Taking into consideration that Mumbai is located on the coast, it comes as no surprise that Mumbai has a harbor called Mumbai Harbour. However, one of the key features that Mumbai Harbour, as well as Mumbai in general, is noted for is Elephanta Island. Elephanta Island is just one of the many islands located in Mumbai Harbour; however, this island in particular attracts a number of tourists and visitors every single year. The actual island is located not very far off of the mainland of Mumbai, only about ten kilometers.

Elephanta Island first received its name way back in the seventeenth century, in which Portuguese explorers found a massive sculpture of an elephant right at the main access point of the island. The island has an area of around six miles and can only be accessed by boat, usually a ferry from the Mumbai mainland. To arrange a trip to Elephanta Island, the most convenient way is to take a trip to the popular Gateway of India. Tickets can be bought in a variety of places, but considering that ferries depart for the island directly from the Gateway of India, buying tickets there is probably the best idea.

It is a safe bet to say that Elephanta Island's most popular feature is the various caves and cave temples that are carved right into the rock on the island; these caves naturally boast the name "Elephanta Caves." Typically upon arriving on the island, a train will take people directly from the pier to the base of the caves for a small fee. Aside from the caves, Elephanta Island is home to a small population of inhabitants (a little more than 1,000 people), consisting of three different villages. The island is also plentiful in exotic trees.