Mumbai diary II: Elephanta caves

Yesterday we took a day off from our training workshop. Decided to spend the day going around Mumbai. Thought we will start with a visit to Elephanta Caves. The plan was to get out of our rooms early, so we save on time. But…

0900: … There’s no water in the guesthouse and most of us are still waiting for Bisleri bottles for the basic necessities.

1130: Finally we are out. On our way to Gateway of India.

1230: In the steamer on way to Elephanta Caves. We paid 10 bucks extra and got on to the upper deck. Breathtaking view of ships and oiltankers.

(No way I can download the pix. They will be uploaded after I return to Bangalore.)

There are three treachers from Chandigarh who are with us on the upper deck. They are quite curious as to who all of us are. On knowing our profession, they are more curious, shoot questions after questions. I found that quite annoying. It’s a very bad Indian habit to ask very personal questions when meeting strangers.

Then one of them asked me, ”Where in Andhra are you from.” I said I was not from Andhra.
”But you said you are from Bangalore…”
”Ya, Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka.”
”O, I see…”

He looked thoroughly confused. The south of Vindhyas is still an unknown entity for many in the north, sadly for even teachers. I enquired what he teaches. Mathematics, he said.

By the way, many south Indians are similarly ignorant about places in the north and, particularly, northeast.

Some 15 minutes later, one of them, came up to me and asked if he could take a photo of all of us. That sounded quite strange, but we obliged.

1320: As we step into the Elephanta Island, we find there is a toy train to ferry tourists, just about 500 m, to the foot of the hill that leads to the caves. We get the tickets, Rs 10 two-way. Kiddish joy as we get into the train.

1330: We are hungry and the sight of a restaurant cheers us.

1445-1730: After food, we begin the climb. Not very steep. Either sides, there are shops selling postcards, curios, t-shirts, guidebooks etc. Bargain hard. A colleague bought a Ganesha idol. Initial price quoted: Rs 200. Offered Rs 100 and walked ahead. The price dropped dramatically and after a bit more of bargaining, got it for Rs 100.

We go around all the 5 caves. Take lots of photos. Good view of the valley and the sea from the top.

This is a Unesco World Heritage centre. The sculptures, carvings and inscriptions take you to a different world. Some of the sculptures are damaged. There is a Shivling. At some portions of the vast cave complex, restoration work is going on. Good crowd.

Interestingly, there is a beer bar at the top of the hill, like one at the foot. A good view of the Arabian Sea. The mat-like design on chairs and tables is particularly striking.

1730-1840: We are back on the boat travelling back. It is much more enjoyable as sun has gone behind clouds, there is good strong breeze.

1900-2015: We get into Cafe Monde (Monde’s) at Colaba. It’s perhaps the most well-known joint for beer. And the food is very tasty. The ambience is addictive. It’s almost always crowded. The large room is abuzz: people trying to make themselves heard above the loud music.

We moved ahead to the ”Innside story”, a less crowded smaller room with gentle music. Though it wasn’t crowded when we came, by the time we were through, it had filled up.

2045: Back in our guesthouse. Quite tired. Though we couldn’t go around the city or do some shopping, the cruise and the visit to the cave were thoroughly enjoyable.