Beautiful Island an hour awa from Mumbai
Why locals love it
It's picturesque, refreshing and tells you about early Buddhist settlements in the area. You can take a boat from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Islands aka Gharapuri by the locals which will take you about 2 hours and then there are steps to climb or alternatively you can take a doli (4 men carrying one person on a seat).
Why you should visit it
It has a set of Buddhist caves where monks used to meditate which later was taken over by Hindus & Hindu temples were built and then came the Portuguese who tried to destroy all the stone sculptures, later the British realized its importance and preserved it. Now it's a UNESCO world heritage site.
Special tip
Go early in the morning before it gets too sunny!
Elephanta Island
Elephanta Island (at Arabian Sea), Mumbai, Mahārāshtra, IndiaTu-Su: 07:00-19:30
Tu-Su: 07:00-19:30
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