Mumbai

Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour

Name: Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour
Brand: Linda Tours Mumbai
SKU: 139993P9
Price: 55.41 USD
Rating: 5.0 (369 reviews)

Badge of ExcellenceMumbai, India

From $55.41

Price varies by group size

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

5 to 6 hours
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Take a trip out to the Elephanta Caves, a group of rock-hewn cave temples believed to have been carved some 1500 years ago, with this guided tour. Your driver will pick you up and take you to the port, where you'll take a boat ride out to the famous caves. You'll then spend time visiting and learning about the caves' history from your guide before returning to shore.

Visit Elephanta Islands with an English-speaking guide
Round-trip transfers from your hotel or the port will be provided
Ferry tickets and admission fees are included
Private tour ensures personal attention from your guide
Traveler's Choice 2023 awarded

What's Included

Expert Guide (English,Hindi,Marathi Language )
Hotel / Port pickup and drop-off(not offers to option without Transport)
Air-Conditioned Vehicle(not offers to option without Transport)
Entry/Admission - Elephanta Caves,Ferry Tickets
Mineral Water Bottles

Gratuities
Food and Drinks

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

Regal Cinema, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Elephanta Caves

5 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Operated by Linda Tours Mumbai

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

369 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 369 reviews

Excellent experience !

Elaine_V, May 2024

Guides were excellent , giving special attention to a handicapped participant . Cave and statues are worth the 1 hr ferry trip to visit

Response from Host, May 2024

Dear Elaine, Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that our guides provided excellent service and accommodated your needs. We agree, the cave and statues are indeed worth the ferry trip for a memorable experience. We appreciate your feedback!

It was OK

Katherine_P, Apr 2024

It was nice to see the caves but the local guide spent more time telling us how to pray to Krishna. We had spent a month in India and this was the first time a guide tried to tell us how to pray in his religion. He really didn't seem to know much about the sculptues. All in all, it was disappointing.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Dear Katherine, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We deeply regret that your visit did not meet your expectations. We apologize for any discomfort caused by the guide's focus on religious practices rather than providing comprehensive information about the sculptures. Your feedback is invaluable, and we will address this issue to ensure a more enriching experience for future visitors.

Hidden Gem Off the Coast of Mumbai

Stephen_B, Apr 2024

Our experience on Elephanta island was well organized, starting with a pickup from our hotel and ferry to the Island. Once we arrived, our tour guide, Sam, who grew up on the island and whose parents still reside there (visit their veggie burger shop, it's delicious!), gave us an in depth cultural and historical viewpoint regarding these ancient relics. Exploring the carvings within the cave was jaw dropping, with intricate memorials that show how dedicated to creating these pieces of art the original inhabitants were. Sam's enthusiasm made the experience even more profound, and his insight was something that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Additionally, we were able to enjoy a traditional meal in his home, which is something that was greatly appreciated and his hospitality is something we will carry in our hearts and spirits forever. This tour is one we recommend for anyone that is looking to discover a hidden gem right off the coast of Mumbai, and gives a great respite from the hustle and bustle of India's financial capital.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Dear Stephen, Thank you for sharing your heartfelt review! We're thrilled to hear that Sam's enthusiasm and insightful commentary enhanced your experience exploring the memorials. It's wonderful that you were able to enjoy a traditional meal in his home, creating lasting memories of his hospitality. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope others also discover this hidden gem off the coast of Mumbai for a tranquil break from the city's hustle and bustle. Thanks again.

Elephanta cave visit

Rodney_W, Apr 2024

My wife and I had a great time visiting the Elephanta caves. The guide was very knowledgeable and enjoyed being educated about the history of the caves.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Dear Rodney, We're delighted to hear that you and your wife had a great time visiting the Elephanta Caves! It's wonderful that you found the Guide Manoj was knowledgeable and enjoyed learning about the history of the caves. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!

Worthwhile Visit

Niel_T, Apr 2024

A must see and very impressive. Go early before the crowds and ensure a local guide for the best insights. There are a few steps but not too many. A little expensive given the ticket prices (ferry and entry). Could be done locally.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Dear Niel, Thank you for your feedback! It sounds like you had a convenient location near the ferry terminal, which definitely makes exploring locally a great option. Having a local guide can indeed enhance the experience, especially for insights and avoiding crowds. If you have any other tips or recommendations for exploring the area, feel free to share! Thanks

Amazing workmanship

surjit_c, Mar 2024

Seeing the statues and how they were carved. The whole chamber has been carved from solid stone, therefore it's amazing the craftsmanship that has gone into this creation.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dear Surjit Sir, Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that you were amazed by the craftsmanship and intricacy of the statues and the entire chamber carved from solid stone. It's truly a testament to the incredible skill and dedication of the artisans who created such marvels. We're glad you enjoyed your visit, and we hope to welcome you back for more awe-inspiring experiences in the future!

Unique experience when in Mumbai

Alex_C, Mar 2024

Unique experience to visit such a historical site. The driver and the guide Manoj were very nice to us. We felt very safe and left with a lot of information.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dear Alex, We're thrilled to hear you had a unique experience visiting the historical site. It's fantastic that both the driver and guide, Manoj, made your visit enjoyable. Your safety and providing ample information are our priorities. Thank you for sharing your positive feedback! Thanks once again.

Elephanta Caves

Susan_S, Feb 2024

Sam was a wonderful guide, very caring and informative. He took great photos even giving a lesson on how to manipulate people .

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Susan & Margaret, We appreciate your positive feedback! It's fantastic to hear that Sam, our guide, made your experience wonderful with his caring and informative approach. We're glad you enjoyed the photo session and the added lesson. We look forward to hosting you again for more memorable moments. Best Regards,

A great experience on Elephanta Island

David_W, Feb 2024

The guide and local guide were excellent, as were the transfers from the ship and to the airport at either end of the trip. The local guide was very knowledgeable and it made for a very informative trip.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear David Sir, Thank you for your positive feedback! We're delighted to hear that our guides and transfers enhanced your experience. We appreciate your kind words about the local guide's knowledge and are thrilled to have contributed to an informative trip. Safe travels!

Five star

Moon_L, Feb 2024

The tour was very enjoyable. The local guide was extremely knowledgeable and educational. The tour company is first rated. They picked us up at the dock with all our luggage and dropped us off at the airport

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Moon & Family, We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour! Our team strives to provide a top-rated experience, and we're pleased that our knowledgeable local guide added educational value to your journey. It's our pleasure to offer convenient transportation services, ensuring a seamless experience from the dock to the airport. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you on another adventure in the future! Thanks a lot.

A Must Visit Once of Lifetime Experience

Kumar_S, Feb 2024

Would love to give 10/10 for experience we all had. Excellent ride, excellent speedboat experience, The guide was very knowledgeable, respectful and had taken his time to explain every detail. Even came forward to take group pictures when required. Overall it was a very memorable experience and would sure recommend to my friends & family. Looking forward to put on google too along with pictures.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Kumar Sir, Thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear you had an excellent experience with our speedboat ride. Our team takes pride in providing knowledgeable and respectful guides to ensure every detail is explained. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you, your friends, and family again in the future. Feel free to share your pictures on Google; we'd love to see them! Thanks again.

Best private tour guide of Elephanta Caves

Kevin_C, Feb 2024

Sam is amazing, he is very knowledgeable of Elephanta Caves! He is also a very good photographer, taking many different pictures for me. He didn’t mind me asking all of the questions I had. Overall, one of my best experiences here in India!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Kevin, Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience with Sam exploring the Elephanta Caves. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you again in the future! Thanks a lot.

2nd review

Maggie_N, Feb 2024

The excursion was well organised although it took a couple of emails before our meeting point was confirmed. Our guide Sam spoke good English and was very knowledgeable however he did not give us an opportunity to browse through the souvenir stalls only bringing us to his cousin. He also took my phone from me to log onto WiFi and stood over us while we wrote a review. This is now our 2nd truthful review

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Maggie, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're glad to hear the excursion was well-organized. We appreciate your input about the guide's approach and will use it to improve our services. Thanks.

Interesting and fun tour!

Samir_D, Feb 2024

Very cool experience. Your guide was great, told interesting stories about the artifacts. And took great and fun pictures too! Educational and fun.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Dear Samir Sir, We're thrilled you had a very cool and educational experience! It's wonderful to hear that our guide shared interesting stories about the artifacts and captured great and fun pictures. Thank you for your positive feedback, and we hope to provide more engaging experiences for you in the future! Thanks a lot.

Private Elephanta Caves Tour … a Great Experience thanks to Viator and our Guides, Lucas & Sam!

Coco, Jan 2024

First of, your communication was fabulous! You said you would meet us at Green Gate and you did. Lucas, our guide, was knowledgeable, helpful and thoughtful. Wish we could have had Lucas for our Viator tour the next day. Sadly, we did not. The speedboat ride was great. The drivers waited for us. Crazy cool. When we arrived at Elephanta Caves, Sam was our guide and he was perfect. He took us up a back way to escape the hundreds of people. While the terrain was tricky, he always put out his hand and helped so I wouldn’t fall. Sam was interesting with the facts about Elephanta Caves. Also, he was fabulous with our camera. He helped us take the most amazing pictures. The day and tour … fantastic!

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Dear Betty & Dannis, Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fabulous experience with our guide Lucas and Sam at Elephanta Caves. We aim to provide knowledgeable and thoughtful service, and it's great to know we succeeded in making your day fantastic. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on another memorable tour in the future! Thanks a lot.

Great experience

Kalpana_D, Dec 2023

We enjoyed this tour very much. Speed boat experience was great. Everyone in our family of 8 had a great time. All team members of drivers, boat co ordinator , local tour guide were very courteous , fulfilled our needs & very informative . Kids had a blast.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Dear Kalpana Bhen & Doshi Family, We're delighted to hear that your family had a fantastic time on the tour! It's wonderful that the speed boat experience and the entire team, including drivers, boat coordinator, and local tour guide, made the day enjoyable and informative. If you ever plan another adventure, we'd love to be a part of it. Safe travels and best wishes to your family!

Elephanta great, tour massively overpriced not with signing up got

Tina_T, Dec 2023

Elephanta oaks was great, the tour way overpriced, ticket pet person was 70 USD including transport from the hotel, realized if we did this on our own the totally cost for 3 preople would be less than 30 usd, it's also straightforward to get there no need for a guide or cost on here, realized too late to cancel, highly recommend going on your own instead of with one of these programs that charge you almost triple the cost(210usd for 3 adults vs under 30usd)

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Dear Tina, Thanks for your review and your feedback. The same price is offered to all over Mumbai for this experience from us. You felt it can be less in prices because Luckily Your hotel was very close to ferry terminal so it taken 5 Minutes from hotel to reach ferry terminal for the Island But most of the time in same pricing we offer pick up from all over Mumbai and you can see those clients review. For travelers who opt for the experience without transportation, consider offering them a discount on the package, highlighting the flexibility and cost savings. Please check option before bookings. Thanks

Excellent tour and well worth a visit

Diane_I, Dec 2023

Fantastic guide on the island who was extremely knowledgeable and passionate and even took us to his dads market stall for the odd obligatory purchase. The steps up to the Caves were fine and their was time for toilet break as well. The journey on the boat was a pleasurable experience and not crowded. We were there on Sunday morning and that was quite. It was however really busy by the time we got back.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Dear Diane, Thank you for your positive feedback! Delighted to hear you had a fantastic guide with deep knowledge and passion. Exploring the caves, a smooth boat journey, and a visit to the market stall sound like a well-rounded experience. Good to know the Sunday morning visit was peaceful, despite the increasing crowds later on. We appreciate your review! Kind Regards.

Elephant Caves beware of island guides

Tim_C, Dec 2023

Your tour company went above and beyond. I was truly glad I went w you. The only reason not give 5 star was the student guide on the island. I wish your company did the tour instead of him. The student was hard to understand and very pushy w his knowledge of the history. He droned on the entire time about stuff we did not care about. He could not read our body language and eye rolls. Too much! Then the long ferry ride

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Dear Tim Sir, Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed most of the tour. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the student guide and appreciate your input. We'll certainly review and address these concerns to ensure a better experience for future tours. To upgrade ferry Services we already mail related Authorities . In future to save your valuable time choose speedboat option.If you have any further details or suggestions, please feel free to share. Regards

Amazing excursion - definitely recommend

Rashmi_M, Nov 2023

This Elephanta Caves & Island Guided Private Tour trip excursion was excellent with our tour guides Hari and Sameer showing us detailed explanations and history of the Elephant Caves. From boarding the ferry ride to the island to walking around visiting the various exhibits and Sameer explaining the background history to the ferry back to the Gateway of India. This was an amazing experience and would definitely recommend this excursion.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Dear Rashmi, You're very welcome! We're delighted you enjoyed exploring Elephanta tours. If you have any more feedback or if there's anything else you'd like to explore in the future, feel free to let us know. Safe travels! Thanks a lot.