Inside the stunning caves of Elephanta
Not much is known about the history of these caves. They are believed to have been built in the fourth century AD, even though exact dates or dynasties involved still remain unknown. Massive rock pillars support a giant hall full of sculptures of Shiva in his different avatars.
Although the sculptures were targeted by Portuguese invaders, according to some historical accounts, their beauty is still visible.
Of all the marvelous carvings and sculptures, I found the status of Trimurti to be the most majestic. It signifies Shiva in his three forms
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Even though most sculptures were ruined, the grandeur still prevails. The main cave shrine houses the Linga and the Yoni that respectively symbolize male and female energies in creation. This central shrine is guarded by massive structures of gatekeepers or "dvarpals" as they were then called.
I spent hours admiring the hundreds of sculptures that stand as silent spectators to the hordes of tourists that come and go every day, while listening to guides narrating stories and taking countless photographs. The Trimurti sculpture, for instance, was surrounded by people equipped with cameras. I patiently waited my turn to take a good picture.
My journey back to Mumbai wasn't very comfortable. The blue sky had turned cloudy and the sea was choppy. We however made it to the Apollo Bunder (pier on the shore) safely.
No trip to an Indian metropolis is complete without sampling street food and regional delicacies.
Our self-guided food tour started with vada pav, an Indian burger that comes with a thick, spicy potato patty stuffed inside sweet buns that are specially made in Mumbai.
Accompanied by a dry spice mix of red chili and garlic, a cilantro and green chili paste, the entire combination is exotic.
Mumbai is popular for its exotic seafood collection and the iconic Mahesh lunch home serves the most authentic seafood in the city. My usual orders there were tandoori pomfret (butterfish) and a tandoori crab. The large silver fish is grilled (or broiled) in a traditional clay oven (tandoor) with aromatic herbs and spices. The crab is prepared in a similar manner.
If you go
Beijing and Shanghai are connected to Mumbai by Air China, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific via Chengdu in Sichuan province, Singapore and Hong Kong respectively. Local trains or taxis are normally used to travel within the city.
The Elephanta Caves' tours leave from the Gateway of India, and tickets should be purchased from the authorized state tourism office only.
