Mumbai: MTDC’s newly renovated Chalukya restaurant is open today. The restaurant is situated close to the ticket counter of Elephanta caves, right at the stairs towards cannon point.

The open air restaurant which was initially closed for a couple of months is now functional for the visitors at Elephanta Caves. This is one of the oldest – famous restaurants run by MTDC, with mesmerising ambiance, they serve veg food with a bar arrangements. The restaurant opens at 10 am to sunset serving all day breakfast and meals. Every day more than 150-200 people visit the restaurant and the number increasing during weekends and season time. The air-conditioned restaurant is designed in a way that tourists get to enjoy the cool sea-breeze while relishing a relaxed lunch.

Parag Jaiin Nainuttia (IAS) Managing Director, MTDC says, “Chalukya restaurant is one of the beautiful restaurant situated at Elephanta Caves, which gives an amazing view of the Mumbai harbour. After the overwhelming response from tourists across the globe, we decided to renovate the place to enhance the experience. We have introduced air-conditioned rooms and the restaurant is also available for private parties, conferences and functions.”

Elephanta Caves, a relic from the 5th and 8th century AD, is located at a distance of nine nautical miles across the sea on the island from the Gateway of India. Elephanta caves rock cut stone sculptures of Lord Shiva hence since the centuries the place is a Hindu pilgrimage and was known as Gharapuri. Besides the Hindu temple caves, there are two caves dedicated to Buddhism hence Elephanta caves are also part of Buddhism tourism in India.

Presently, this majestic historic monument is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and it is the major tourist attraction in Mumbai.

Source : Lokesh Shastri