Moments Shoot's Photo Walk 40 - Birding @ Elephanta Caves on 12th Apr 2015

Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves, taluka Uran, district Raigad is located on island hills about 11 km north-east of the Apollo Bandar, Mumbai and 7 km from the shore of the mainland, approximately covering an area of 7 km in circumference. The island is named after a colossal elephant found in the island, which is popularly known as ‘Gharapuri’. At present, the statue of elephant is housed at Jijamata Garden in Mumbai. In ancient period, the place is variously identified as Puri which is mentioned in the Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II. It seems, different dynasties held their sway over this island, namely, the Konkan-Mauryas, Trikutakas, Chalukyas of Badami, Silaharas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Yadavas of Deogiri, Muslim rulers of Ahmedabad and then by the Portuguese. The Marathas also had this island under their control and from them it passed into the control of the British.



There are seven cave excavations in the Elephanta group and these are datable from circa 6th – 7th centuries A.D. Among the cave excavations, the Cave 1 is the most impressive which represents the evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture. The cave is also famous for the exquisite and vibrant sculptures. On plan it almost resembles the Dumar Lena (Cave 29) of Ellora. The cave has a main entrance on the north with two other openings on the east and west respectively and a central hall with six rows of pillared columns, six in each row except on the western corner, where a shrine of lingam is provided.





On plan, there are three large square recesses divided off by pilasters each of them bearing a gigantic image of a dvarapala. The panel on the east has a figure of ardhanarisvara, a form of Siva with the combined energies of male and female; and on the west figures of Siva and Parvati playing chausar is carved. The central recess holds the most famous and remarkable sculpture of this period known as the Mahesa-murti. It is a colossal bust of the three forms of Siva, the aghora, turbulent and fearsome; tatpurusha, benign and meditative and vamadeva, mild pleasing and lovable. The other notable panels in the main cave are Andhakasuravada murti; cosmic dance of Nataraja; Kalyanasundara murti; Gangadhara murti; Ravana shaking Kailasa and Siva as Lakulisa. A panel depicting Saptamatrikas near the eastern opening is also remarkable.


Birding at Elephanta Caves




This is the good time to visit elephanta caves for Birding. Birds like Iora, Magpie Robin, Brahminy Kite, Coppersmith Barbet, Golden Oriole, Black Kite, green leaf warbler etc birds can be spotted during the trail.


  (Courtesy: Internet)


This photo walk is for whom?
  • Shutter Bugs (Photographers)
  • Bird Admirers
  • Children / School Children's
  • Families / Friends 
  • In short Everyone !!!



Photo Walk Schedule:
  • Gather at Gate way of India @ 7:30 am 
  • Head towards Elephanta Caves by Ferry @ 8:00 am
  • Reach Elephanta and start Cannon Hill Trail.
  • Visit the Caves and experience the beautiful architecture.
  • Have lunch @ 12:30 pm
  • After lunch start Uran Jetty Trail.
  • Start the return journey to Gate way of India  @ 3:00  pm
  • Bid adieu and return to respective destinations.

Things to Carry:
  • 1-2 Ltrs Water (MUST)
  • Breakfast for the day (MUST)
  • Cap (MUST)
  • Wear neutral color cloths - Do not wear bright color cloths
  • Binoculars (Optional)
  • Camera (Optional - Capture the moments in your Heart !!!)


Cost 
All expenses will be done as per they arise, by individual members, This event is for Photography and fun.


 
Confirmation call on: Nikhil 9820 432 576 / Amar 8652 771 932

Rules
    • All our Photo-walk's are Eco-friendly, kindly take care of nature around us. 
    • Smoking and Drinking alcohol during, Photo-walk is strictly prohibited if anyone found doing that will be expelled from Photo-walk without refund.
    • Respect the Heritage and culture. Do Not Litter, Participants are requested to carry the waste back to the city and dispose it off in dustbins.
    • Leader’s decision will be final and binding on all members. No Arguments will be entertained.
    • Moments Shoot is not liable in any way whatsoever for any injury or loss (including any indirect or consequential loss) of any kind to person or property suffered by any participant whether by reason of any act or omission, deliberate or negligent. 
    Regards,
    Moments Shoot


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