Day 78 Mumbai, India

Today was just incredible! That's why they call it "Incredible India". The Kanheri caves were great but they we overshadowed by the magic of everyday life in India. It is constant sensory overload when you are here. The diversity, the colors and not knowing what will hit you next keeps you in a constant state of amazement. It was a wonderful day. Tomorrow, I hit the tourist trail again and will do another ship’s tour. Here is the description: Elephanta Caves

The temples on Elephanta Island, carved out of rock, date back to between 450 BC and AD 75--the period when the island was known as the "Fortress City." The Portuguese renamed it Elephanta after the large stone elephant they found near the point where their ships docked. Today, you will visit the caves at the top of a stairway from the landing place. The outside of the main cave consists of a verandah, and at each end of the facade is a pillar carved in one of the various manifestations of Lord Shiva. The most outstanding sculpture is that with three faces representing the Hindu trinity: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer of evil). Shiva's service to humanity is depicted in other panels as well. In one sculpture, he is shown bringing the River Ganges to earth; in another he destroys the demon Andhaka. Other scenes show Shiva accompanied by his consort Parvati.