Elephanta Cave

Elephanta caves are one of the top tourist attractions that you can visit from the Gateway of India. This wonderful cave is located on an island situated in the middle of Mumbai Harbor. It is a short ride away from the Gateway of India. This UNESCO-declared world heritage site has five man-made caves that were dug directly into the mountains. These caves were dedicated to the worship of the Hindu god Shiva; therefore, the cave walls are covered in exquisite sculptures that depict the stories related to Lord Shiva. These caves can be dated back to the 5th and 6th centuries, and the major highlight of the cave is a 7-meter masterpiece called "Sadashiv," located at the entrance of cave one. This sculpture represents God in three forms: the creator, the preserver, and the destroyer. These spectacular caves are a great example of medieval India's rock-cut art and architecture. The cave's sheer size and grandeur, combined with the excellent carvings and sculptures, make it a must-visit place in Mumbai.