The Elephanta Caves are caves located on Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai, India. The Elephanta Island was so named by the Portuguese, after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island.

Elephanta Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork.
The Elephanta Island is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai. These caves house rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century. The island is about an hour's boat ride from the Gateway of India
Today Elephanta showcases legends of Lord Shiva carved in rock cave temples. The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple complex is also said to be the abode of Shiva.

Each year, in February, the Elephanta Dance Festival is organized where renowned dancers, artists and musicians perform live outside the caves, rejuvenating the mind body and the soul of a great audience.