Mumbai Elephanta Caves Private Half-Day Tour including Guide
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Visit the Elephanta Caves on this 4-hour tour. Explore the more enormous Hindu caves, the smaller Buddhist caves as well as the main cave, also known as the Shiva Cave. See the numerous sculptures depicting various aspects of Shiva’s life.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Minimum age is 10 years
No strict dress code is enforced at tour sites. However, please be advised to dress accordingly for places of worship; spaghetti straps and short shorts are not recommended
A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses/sunscreen are highly recommended, as well as a hat or scarf for ladies
prices for English,Spanish and German are different
What To Expect
Elephanta Caves
Disemark with your Tour Guide After an hour long boat ride to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India, explore the magnificent caves. The outer caves were used as a place of Hindu worship until Portuguese rule was established. The caves further in are smaller and are Buddhist caves. The main cave, otherwise known as the Shiva Cave, contains numerous carvings throughout depicting various aspects of Lord Shiva including his wedding, his slaying of Andhaka and more. There will also be a sculpture of the Trimurti in the main cave that is approximately 20 feet tall. Other wings of the caves have shrines dedicated to Shiva’s sons, Kartikeya and Ganesh. Book and explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with a guide from Gharapuri, which is a small village on the south side of the island.
The Gateway of India is an arch monument built during the 20th century in Mumbai. The monument was erected to commemorate the landing of King-Emperor George V and Queen-Empress Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911.
Options
Tour with English Guide
Tour with English Speaking Guide. Not inclusive of lunch
Cave tour with Family Lunch
Spanish Or German Guide
Spanish or German Guide: Inclusion of Spanish or German Language Speaking Guide
Speed Ferry
Speed boat with luxury service
What‘s Included
Ferry to Elephanta Island
Local Family's home Lunch (Only if Lunch Inclusive Option Selected)
Toy Train Ticket
Governement approved Licence Guide (English, Spanish or German speaking depending on option selected
Elephanta cave Entry fees
Elephanta Village Tax
Hotel pickup & dropoff by airconditioned vehicle (available for extra charge of USD 40 for 1-4 pax)
Gratuities
Any other meals or drinks
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
156 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This Tour is ALL You Need!
kimberlydbraxton,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was informative. I learned a lot about religion and life in the island from my Elephanta Caves guide, Sammer. My driver, Mukesh was professional & friendly. My guide, Aarti was knowledgeable, sweet, & very kind. I would highly recommend this tour which also comes with a city sightseeing tour. This tour is a ine stop shop!
Great tour
H3219EEkevinr,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great knowledge and very friendly service from Aarti and Samer
Friendly guides and interesting trip to Elephanta
nadienev2017,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great communication from the tour operator. Aarti and Samer were great guides. Very friendly and knowledgeable and looked after us throughout the time including taking great photos.
Well worth a visit
hazelcZ2547HS,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Sam and Aarti was extremely knowledgable, their english good. Both very patient and ensured we enjoyed our day
Aarti and Pankaj
338stephanz,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aarti and pankaj I had the pleasure of touring with Tour Guide's aarti] on Elephanta Caveand it was an experience I won’t forget. From start to finish, she made sure we were comfortable and well-informed, with a perfect balance of fun and educational commentary. Aarti was incredibly knowledgeable about the history and culture of Mumbai and her stories brought the places we visited to life. I especially loved how she tailored the tour to the interests of the group, answering questions and providing additional insights. Beyond the historical facts, Aarti had a great sense of humor and kept the whole group engaged throughout. She also went above and beyond by giving us local recommendations for food and places to visit after the tour.thank you aarti
You will feel divine energy
DIANACUERVO,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spectacular I felt God's divine energy and blessings, world heritage, unmissable history great guide and I take pictures of film
Outstanding tour guides!
110tanujac,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Raj and Samer were outstanding tour guides. Raj is one of the friendliest people and expertly guided us through the traffic of Mumbai. Samer is incredibly knowledgeable and took amazing panoramic photos of our group. He explained the history very well. Highly recommend!
Very good
nealz2026,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Raj and Samer were amazing guides. Raj is one of the friendliest people I have ever met. Samer was incredibly informative about the history in the caves. I highly recommend them as tour guides.
Very good and informative
soniaz2026,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My tour guide, Raj, was very friendly and constantly conversed with us. My guide on the island, Samer, was very informative and gave good explanations about what we were seeing.
Great experience
X3263TOwaynew,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience This tour was an excellent experience from start to finish. Everything was well organized, smooth, and on time. The guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the trip enjoyable with clear explanations and helpful tips. The itinerary was well planned, allowing enough time to explore without feeling rushed. Overall, it was a great value and a memorable experience. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting!
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Operated by Mystical Mumbai