Serene,calm,peaceful . These words aren't just enough to describe Elephanta . It was on the 5th of this month that i took the enchanting trip to Elephanta with my family . We took a Bus ride from CST station to The Gateway Of India .The moment one enters the monuments premises, ticket sellers start coming toward you , all chanting the same tune saying " ticket le lo , Elephanta ferry ticket ".So as planned we took 4 tickets to Elephanta [no half ticket for children] . Then it was time to go aboard the ferry . It was the one thing I was reluctant to do at first. Being my first time to go on a ship , i was very scared. But atlast I did accomplish my mission . Then it was a 75 minute journey to Elephanta island. One the way up there , we get to see the navy base and many anchored ships .
After a long ferry ride , we reached Elephanta Island. The island was full of tourists come from all over the world .There we had a mini train ride for a small distance to the inner part of the island. Later on we realised that this ride was a waste of time and money because the distance was very easily walkable ! Now time to go to the caves . The caves are situated on a hill . So to roam about in the caves it takes a 10 minute walk from the island to the top of the hill . This is a very exhaustive and long walk but the outcome is very pleasurable !
One more thing that we notice during the walk , is the existance of monkeys on the island. These monkeys roam about freely on the island without harming anyone. But if they are troubled by any one they an also create trouble[typical human behaviour !] If see see them carefully we sometimes can get some good pics of these monkeys imitaing humans . I was lucky to capture a monkey drinking a cold drink like humans.
Later on we reach the top of the hill where the caves are located . There are five caves in all . Every cave has its own unique look and feeling . Outside we feel the heat of the sun , but inside the caves we get a cooling effect.
The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.At the entrance to the caves is the famous Trimurti, the celebrated trinity of Elephanta : there's Lord Brahma the Creator, Lord Vishnu, the preserver and Lord Shiva the Destroyer Unfortunately, many of the sculptures inside have been damaged by iconoclastic Portuguese rulers who took potshots at Hindu Gods with their rifles. And yet somehow, nothing has disturbed the sublime beauty of this place for centuries
After all the sight seeing at the caves we can shop for souveneirs from the local shops[where the prices are too high !]Then came down the hill to return back to the city . But then the problems started. It started to rain cats and dogs . The surrounding suddenly become dark and cold. Lightnings started to occur at regular intervals . Then in between the rain we went to locate our ferry . Finally we found it and went aboard . As the ferry began its journey , the sea waves started shaking our ship like a toy[figuratively!].In the end i would say that Elephanta is that kind of a place whose beauty would be etched in my mind forever . :D
For potential travellers the details below would be useful:
1. Take the local and reach CST Station by 08:15.
2. Take a Bus (it’s a 5-minute ride) to The Gateway of India.
3. Book tickets on the 09:00 ferry to Elephanta Island. Tickets are priced at Rs. 130 a head (return journey included) and can be bought at the counters near the entrance to The Gateway of India. You need to pay an extra Rs. 10 to sit on the top deck.
4. Reach Elephanta Island by 10:15.
5. Explore the ruins at your leisure. Don’t forget to trek up to Cannon Hill. It’s worth it.
6. Catch the 13:00 ferry back and reach The Gateway of India by 14:15.
7. The last ferry from the island to the city is at 1700 hrs . So be back before 5 pm
8. Take necessary food with you if possible. The food there is very steeply priced!
9. Last but not the least , Enjoy your journey . !
