Mumbai
Elephanta Festival
Open Time : 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
Entry : paid
Address : Elephanta Caves, Gharapuri, Maharashtra, India
Website : https://elephanta.co.in/ferry-to-elephanta
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Why to visit Elephanta Festival
The Elephanta Festival features performances of both classical and modern dance and music. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation is in charge of organizing this event at the Elephanta Caves near Navi Mumbai (MTDC).
Why is Elephanta Festival celebrated?
This annual celebration, which takes place in February, has as its primary goals the promotion of Maharashtra tourism as well as the honoring and reviving of Indian culture. This festival is hosted on the tiny island of Elephanta, which is renowned for its distinctive history.
Highlights of the Elephanta Festival:
- Folk dance: A folk dancing show kicks off the festival. It is performed by a group of fishermen while they sing traditional tunes.
- Dance and classical music: Talented performers who have mastered Indian classical dance and music, including diverse classical dance styles like Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and many others, grace the stage as well.
- Bollywood Performance: At the festival, several Bollywood artists can be seen entertaining the crowd with their top-charting songs. Over the years, the Elephanta Festival has included numerous performers, including Rahul Deshpande and Kailash Kher.
- Illuminated Maheshmurti: There is a sizable Shiva temple that boasts amazing construction. The idol of Maheshmurti is lit in the cave at the start of this ceremony.
Ferry Timings to Elephanta:
- At nine in the morning, the first boat departs for Elephanta from the Gateway of India. At 3.30 pm, the final boat departs for Elephanta.
- Approximately every 30 minutes, a boat departs towards Elephanta. Be aware that Mondays are closed for both the ferry to Elephanta Island and the Elephanta Caves.
Ferry Timings from Elephanta:
- The first return boat departs Elephanta for the Gateway of India at about midday, according to the usual ferry schedules. 5.30 p.m. is the final one.
- If you want to get to Elephanta as quickly is possible, take the first boat there at 9 am, and you'll be there by 10 am. To trek and get to the caves, it takes an additional 30 minutes (10.30 am).
FAQ on Elephanta Festival
How to reach Elephanta Caves?
Elephanta island is home to the Elephanta caverns. From the Gateway of India, which takes around an hour to get to, you can take a ferry to get here. You might locate a ride every 30 minutes. The ferries run often, however keep in mind that the last one of the day departs at 2:00 p.m. For these two days, the authorities have planned special launch services and made the necessary arrangements to ensure that guests and visitors can travel without difficulty.
When is the best time to visit Elephanta Caves?
February is the best time to visit Elephanta Caves
What is the story behind Elephanta Festival?
The festival is hosted on Elephanta Island, which was given that name by the Portuguese after they discovered a big elephant monument there. There are numerous Lord Shiva rock sculptures that have been created. The festival first took place in 1989.
How much does it cost to enter Elephanta Caves?
For visitors from India, the entrance fee to the Elephanta Caves is INR 40. Visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC nations pay the same charge for admission to the Elephanta Caves. However, the entrance fee to the Elephanta Caves is INR 600 for foreigners. Children under the age of 15 are admitted free of charge to the monument complex.
Special Tip
After you've had a chance to explore the event, you can go shopping in the neighbourhood market. The market is made up of a number of stores that sell gifts, handicrafts, and several other things.
By TANISHA JAISWAL
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