Elephanta is an island off the Mumbai coast. So the first point is to get to Mumbai. This is one of the most connected cities in India. Gateway of india prime landmark of Mumbai. It is from this point the ferries to Elephanta Island operate.Though heavily crowded during the peak hours, Mumbai has an excellent suburban local rail network.
From wherever you are in Mumbai, catch a local train to Churchgate or CST station. Both are terminal stations, so it is a bit easy to get out and get in. From Churchgate or CST, one can walk to Gateway of India along the heritage lane. It’s a 20 to 30 minute walk. Or a 10 minute taxi ride.
Once you reach to Gateway of India then you can find before entry gate. From There any one can easily buy the tickets, you need to take entry before going inside few security checks then you are finally see the Gateway of India. The reaching timing is almost 60 min from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves.
As you approach this locality you can easily notice the imposing Gateway of India structure facing the sea. Walk towards it and on your left is the where you can board the ferry to Elephanta. In all probability by this time selling the ferry tickets for Elephanta would have approached you shouting ELEPHANTA!! at the top of their lungs. They collect Rs10 inside the boat to sit on the upper deck. It’s worth this ‘premium’ as you can get a good panoramic view, the crowd and noise is relatively less.
There is excited journey from gateway of India to Elephanta caves by ferry.Ferry will leave you at the jetty that is at the north of the island. The cave temple is a kilometers’ walk (under a mile) from the jetty.
There is a small toy train from the jetty to the base of the hill. You may chose to walk along the pier. This will lead to the entrance to the Gharapuri village. There is a security gate and a village entry fee (Rs10) as TAX to be paid.
Elephanta Caves you need to visit once in life if you are the person who want to explore and learn about history and how was the past how caves are made and people living there life past 100 or more years before.