For a Half Day

Elephanta Caves: Located on an island in Mumbai harbour, the Elephanta Caves are a complex of temples hewn from the rock, usually dated to between AD450 and 750. The temples are adorned with intricate sculptures of Hindu gods. Boats depart every 30 minutes Tuesday to Sunday 0900-1500, from the Gateway of India. The last departure from Elephanta is at 1730. Tickets can be bought at the Gateway of India. The journey takes approximately an hour in each direction. Indiatourism (tel: (022) 2207 4333/4) provides information on the Elephanta Caves, as does the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (tel: (022) 2202 4482; website: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in).

For a Whole Day

Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Located about 40km (25 miles) from the centre of Mumbai, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (tel: (022) 2886 6449) is a haven of peace away from the noise of the city. The visitor can spend an enjoyable day picnicking or simply meandering around the park (there is an outdoor film set, a Jain temple and three lakes) but the principal attraction is the Kanheri Caves. There are 101 numbered caves in the Kanheri complex (a working Buddhist monastery) ranging from full temples to simple living quarters. The earliest caves may have been excavated in the first century and the latest date from the 11th century. The nearest station is Boravali (on Western Railway) and there are taxis available at the station. The park is open Tuesday to Sunday 0730-1900. For further information refer to MTDC (tel: (022) 2202 4482; website: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in).

Marve and Manori beaches: Located about 50km (31 miles) northwest of the centre of Mumbai, these beaches offer beautiful unspoilt stretches of sand, which are much cleaner than the more famous beach at Juhu. At Marve, there is also an old Portuguese church and fishing village. For Marve, trains go to Malad station (Western Railway); from there it is a short taxi ride or bus 272. For Manori, the ferry goes across Manori Creek from Marve.