Disembark with your guide on Elephanta Island after a short ferry ride from the Mumbai port. At this bonafide open-air museum, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures are displayed within cavernous shrines, well-preserved despite centuries of worship. Learn about the long tradition of Hindu worship that ended with the beginnings of Portuguese colonial rule, and explore smaller, off-the-beaten-track Buddhist caves away from the main sights.
Wander at your own pace through the spectacular rock-cut architecture and come face-to-face with timeless icons, like a 20-foot sculpture of Trimurti, or the three forms of the Hindu cosmos. Listen to detailed commentary on the Hindu pantheon of gods, including Shiva, who occupies a place of honor in the largest cave.
At the end of the tour, return to Mumbai or, if you've selected the option, head to a family lunch for a delicious meal.