Elephanta Island
From Freepedia
Image:India-Elephanta-Trees.jpg Elephanta Island (also Gharapuri Island or "place of caves") is one of a number of islands in Mumbai Harbour, east of Mumbai, India. This monkey-infested island is a tourist hotspot because of the island's cave temples, the Elephanta Caves, that have been carved out of rock. Image:India-Elephanta-Water.jpg The island is easily accessible by boat from Mumbai, being about 10 km from the coast. Boats leave daily from the Gateway of India, taking about an hour each way of the journey. From the boat landing stage on the island there is a walkway leading to steps that go up to the famous caves. Along the way people sell their goods to tourists, and many souvenirs are bought here that can be found at every tourist hotspot in Mumbai. There are also places to buy food and drinks.
Known in ancient times as Gharapuri, the present name Elephanta, was given by 17th century Portuguese explorers after seeing a sculpture of an elephant head found here near the entrance. This has since been removed to the Bhau Daji Ladd museum.
The island has an area of 10-16 sq km (4-6 sq miles). It is located at approximately 18.95° N 72.93° E. The area comes under Raigad district.
A mini toy-train takes tourists along the 1 km pier to the base of the steps which lead to the caves.
See also
References
| Islands of Mumbai harbour |
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Butcher Island • Cross Island • Elephanta Island • Oyster Rock • Middle Ground • Salsette Island
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