Across the Mumbai Harbour, lie the seventh-century rock-cut temples of Elephanta. Once known as Gharapuri, or the Fortress City, the caves are now designated as a World Heritage Site and visited by hundreds of tourists both for their art historical and scenic value.

The Portuguese renamed this island Elephanta after a large stone elephant found near the shore ( the elephant sculpture collapsed in 1814, when the British relocated it to the Victoria Gardens now Mumbai's zoo, where it still stands). The cave temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and there is one main cave with several sculpted panels. By far the most arresting sculpture is of Maheshamurti or the Great Lord Shiva representing the three-headed god as the creator, preserver and destroyer. There are other delicate and unusual panels on the doorways and side walls. Once a year the MTDC arranges a two-day festival of dance and music here.