What's island life like?

What must life be like on an island that has zero traffic, dense greenery and beautiful beaches in all directions? Tranquil, you'd imagine, and definitely worth exploring as one of the few inhabited islands along India's long coastline - right here, off Mumbai's coastline. An hour-long boat ride from the Gateway of India takes you to Elephanta Island (once called Gharapuri) that houses the UNESCO World Heritage Site Elephanta caves, Buddhist stupas, a lake, giant cannons and the peace and quiet of surreal villages.

Speaking of The Elephanta Island Experience, Mohit Bagadia, founder of Swadesee says, "From the caves, we walk through a dense jungle to arrive at our local expert's village - which was recently electrified - to understand the culture and daily life of the Agri and Koli communities that call the island home. Imagine watching the well-lit skyline of Mumbai, shining brightly across the harbour while their own homes had no electricity until last year. Almost everyone on the island catered to tourists by selling souvenirs and trinkets, but the other side of this beautiful paradise was always unexplored."

Participants will be served a homemade lunch

The idea took shape when local Siddhant Padte, who runs a restaurant, Elephanta Tours and the 'I love Elephanta' clean-up campaign introduced Bagadia to Milind Mahadev Mhatre, a local who is passionate about sustainable development of the island.

"A tour with the locals makes more sense as the experience is enriching, authentic and has sustainability advantages. Once these local communities see the value in preserving their heritage, they will ensure it is conserved better than any third party commercial interest. Also, from a social perspective, meeting locals first-hand bridges the gap between us. On the tour, lunch will be served at Mhatre's home in the village of Raj Bunder," adds Bagadia.

On June 30, 8.45 am to 3 pm starting poinT Gateway of India
Lo gon to insider.in
Cost Rs 1,750 (including guided visit, return ferry tickets, island entry fee, train ride from Elephanta jetty to the base of the caves and breakfast and lunch).

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