Practical
Getting to Elephanta
How to reach Elephanta Island from Mumbai: the Gateway of India jetties, the harbour crossing, the toy train, the 120 steps, the monsoon and Mondays.
See Elephanta dates ↗Quick answer
Boats for the Elephanta Caves leave from the jetties beside the Gateway of India in south Mumbai, and the crossing takes about an hour each way on a guided tour. On the island, a tourist toy train runs from the pier towards the ticket counter at the foot of the steps, and about 120 steps lead from the ticket counter to the Great Cave. The caves are closed on Mondays, and the June to September monsoon can delay or cancel ferries.
The starting point: the Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is an arch-monument on the Mumbai waterfront at Apollo Bunder, facing the Arabian Sea opposite the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. Wikipedia says it was completed in 1924, designed by the Scottish architect George Wittet, and built of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete to a height of 26 metres. It was raised to commemorate the 1911 visit of King George V and Queen Mary. For visitors today it is the landmark that tells you where the Elephanta boats start.
Which jetty
Wikipedia says the Gateway has five jetties and that the second and third handle commercial ferries and are the starting point for tourists heading to the Elephanta Caves. Those are the general ferries. On a guided tour, where you meet is set by the option you book, and some options offer pick-up, so the calendar entry and your confirmation are what tell you where to be. Do not assume the Gateway is your meeting point until you have read the option you chose.
The crossing
The island lies across Mumbai Harbour from the Gateway of India, and Wikipedia gives the boat crossing from the Gateway as about fifty minutes. On a guided half-day tour the ferry is described as about an hour each way, which includes boarding and a margin for the harbour. You pass working ships, the Mumbai skyline falling away behind you and the green hills of the island ahead. Treat the crossing as part of the day, not as dead time, and bring a hat for the open deck.
On the island: the train and the steps
Wikipedia notes that a tourist toy train runs from the pier towards the ticket counter at the foot of the steps. From the ticket counter, a visitor must climb about 120 steep steps to the Great Cave. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the site and its visitor facilities. The tour asks you to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses and a hat, and it says luggage and large bags are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments, so be sure the steps are realistic for you.
Mondays and the monsoon
The Archaeological Survey of India lists the caves as closed on Mondays, so choose another day of the week. In the monsoon, from June to September, ferries may be delayed or cancelled because of heavy rain, strong winds and high tides. Full refunds are offered if the tour is cancelled, but expect possible delays. In those months give the day a wide margin, keep your evening free, and look at the sea before you commit.
Getting back
The tour ends with the ferry to Mumbai, and the drop-off depends on the option you picked. Several drop-off locations are listed, so read your confirmation rather than assuming you return to the Gateway. Allow for the same hour on the water, and for the time it takes to come down the steps. If you have a flight, a dinner booking or another tour the same day, leave a generous gap.
Who this isn't for
This route does not suit a traveller who dislikes boats, cannot manage steps, or needs a fixed return time to the minute. It also does not suit anyone planning a Monday visit or a tight monsoon-season day. If those apply, the Kanheri caves by road may be easier, since no sea crossing is involved, and they are covered in the comparison guide. If the steps are the only worry, ask GetYourGuide's support before you pay rather than finding out on the day.
Read next: Elephanta or Kanheri caves?
Frequently asked questions
Where do the Elephanta boats leave from?
From the jetties beside the Gateway of India. Wikipedia says the second and third jetties are the tourist starting point. On a tour, your meeting point depends on the option.
How long is the boat ride?
About an hour each way on a guided tour. Wikipedia gives about fifty minutes for the crossing itself.
How many steps are there?
About 120 steep steps lead from the ticket counter to the Great Cave. A tourist toy train runs from the pier towards the ticket counter at the foot of the steps.
Do ferries run in the monsoon?
They may be delayed or cancelled between June and September because of rain, wind and high tides. Full refunds are offered if a tour is cancelled.
Are the caves open on Mondays?
No. The Archaeological Survey of India lists them as closed on Mondays.
Sources