The cave temples to Siva, on the island of Elephanta, in the Bombay harbour, contain some of the most magnificent sculptures in the Deccan. The dating of the caves seems to be controversial. They were probably finished some time between 450 and 750 AD. The complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9(Nine) nautical miles across the sea from the Gateway of India lay Elephanta, also known as ?Gharapuri?. Visit this green island for the wonders of the 7 th century, the painstakingly hewn rock-cut cave temple, dedicated to Shiva. The Maheshamurti panel in which Shiva is shown as a creator, protector and destroyer, is a sight that should be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime.

The huge, high-relief works in the main cave, on both sides of the three entrances and on the south wall, are characteristic of the cult of Siva and considered to be among the most perfect expressions of Indian art of their time. The most well-known is the six metre high Trimurti, showing Siva in the three roles of creator, preserver and destroyer. This sculpture is supposed to be one of the centerpieces of the Indian sculptural tradition.

Elephanta Caves will be closed on Monday.

How to Reach Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra
Access from Mumbai is by boats leaving from the Gateway of India. The 10 Km journey takes a little less than an hour each way.

There is a good view of the city across the harbour from the terrace of the Tourism Department's hotel next to the cave complex.

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