City Daily Photo Monthly Theme March 2015 : Aging - Elephanta Caves [ Trip To Elephanta Island #8 ]

Aging of Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves and the island (originally called Gharapuri island) were named so by the Portuguese rulers after a huge rock-cut black stone statue of an elephant they found installed on the island. The statue is now installed at the Victoria Gardens (Jijamata Udyan) in Mumbai.

After climbing the flight of stone steps, you will finally reach the entrance area to the caves, and need to pay an entrance fee here, which is Rs. 10 for Indian citizens and Rs. 250 for foreign nationals. The caves are closed on Mondays - so do not buy boat tickets even if you see the sellers selling them at the Gateway of India.

This is the main cave of Elephanta Caves and called Cave 1. It is carved in solid basalt and has some magnificient stone carvings and artwork known to be made in ancient times- somewhere between the 6th and 8th century. 
The cave is a massive hall, supported by pillars and houses the famous Maheshmurti statue of Shiva in his 3-headed aspect - Creator, Protector and Destroyer. It is also in partially ruined state like many other sculptures here. The caves were regular places of worship of Lord Shiva in the ancient times.

If we could imagine what the caves and the sculptures of Hindu gods really looked like when they were formed, we can see the richness of ancient history, art and culture here.

The aging of the caves and the sculptures is natural, and due to neglect under rule of different Indian rulers and also caused by the Portuguese in the 15th Century, who did shooting practice on these sculptures in the caves. 

MAHESHMURTI AT ELEPHANTA CAVES

The Elephanta Island has more caves and sculptures, and also two old cannons at the hills called Cannon hills.

Trip to Elephanta Island #7 : The Way Up - Shopping, Adventure & Surprises

Before the steps that lead up to the caves, there are a few stalls having some exquisite pieces of jewellery, art, souvenirs and some also have memory cards, camera batteries and stuff that tourists might need. 
I simply loved these necklaces.

While you are shopping or looking around, Beware!!!
You're being watched.
By notorious nasty hungry monkeys. They are looking for food and could grab your handbag if they suspect or see some food in it.

And by goats and cows too.
Who want a bite of your freshly roasted sweet corn, and will walk behind you till you finish it and throw the cob away.

This hungry goat wanted the corn, and was chasing the lady all the way up. She finally turned around and tried to shoo it away.

The climb up may be tiring for some, and you may want to stop and sit for a while on the rocky walls of the steps. Another option is the ride up on the 'palkhi' for a few hundred rupees - the blue seat you can see here. Once you are seated, it is carried by 4 men and within minutes, you are at the top. We saw a few senior citizens being carried on the palkhi very comfortably.

Blue tarpaulin sheets cover the whole place to protect you from the scorching sun, and get you into the mood of shopping.
There are interesting stalls on both sides and you can buy if you wish on your way up, or leave it for later.

You can also grab a cold drink or a freshly prepared vadapav from one of the stalls on the side, if you are planning lunch after visiting the caves.

Weekend In Black & White : 12 # Trip To Elephanta Island -5 # Seagulls Again

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Hungry seagulls waiting to swoop down on food tossed by the boat passengers to attract them. The sad part was that they were tossing spicy chips like Lays and Kurkure that were harmful for the birds.

For interesting black & white photos from around the world, click below:

Skywatch Friday 2015 - 8 : Trip To Elephanta Island - 4 # Seagulls In Flight

SEAGULLS IN FLIGHT

We spotted a flock of seagulls who were attracted to some food that the  passengers were throwing in the air. They were trying to catch the food and I managed to get them really close.

These are my first ever proper bird shots and I'm so happy I went to Elephanta island.

For interesting skies around the world, click below:

Trip To Elephanta Island -3 # Ships & Vessels

THE SHIP ANKLESHWAR

We saw the ship Ankleshwar and other big ships and vessels and boats on the boatride to Elephanta island. Krrish was very excited as he was seeing a real ship for the first time.
By now we were almost halfway to Elephanta island.

Skywatch Friday 2015 - 7 : Trip To Elephanta Island - 2 # Seagulls & Speedboats

As we moved away from the fast fading Gateway of India, we could see seagulls flying around us and some sitting on some floating foam-like material and enjoying the high tide. We also saw quite a few speedboats zooming past us in the wintry haze. All cameras were out and hardly anyone was seen seated in their places
We were now looking forward to see some ships and rigs in the sea.

For awesome skies around the world, click below: 

Trip To Elephanta Island -1 # Get Away From Mumbai

We purchased tickets in the queue for Elephanta Island near the jetty. Each ticket costs Rs. 160 ( for adults and children alike) and is a return ticket. We got into the Elephanta boat from the Gateway of India and grabbed our seats. No one is allowed to go to the upper deck. 

The weather was pleasant because of  the cool breeze. As the boat moved away from the Gateway of India, everyone moved from their seats. The children were already munching snacks and the passengers were clicking pictures - selfies, group photos and photos of the harbour we left about five minutes back.
This photo shows you the view of the Gateway Of India, Mumbai's iconic 5 star hotel - the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Taj Mahal Tower from the Arabian sea.

There were lovely white private speedboats zooming past us every few minutes.
We also started spotting seagulls. I will show you these in my Skywatch post.

ABC Wednesday - 'E' for Elephanta Island

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The Elephanta Island is a forest covered island off the coast of Mumbai, and a quiet and interesting getaway from the chaos of the city. It can be accessed by ferry from the Gateway of India. The island is famous for its Elephanta Caves ( a World Heritage Site), which are cave temples carved in the rock of the island. The temples date back to somewhere between the 5th and 8th century.

To go to Elephanta island, go to Gateway of India, an impressive structure facing the sea, and board the ferry to Elephanta, tickets for which are available at the Elephanta ticket counter, or from a person officially distributing tickets to passengers in queue at the jetty for the next boat to Elephanta. The first ferry leaves at 9 am and the last one at 2 pm and the frequency is every half an hour.

After getting off the boat, there is a walkway that leads to the base of the hill, where there are steps leading to the caves. There is also a mini toy train that will take you to the base of the steps.

There was a lot to the trip besides the sculptures in the caves which are in poor condition. The ferry ride was one of the attractions.
In my next few posts, I will show you around the island, caves, sculptures, the huge canons, shopping for sculptures, souvenirs and handicraft and not to forget the monkeys grabbing food from visitors and drinking Pepsi straight from the bottle. And also the speedboats and the ships and the seagulls we saw during the fascinating breezy boat ride.

For interesting photos of ABC Wednesday 'E' for

click below:

ABC Wednesday - 'R' for RIDE

BOAT (LAUNCH) RIDE AT THE GATEWAY OF INDIA

A boat ride (cruise) into the harbour at the Gateway of India is a smooth fun ride.

I went for the half an hour ride on this boat with my 3 year old Krrish on 14 November, which is celebrated as Children's Day in India,  to commemorate our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawharlal Nehru's love for children. It was his first time on the boat at the Gateway of India. 

On the way back, the view of the Taj Palace Hotel, The Taj Intercontinental and the Gateway of India was a gorgeous sight. See it in my 'My World' post here.

My World #6

THE GATEWAY OF INDIA (VIEW FROM THE SEA)

The Gateway Of India is a major landmark in Mumbai. It is the most famous and most photographed monument of Mumbai. It was built as a triumphal arch in 1911 by the British government to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India.

A short cruise into the harbour on one of the motor launches is a fun experience. Also, motor launches can be hired to visit Elephanta Caves, a World Heritage Site.

 

My World #5

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The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Taj Intercontinental Hotel tower is renowned

 the world over,  as a premier Landmark Hotel of the Orient.  Overlooking the Gateway of India with a panoramic view of the bay, the hotel is situated a few minutes away from the Central Business Districts of the city.

Weekend Snapshot #15: Boats At The Harbour

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Behind the Gateway of India arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here you can get a half an hour boat ride (they are called launches) into the harbour, or an hour long ride to the Elephanta Island.

Have a great weekend!

February 2008 Theme Day: What your city is known for

When people think of Mumbai, the Gateway of India is the first picture that comes to the mind.

Visit the daily photoblogs below to know what the cities listed below are best known for:

Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, Aliso Viejo (CA), USA by Rodney, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Arradon, France by Alice, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Baziège, France by PaB, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brussels, Belgium by Gregous, Bucaramanga, Colombia by Fernando, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Chicago (IL), USA by Bluechic, Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Crystal Lake (IL), USA by Kelli K, Delta (CO), USA by Bill, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jakarta, Indonesia by Santy, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Kansas City (MO), USA by CateinKC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Jsaltao, London, UK by Ham, Mainz, Germany by JB, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Dusty Lens, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Montpellier, France by Marie, Montréal, Canada by Douber, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by MumbaiIteanu, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, New Orleans (LA), USA by Sbuser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portland (OR), USA by Lynette, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea by Jules, Radonvilliers, France by Deslilas, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation by Lark, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Santa Fe (NM), USA by Randem, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Silver Spring (MD), USA by Moworld, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, St Malo, France by Clarice, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Susanville (CA), USA by Jana, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Sydney, Australia by Nathalie, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Toruń, Poland by Glenn, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Trujillo, Peru by Giulianna, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Wichita (KS), USA by Wendy, Wrocław, Poland by Loompi,

Ferry Ride At The Gateway

You can take a ferry ride in one of the motor launches for a short cruise into the harbour and enjoy a view of the Gateway Of India and the city. An hour-long ferry ride to Elephanta Caves Island. The island has a beautiful rock-cut Shiva temple on the top of a hill. It is also a great getaway from the hustle and bustle

of the city. Dont forget to check with the motorboat man about the timings of the last ride back from Elephanta Caves Island.

Victoria At The Gateway

You will find these beautifully decorated silver Victorias (horse-drawn carriages)at the Gateway of India. They are popular among tourists. Its fun to ride in one, so don't miss the ride when you visit the Gateway of India. And don't forget to click a photo of you and your friends on the victoria.

Gateway Of India

The Gateway Of India is the most popular and the most photographed site in Mumbai.
It was built during the British rule to welcome King George V of England.