The Elephanta island lies 9 km north-east to Apollo Bunder or Gateway of India. The island which was known as Gharapuri earlier is the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. This island was renamed, Elephanta by the Portuguese who landed here, after they saw the majesticaly carved elephant on this island.

Spread over an area of 500 sq mt is the cave temple of Elephanta. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The temple houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentation of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurti, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. 

There are figures of Lord Shiva dancing the Tandava, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, Ravana shaking Kailas, a scary carving of Shiva killing the demon Andhaka, and one in which Shiva appears as Ardhnari, uniting both sexes in one body.

In the month of February is the Elephanta Festival which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and artists perform outside the caves in the open, filling the atmosphere with dance, music and colour.