- Elephanta Island is a 16 sq. km island that has several archaeological remains famous for its cave sculptures.
- The island is locally known as Gharapuri Caves.
- It is located in Mumbai Harbour, east of Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- The island is believed to be inhabited from 2nd century BC but the famous temples carved out of rocks are believed to have been constructed around 5th-6th century AD.
- The island has a dam to conserve freshwater collected during monsoons and two British-era canons atop a hill that offers a panoramic view of Mumbai.
- Tourists are not permitted to have an overnight stay at the island as it is covered with thick forests.
- Elephanta Caves has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Why in news? India’s first and longest ropeway is planned to be constructed by the Mumbai Port Trust to link Mumbai with the famous Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea.