The Great Cave (Cave 1)elephanta-caves

A journey into the heart of 6th-century artistry. As you enter the cool, dark hall, you will see a main shrine with a massive Linga and several panels depicting Shiva’s life, including his marriage to Parvati (Kalyanasundara) and his dance as Nataraja. The sheer scale of the columns and the detailed carvings into basalt rock are breathtaking.

• Visit the small museum near the entrance to see original artifacts recovered from the site.
• Drink plenty of water before starting the climb; shops are available along the way but not inside the caves.
• Carry a power bank; the island has limited charging facilities and you'll take many photos.