Escaping from Mumbai

Filed in archive Cities on December 4, 2007

Traveling to Mumbai can be both heavenly and hellish. The number of sights is unparalleled by any other destination of the subcontinent. So is the pollution and traffic.

If the hectic urban atmosphere starts to get to you, you can take advantage of the first law of travel in India: if you don't like where you are, keep going, you are virtually guaranteed to find a place's polar opposite within an hour or two (unless you get bogged down in traffic!).

After the excitement of Mumbai wears off (this could take a month or an hour), you can head to the nearby Elephanta Caves. These caves house a temple and statue of the Hindu deity Shiva. The statue is carved right out of the mountainside and is thought to be nearly 1400 years old.

The caves sit on an island one hour from Mumbai by ferry.

Though Elephanta Caves are probably the most impressive part of the island, they are not the only reason to visit. The island boasts some beautiful natural scenery and a plethora of eateries. Though it is not the cheapest place to buy them, souvenirs are available everywhere. Many are handcrafted.

So, if Mumbai starts to get you down, just remember, places like Elephanta Caves are a mere hour away.