The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a group of 5th to 8th-century rock-cut Hindu temples on an island in Mumbai Harbour whose central Trimurti sculpture (a three-faced representation of Shiva as creator, preserver, and destroyer, carved from a single rock and standing 6 metres tall) is one of the masterpieces of Indian sculpture. The caves are reached by a one-hour ferry from the Gateway of India.
The main cave (Cave 1) is a vast columned hall carved entirely from basalt rock, with sculptural panels depicting Shiva in various forms — as Nataraja (Lord of the Dance), as Ardhanarishvara (half-male, half-female), and the famous Trimurti whose three faces express serenity, compassion, and controlled fury simultaneously.
Verified Facts
The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The caves date to the 5th-8th centuries
The Trimurti sculpture is approximately 6 metres tall
The ferry from Mumbai takes approximately one hour
Get walking directions
Uran, Elephanta Caves, 400021, India
