Elephant Festival

Elephanta is a small island, located at about 10 kms from the Mumbai harbour. The Elephanta Island near the world famous Elephanta Caves ( A World Heritage Site ) is a favoured destination for culture lovers as the famous Elephanta Festival is held in the month of February. The site is also said to be the tranquil abode of Lord Shiva. Once known as Puri or Gharapuri, the island was the proud capital of a powerful coastal kingdom. It was named Elephanta by the Portuguese, who took possession of it several centuries later, and found a monolithic stone elephant at the place they first landed. The Elephanta Caves are a showcase of legends created around Lord Shiva, beautifully presented here in all his splendour in the rock cave temples.

This feast of music and dance, celebrated under the stars, transforms the entire island into a large auditorium. Special launch services and catering arrangements are provided for visitors.

Festival Highlights
The festival of Music and Dance is organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The main highlights of the festival is the illuminated Maheshmurti (Shiva-idol), in the main cave of the island. Folk dances by the local fisher folk, ethnic local food varieties add to the ambiance. Over the years, the festival has become a major tourist attraction for Mumbaikars and for incoming domestic and foreign tourists. During the festival renowned dancers and musicians perform outside the caves and captivate the audience. Folk dances by the local fishermen and local cuisine add ethnic flavour to the festival. The festival today is a major attraction for domestic and international tourists.
Facts
Place - Mumbai, Maharastra
Starts - In the month of February
Organised By - Maharastra Tourism Development Corporation ( MTDC)
Local Transport - Taxis and Buses.

Getting There
Air : The nearest airport is at Mumbai.
Rail : Nearest railhead is also at Mumbai.
Road : One can reach Mumbai by road from the neighbouring states, from where one can take a boat ride to the cave temples.
Boat : Motorboats take passengers from Appollo Bunder near the Gateway of India.