on time and accompany along the boat through the caves. He explained and told us many stories about the cave and Hindu believe regards Shiva. It was very interesting and enjoyable through the programme.

Fantastic tour.

We had an amazing trip with private guide Dave. Very professional and knowledgeable - it was really a pleasure!!

Beautiful and unexpected

Our guide Harish was on time, charming and informative and he lives on the island, which made it even more interesting. There was no wait to get on a ferry at the Gateway, and the 1-hour ride to Elephanta was smooth - you might have to wait at busy times on a Sunday. The island is green and quiet despite being surrounded by large-scale examples of India's modern infrastructure. The caves themselves are stunning in scale and the rock carvings are beautiful. The walk up is not too taxing, and there are distractions like amusing-annoying monkeys, while the toy train ride from the jetty only goes along the flat part and takes about as long as walking. The tour finishes with the ferry returning to the Gateway with great Mumbai skyline views, smog permitting. It will take 5+ hours total and is 100% worth the time.

Excellent tour

Daivat was absolutely amazing! Very knowledgeable and friendly! The tour was on time and just need to make sure to plan any tours with plenty of time as the boats only leave when full! So far this has been the best tour in Mumbai!! Super recommend! Went solo and felt very safe!

A wonderful step back in time

This is yet another must do tour while visiting Mumbai. The tour of the caves was incredible and our tour guide Nitin was excellent, not only giving us great information, but also serving as our photographer to ensure we got the best pictures with the best angles. After the tour of the caves he even showed us around his village and his home, to give us a real view is what life is like for the people of Elephanta Island. A once in a lifetime experience that is highly recommended. Thanks again Nitin!

Amazing one day tour

The experience was great, the drivers, tour guides and excursions were on time, very insightful and entertaining. I had a great time with Alam and Imran even despite the monsoon rain and traffic did everything to give me an amazing day and tour.

Great experience !

I had a great time in Mumbai thanks to my tour guides - Alam who was responsible for my city tour , was very friendly and shared a lot about the city. I was really happy with his explanation. He was very accommodating with my needs and was checking if I was having a good time the entire tour. Daivad - who was my elephanta caves tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the place and his detailed explanation impressed me

Great time at Elephanta Caves!!!

We had a really good time with Daivat at the Elephanta Caves, we felt very comfortable with him and took good care of us. He met us at the hotel and we took the boat across to the island. Then we had to tackle the 120 steps up to the caves in the heat and humidity. It was a bit of a task but we made it up. Daivat gave us an excellent insight into the history and construction of the caves. It is incredible to see and one of my favorite parts of the trip to Mumbai. Daivat also took some amazing photos with us at the caves. I would highly recommend this tour company. There was also a mixup where I double booked via the hotel for another tour guide and Amaze offered to give me a discount. This was very nice of them, but as it was 100% my fault I did not want to accept the discount. I would definitely book with Amaze Tours if I return to Mumbai.

Superb tour

Both guides (Alam and Daiwat) were very knowledgeable, making my short stay in Mumbai very fruitful.most recommended tour and tour company

Great experience

Well organized tour. I was a bit anxious about traveling through Mumbai alone. I was offered pick up and drop off at my place for little extra charge. I also had an amazing tour guide Maze as a companion on ferry ride to and from Elephanta island. He was a great conversationist, polite and intelligent. I had another local tour guide on Elephanta island. His name was Harish. He was knowledgeable, quiet and respectful. I appreciated to be able to see history of beautiful caves throughout the eyes of local people. I've learned a lot about religious beliefs, quiet dignity, and the resilience of this amazing island. Highly recomend.

Divine Elephanta Cave tour with engaging guide Daivat

The private tour was conducted by Daivat, a native of the island, who has a passion for Indian history as well as a deep knowledge of the Hindu faith. This meant that he was able to provide not only the historic but also the religious context and significance of the man-made caves and the carvings they contain. The caves are quite breath-taking: understanding how they were carved and seeing the scale and quality of them makes it hard to believe that these were produced with hammer and chisel. The depictions of Shiva and Parvati are simply monumental. An experience I would recommend to everyone, but with a guide and I would recommend Daivat, otherwise you may not fully appreciate all that heavenly glory.

Great guide

Our guide Daivat was very knowledgeable. He also has local knowledge because he lives on the island. I would recommend him to all.

Excellent tour of the Elephanta caves

Excellent tour. Well organized from pickup to drop off. Daivat our guide was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions thoroughly. Would definitely recommend.

Exemplary Elephanta caves with a super guid Daivat

I did this tour with my French colleague Charles on 3rd Dec. It was a flawless travel experience from Mumbai where our pick up from hotel, commute to Jetty and then boat ride to Elephanta caves was coordinated very well. At Elephanta we met with our fantastic guide ‘Daivat Patil’ . Daivat is a local at Elephanta and can speak fleeing English along with several other languages like French, Spanish, Japanese and Indian languages. Daivat took great care of us, kept us engaged. His knowledge of the area is incredible and you can sense the passion and pride he has for this place as a local. I read a lot about Hindu scriptures and Shiva and can vouch Daivat was stating facts backed my research and study. Super impressed with the whole tour and the beauty of craftsmanship, engineering of the artists who build the caves. Kudos to Daivat for making our experience extra special with his amazing attitude and excellent photography skills. I am planning to visit soon again with my 9 year old daughter.

instructive & beautiful

We simply loved it. Do not go without a guide, you would miss all the deeper meaning behind the caves. Daivat was a lovely local guide, full of knowledge and kindness. He even helped us and carried our bag as we were struggling. We recommend asking for him!

Elephanta Caves

Solo tour was exceptional, Harish (tour local guide) didn’t gave me a tour but share to me part of his life/religion which was even better. Really a satisfactory experience. Dinesh also made sure I was accompanied at all time.

Highly recommended visit of Elephanta Island

I really enjoyed the tour. Daivat (the guide) was nice and very knowledgeable. He is a resident of the island so he knows it very well and was able to reply to all my questions. He also takes great pictures for you to keep memories of the visit 😊

Amazing tour

Good value for money! Our local guide from Elephanta Island, Nitin, was kind and helpful and went out of this way to show us the other facets of the island (apart from the caves).

Local guide makes it more interesting

This was a delightful trip with a native that grew up on Elephanta Island. Not only did Mr. Khan give us a tour of the main caves, he provided information on the boat ride over about the ships and islands on the way. After touring the caves, he invited us to visit his village and home. There are three villages with about 1600 people living on the island. We enjoyed being exposed to the local way of life. We then all shared a meal at a local restaurant before returning across the bay. I highly recommend this tour if you are interested in getting to know the people of India.

Certainly, the Elephanta Caves, a...

<p>Certainly, the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are amazing. The tour delivered as advertised. We party of 4 meet our guide at the rendezvous site at the appointed time. We were joined by 4 more folks the tour is limited to 8 people. Our guide led us through the Gateway of India to the ferry R/T included to Elephanta Island where we boarded a narrow gauge train to get from the very long pier to the entrance to the monument which is up 120 steps. Admission to the caves is not included as clearly stated in the tour description: 500 rupees per person. Our guide provided a detailed narration though the principal cave and the one immediately adjacent there are 9 total. Because of our time constraint, we left after about 75 minutes at the cave. It would have been possible to take the next ferry an hour later...this was our decision. All in all, a good value for the money 26/pp and you don't need to sweat the details yourself.</p>

Simply Amazing

Was amazing to see first hand theses caves . Great stories and history behind elephanta caves . Our guide rushed us through very quickly. Would be very possible to do this on your own

Excellent guide!

Daivat accompanied me on the tour of the Island. In a different culture, it is important to be accompanied by a local Hebe who has adequate information so that you can understand the place visited. Daivat gave me more than information, he shared knowledge and wisdom with me and I am very grateful that he was my guide! If you come to Mumbai to La Elehpanta Island, contact him to give you a very special experience