Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1,518 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour worth booking?
Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour is a 5-hour experience in Mumbai, India, from $42 per person. It scores 96 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Peak Performance”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1,518 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 96 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1,518)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $42 per person
The Elephanta Caves are situated in Western India on Elephanta Island (also called the Island of Gharapuri), which highlights two hillocks isolated by a tight valley. The little island is dabbed with various old archeolo
What you get
About this experience
The Elephanta Caves are situated in Western India on Elephanta Island (also called the Island of Gharapuri), which highlights two hillocks isolated by a tight valley. The little island is dabbed with various old archeological remaining parts that are the sole declarations to its rich social past. These archeological remaining parts uncover proof of occupation from as soon as the second century BC. The stone cut Elephanta Caves were built about the mid-fifth to sixth hundreds of years AD. The most significant among the caverns is the incomparable Cave 1, which estimates 39 meters from the front access to the back. In plan, this cavern in the western slope intently looks like Dumar Lena cave at Ellora, in India. The principal body of the cavern, barring the porches on the three open sides and the back passageway, is 27 meters square and is upheld by lines of six sections each. Elephanta Caves are an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What's included
Included
- Hotel / Port pickup and drop-off(not offers to option small Group Tour)
- Expert Guide (English,Hindi,Marathi Language )
- Mineral Water Bottles
- Entry/Admission - Elephanta Caves,Ferry Tickets
- Air-Conditioned Vehicle(not offers to option Small Group Tour)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and Drinks
What you'll see and do
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. They are located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Mahārāshtra. The island, located offshore about 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) west of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, consists of five Hindu caves and a few Buddhist stupa mounds that date back to the 2nd century BCE, as well as a small group of two Buddhist caves with water tanks.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Mumbai
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Elephanta Cave+ Homestyle Meal
Duration: 5 hours: Private air-conditioned car Transportation. Veg & non-veg lunch on island: this activity offers homemade veg & non veg lunch at island. Island village is known for its rich culinary. Comfortable Experience: Pickup Included from your location in a private Air-Con car to Gateway of India. Ferry to Island & back to starting location. Private Car with air-con.: Offers Pick up & Drop off to Guest location with air-conditioned Car Pickup included
Group Tour (Cruise Passengers)
Small Group Up to 10-15 People: Choose this option only if you are arriving from cruise ship. This tour is exclusively for cruise passengers Duration: 5 hours Note: Meet your guide at the Mumbai international cruise terminal, look for the company name on the name paging board. Pickup included
Elephanta Caves with Speedboat
Why choose this package? : Our prestigious tour guarantees a line-free experience. It offers a special access to Elephanta Caves sightseeing. Exclusive Speedboat Adventure: Hop on board our private yacht for upto 10+ people and zip to the Elephanta Caves in just 20 mins! It's fast, fun & all yours Premium service: Service includes both a private air-conditioned car pickup and a private speedboat for transportation to an Island. Duration: 4 hours: Approximately 4 hours. Pickup and drop included from guest request location. Mineral water bottles Private Transport +Speed boat : Speedboats are agile and fast motorboats, often used for recreational purposes like water sports and leisure cruising. No public transport or Ferry : Ferries are public transport for all travelers , speedboat will be only for your private tour of island and caves Pickup included
Elephanta+Mumbai Sightseeing
Elephanta & Mumbai Sightseeing: This option includes a sightseeing tour of the city as well as a visit to the Elephanta Caves, with All Inclusive. Duration: 9 hours: The duration of the tour depends on traffic and weather conditions and can last up to 9-10 hours for a full day. Pickup included
Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour
Private Tour - All-Inclusive : Enjoy a hassle-free visit to the stunning Elephanta Caves with our private tour package. Duration: 6 hours Pickup included
Small group Elephanta tour
Meet us at the meeting Point.: Pickup isn't included; the guide will meet you at Regal Cinema in Colaba, next to the Gateway of India. Duration: 4 hours: A guide will accompany you on the tour, from the meeting point to the island and inside the caves. Small Group Tour: Please note that selecting this option will enroll you in a group tour experience. Kindly make a note of this while booking.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- hi, mr, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Linda Tours Mumbai
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,518 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
1,518 verified traveler reviews for Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Elephanta Caves
We had an amazing time at Elephanta. Both guides were very informative. Riya took us over to the island and Manog guided us around the caves. Some beautiful explanations of the murals, and he was a absolute wizard with the camera!
via Tripadvisor
Best tour ever!
Monaj gave an amazing tour and took fabulous professional level photos. The tour was engaging and interesting. Riya took us on the boat and was very knowledgable and extremely lovely. Couldn’t recommend more!!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour with Manoj & Riya
Excellent tour and wonderful guides Manoj and Riya. Detailed explanation of the caves and a friendly experience. Highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Nice tour
Really good story telling around the temple from Mr. Manoj
via Tripadvisor
First time in Mumbai
AJ picked me up at the hotel and was so pleasant. He taught me so much about his home. Then he dropped me off to Abhijeet, my guide for the trip to the island. Abhi was also very pleasant, explained everything clearly, and made sure I was well taken care of. As a solo female traveling, I felt in good hands the entire journey. Once we arrived to the island, he introduced me to my tour guide, Manoj. Manoj was so passionate about not only the history, but the meaning behind every chiseled structure and carving. Truly an educational and inspiring visit. Afterwards, the team ensured my return was just as pleasant. I highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $42 to $356
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 531
- Verdict
- Peak Performance
Why this scores 96
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Mumbai.
How much does Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $42 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Mumbai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Mumbai is not rushed.
Is Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 96 out of 100, which we label "Peak Performance". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1,518 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Mumbai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour?
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Around 531 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Mumbai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Mumbai and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Mumbai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Mumbai?
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On Outty we rank every Mumbai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Dharavi Slum Tour, Mumbai: Dharavi Slum & Dhobi Ghat Laundry Tour, Highlights of Mumbai Sightseeing Tour: TRAVELLERS CHOICE AWARDED. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Mumbai?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Mumbai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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