World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Mumbai  - Excursions
Excursions

For a Half Day

Elephanta Caves:
Located on an island in Mumbai harbour, these are a complex of temples hewn from the rock, usually dated to between AD450 and 750. The temples are adorned with intricate sculptures of Hindu gods. Boats depart Tuesday-Sunday from the Gateway of India every 30 minutes 0900-1430. The last departure from Elephanta is at 1730. Tickets cost Rs65 return and can be bought at the Gateway of India. The journey takes about an hour in each direction and an hour would probably suffice to see the temples.

For a Whole Day

Sanjay Gandhi National Park:
Located about 40km (25 miles) from the centre of Mumbai, this national park is a haven of peace away from the noise of the city. The visitor can spend an enjoyable day picnicking or simply meandering around the park - there is an outdoor film set, a Jain temple and three lakes - but the principal attraction is the Kanheri Caves. There are 101 numbered caves in the Kanheri complex (a working Buddhist monastery), which range from full temples to simple living quarters. The earliest caves may have been excavated in the first century and the latest date from the eleventh century. The nearest station is Boravali (on Western Railway); there are taxis available at the station. The park is open Tuesday-Sunday 0730-1830 and costs Rs4.

Marve and Manori beaches:
Located about 50km (31 miles) northwest of the centre of Mumbai, these beaches offer beautiful unspoilt stretches of sand, which are much cleaner than the more famous beach at Juhu. At Marve, there is also an old Portuguese church and fishing village. For Marve, trains go to Malad station (Western Railway), and then it is a short taxi ride or bus 272. For Manori, the ferry goes across Manori Creek from Marve.



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