From the Gateway Of India, the main landmark of India’s metropolis of Mumbai, formerly Bombay, numerous ferry boats embark to Elephanta Island.

The peaceful, mostly wooded island measures around five square kilometres and is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The exact origin of the cave temples of Elephanta Island is unknown but it is believed that the main cave dates back to the eighth century. The first thing that catches the eye are several mighty columns that stand outside the temple’s forty metre long hall.

The magnificent sculptures and artistic stonemasonry of the rock temples are one of the highlights of early Hindu art and it is the fascinating interplay of natural beauty and mysterious ruins that creates the unique charm of these unusual religious sanctuaries.