How to Visit Elephanta Island from Mumbai: Complete Guide (2025 Update)
Written on April 7th, 2025 by Dariusz Siedlecki
Planning a day trip from Mumbai to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Island sounds glamorous, right? Ancient cave temples, beautiful carvings, a peaceful island away from the chaos of the city… until you realize you’re in Mumbai, surrounded by hawkers, confusing signs, and you’re wondering: is this the line for ferry tickets or for a photo at the Gateway of India?
Let me walk you through it—so you don’t have to panic-Google things mid-ferry ride like I did.
Step 1: Getting to the Gateway of India
Everything starts at the Gateway of India, a grand colonial-era arch by the waterfront in South Mumbai. While I was visiting, it was surrounded by scaffolding and undergoing renovations, but it still stood proudly at 26 meters tall. It’s a blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles and also marks a historic moment—the last British troops departed through this arch in 1948.
If you’re like me (budget-conscious) and not staying at The Taj Mahal Palace next door, your best bet is to take an Uber from wherever you’re staying. Drivers know exactly where to drop you off.
In theory, ferries leave every 30 minutes starting from 9 a.m. In practice? Just show up, because after you exit your taxi, you’ll need to locate the correct ticket counter and go through a security check.
Step 2: Buying the Ferry Ticket (The Right Way)
You’ll find signs for Elephanta Ferries near the Gateway itself and you can buy tickets there. There are multiple booths, all selling the same ticket. Most are legit. Some are… let’s say, creatively enterprising. I bought mine from the official booth slightly to the left when you’re facing the water, underneath a faded canopy. Prices were INR 260 (return ticket) as of February 2025—don’t lose your stub!
There’s also a “deluxe” ferry for a few extra rupees. Honestly? Not worth it. The speed and crowd levels are nearly identical, and sometimes even if you pay extra, the deluxe part of the ferry is inaccessible anyway.
Step 3: The Ferry Ride (About 1 Hour)
You’ll board via a slightly wobbly gangplank. Once you’re in, you might notice bright orange safety vests, just like the ones on planes. Here, you’ll be asked to put them on—and the boat won’t leave until everyone complies. Later on, people quietly take them off, but better safe than sorry, right?
The ride itself is calm and slightly dull. Bring water (or buy it on board), maybe a snack, and your camera. Snap a few pics of the Gateway as you depart, and later, of Elephanta Island’s long pier as you approach.
Step 4: Welcome to Elephanta Island (Let the Games Begin)
After docking, you’ll walk down a long pier. Yes, people will again try to sell you private tours. Pro tip: if someone tries too hard to “help,” they probably want your money.
There’s a toy train running parallel to the pier (INR 10), but it’s a short 10-minute walk if you’re up for it. At the end, pay a tourist tax of INR 5 to enter the island proper.
Then comes the marketplace gauntlet: a path lined with souvenir stalls selling magnets, little statues, and posters. Prices get better the farther in you go. Be polite, smile, and walk on.
Next up: stairs. A lot of them. It’s about a 15-minute stair-heavy hike to the caves. If you’re not feeling it, you can pay someone to carry you up in a makeshift palanquin. I passed, but hey—no judgment.
Step 5: Exploring the Elephanta Caves – What to See
At the top, you’ll find the caves to your left, and a path to Cannon Hill to your right. Let’s focus on the caves first.
The entrance fee was INR 600 for foreigners as of February 2025. You’ll have access to seven caves—though when I visited, only five were open due to restoration.
Cave 1 is the star of the show, with massive sculptures of Shiva and intricate stone carvings. You’ll find plenty of guides offering tours, but the signs are good enough if you prefer to explore solo.
The remaining caves are quieter and a bit more damaged, but still worth a look. Keep an eye out for monkeys—they’re bold, cute, and very interested in your snacks.
If you rush, you can see it all in 30 minutes. But I recommend taking it slow—explore Cave 1 fully, appreciate the art, and watch the monkeys plot their next snack heist.
Step 6: Visit Cannon Hill – A Hidden Spot on Elephanta Island
Once you’ve had your fill of the caves, take the exit near the ticket booth and follow the uphill path to Cannon Hill. This short hike (about 30 minutes from the cave area) leads you to two massive British-era cannons, installed as a coastal defense during colonial times. They were never used in battle, but they still look imposing.
It’s quieter here, with fewer tourists. On a clear day, the view over the Arabian Sea is fantastic. It’s a good spot for a breather or a snack (again—hide your food from the monkeys). There are a few small stalls on the way selling drinks and light snacks.
No entry fee, no crowds—just a cool breeze and some surprisingly intact colonial history. Oh, and a nice view of the pier you just came from.
Step 7: Returning
Ferries back to Mumbai typically run until 5:30 PM, but don’t push it. Aim to be at the dock an hour early - especially if it’s a weekend or holiday. I walked back (past some chill cows, no big deal), but the toy train is always an option.
Keep your return ticket. You won’t need to buy another. My ride back featured a Bollywood soundtrack on loop. Unexpected? Yes. Weirdly fitting? Also yes.
TL;DR Checklist
- ✅ Go early
- ✅ Bring water, sunscreen, hat, and at least 865 INR in cash
- ✅ Get your ferry ticket from an official booth
- ✅ Watch your step on the gangplank
- ✅ Politely decline hawkers
- ✅ Prepare for stairs
- ✅ Don’t flash food (or anything else) near monkeys
It’s a half-day trip that’s totally worth the effort. Just don’t expect spiritual transformation—unless your version of enlightenment includes dodging overpriced magnets and clever monkeys.
Safe travels!
