India · UNESCO Heritage Sites

Elephanta Caves & City Tour Of Mumbai

9 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Mumbai. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves
  • 02 Enjoy a ferry ride with views of Mumbai’s skyline
  • 03 Explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
  • 04 See daily life in action at Dhobi Ghat
  • 05 Discover street art and galleries in Kala Ghoda
  • 06 Admire the Victorian Gothic architecture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
  • 07 Travel in a private air-conditioned car with hotel pickup and drop-off

Discover Mumbai’s rich heritage on a full-day tour that combines ancient history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant local culture. Travel by private air-conditioned vehicle and ferry as you journey from the Gateway of India to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, where remarkable rock-cut temples and the famous Shiva sculpture reveal the island’s spiritual and artistic legacy.

Back in the city, continue exploring Mumbai through its museums, neighborhoods, and everyday life. Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, see the fascinating activity of Dhobi Ghat, stroll through the creative Kala Ghoda Art district, and admire the grand architecture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. With a mix of history, art, and local insight, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Mumbai.

Travel by private air-conditioned vehicle and ferry as you journey from the Gateway of India to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, where remarkable rock-cut temples and the famous Shiva sculpture reveal the island’s spiritual and artistic legacy.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Mumbai
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

8:00am - Pick up from your hotel in South Mumbai by a private air-conditioned car and drive to the Gateway of India. En route, your guide will provide an overview of the city's history and culture.8:30am - Arrive at the Gateway of India and board a ferry to Elephanta Island. The ferry ride takes approximately an hour, and you'll be able to enjoy views of Mumbai's skyline as you approach the island.9:30am - Upon arrival at Elephanta Island, you'll visit the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries. The caves are known for their ancient rock-cut temples, including the famous Shiva temple, which features a towering 6-meter-tall statue of the deity. Your guide will provide insights into the history and significance of the caves.12:00pm - Return to the Gateway of India by ferry and drive to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, a museum that houses a vast collection of Indian art, artifacts, and natural history specimens.1:30pm - Lunch at a local restaurant.2:30pm - Return to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya to explore the museum's diverse collection of Indian art, textiles, and sculptures. The museum houses several galleries dedicated to these subjects, providing a comprehensive overview of India's rich cultural heritage.4:00pm - Visit Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundromat located in the heart of Mumbai. This unique place is where hundreds of people wash clothes every day using traditional methods. It's a fascinating sight to see rows of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone, where laundry is soaked, beaten, and thrashed before being hung out to dry. You will get a chance to witness the local way of life and interact with the hardworking people who work tirelessly to keep Mumbai's laundry clean. This experience offers a glimpse into the daily routine of the city's residents and is a must-see for anyone visiting Mumbai.5:30pm - Explore the Kala Ghoda Art district, which is known for its vibrant street art, galleries, and museums. As you explore the area, you'll be surrounded by colorful murals and street installations, showcasing the work of local and international artists. In addition to the art, the area also offers an array of unique boutiques and stores selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and other specialty items. It's the perfect place to pick up a one-of-a-kind memento of your time in Mumbai.6:30pm - Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Mumbai's most iconic landmarks. The station, built in the late 19th century, is known for its Victorian Gothic architecture and serves as a hub for local and long-distance trains. Your guide will provide insights into the history and significance of the station.7:00pm - Return to your hotel in South Mumbai by private car. Your guide will bid you farewell and answer any last-minute questions you may have about your Mumbai tour.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Mumbai. 1 city · 9 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
  • English speaking local guide, if option selected.
  • Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
  • Lunch, if option selected.
  • Government Taxes.

What's Not Included

  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Gratuities and optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Know before you go

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Please provide up pick up information at least one day before the tour
  • Please provide your hotel name and address at the time of booking or at least 3 days prior to the trip date. Our guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby at the scheduled time. Contact details will be shared one day prior to the tour.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Mumbai.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Mumbai.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Mumbai..

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