In the local dialect, "Apani Dhani" means "Our Hamlet", an affectionate name given to the place by Ramesh C. Jangid, founder of the ecolodge and a pioneer of a form of militant tourism in India, especially in Rajasthan and his own native region of Nawalgarh.  

Get off the beaten track in India with a stay at Apani Dhani Ecolodge

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Elephanta Island is off the coast of Mumbai and is one of the best day's out during a holiday in the city.

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For me, discovering India is alternating between the urban cacophony and the silence of temples, remote villages and wild nature. And in this spirit, Elephant Island was a real breath of fresh air during my stopover in Mumbai. Although India's economic capital is fascinating, whatever anyone claims, a green hideaway, which is also cultural, also exists. Especially at the start of the famous Gateway of India! First of all, the crossing hair blowing in the wind. Then, a short step from the dyke up to the site's entrance. I assure you, nothing too strenuous. Then just a bit further on the right, it starts. The 1st enchanting cave. Ganesh, Parvati, Ardhanarisvara...lose yourself. And the dominating Shiva, handling a naga, sends shivers down your spine. <a data-mce-href="http://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/244/" href="http://whc.unesco.org/fr/list/244/" target="_blank">The Elephanta Caves</a> are fabulous and from their terraces, the view encourages visitors to linger...

Only 10km from Mumbai on an island in the Oman Sea, Elephant Island is unmissable for its caves, classified a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Elephanta Island earned its name after the discovery of an elephant statue by Portuguese conquistadors. The elephant statue has long since been on show in the Victoria and Albert Museum, but the statues in honour of Hindu divinities, Shiva in particular, are still in their original location. Once we arrived on the island, we bought our tickets and hopped on the train. It's not a long journey and you're not obliged to go there by train! We crossed a forest, avoiding monkeys that are known to steal food and cameras from tourists and finally reached the caves that had been carved out of the rocks Lots of guides will offer tours, but we decided to use a site map that you can pick up at the entrance, which describes the statue and low relief sculptures. The caves are really humid, but sublime nonetheless. Most of the sculptures narrate the well known story of Lord Shiva's life including an 8-metre high statue showing his 3 faces. All in all it gives a good insight into Hindu beliefs. The souvenir sellers on Elephanta Island are less persistant than in town and their prices are cheaper in comparison to Colaba Causeway. I also recommend the grilled maize if you fancy a bite to eat!

Elephanta Island is off the coast of Mumbai and is one of the best day's out during a holiday in the city.

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