Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an important tourist attraction in the state of Mumbai. Gharapuri or the Elephanta Island, situated around 10 Km east of Mumbai, is the home to seven temple caves. Each cave is a unique and other-worldly insight into the architectural, cultural and historical marvels of the Indian art. The monolithic, rock cut sculptures are a depiction of Hindu and Buddhist ideas and beliefs. The island is an amalgam of scenic beauty, Hindu mythology and the local hustle bustle, all contributing towards a really hearty few hours spent on the island.
Already a hot spot for tourists, both national as well as international, Elephanta Island came to limelight recently, for all the right reasons. Taken under the wing of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Elephanta Caves and the Island in general, became the center for several ambitious projects.
These projects not only aim for the infrastructural and tourism development on the island but also plan to take the island on a path of sustainable growth.
The first step on this journey was starting power supply to the island. Initially, the source of electricity to the caves, as well as to the locals, was diesel generators. Not only were they a pricier option, but they also were a constant contributor to pollution in the already ecologically fragile island. Before this, the life of the local island inhabitants used to come to a standstill past sundown.
The next step was the infrastructural development of the place. This included installation of eco-toilets, tents, heritage centers, etc. Coupled with the presence of an authorized restaurant and scores of different vendors, the newer additions contribute towards making the Elephanta Caves tour easier for people of all ages and kind.
That is not all. The 93 crore investment plan also includes ongoing projects like the proposal to build a ropeway, cutting down the ferry time from 1 hour to 14 minutes or introduction of a battery run toy train, instead of the diesel one or the construction of a walking strip, water sports, employment huts, etc.
Another, still in talks project includes a tie-up between MTDC and Airbnb which entails that soon the Elephanta Cave tour packages will include an overnight stay.
With MTDC is taking Elephanta Cave as a significant project of theirs, the Island is sure to soon enter a time of ecological, infrastructural and transport development, for the geography as well as the Tourism.
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