Elephanta Caves are situated on Elephanta Island, one of the beautiful islands in western India; located across the Mumbai Harbour, lies the seventh-century rock-cut temples of Elephanta. Elephanta Caves are now designated as a World Heritage Site and hundreds of tourists visit here for their art historical and scenic value. The Portuguese renamed this island Elephanta after a large size elephant stone found near the shore. By boats or by launchers you can reach up to this island. Even catamarans leave for Elephanta from Apollo Bunder at the Gateway of India. Usually boats are leaving every ½ hour from 9:00am to 2:00pm from Apollo Bunder and between 1:00pm and 5:00pm from Elephanta Island. Tickets can be collected from ticket counters near the Gateway of India. MTDC also offers daily tours to the Elephanta Island. Remember, avoid visits to Elephanta Island during the monsoon season. The boat services are usually suspended in this season.