Attraction
Gateway of India
The 1924 basalt arch on the Apollo Bunder waterfront, built to mark a royal visit and now the departure point for Elephanta ferries.
Haji Ali Dargah
A whitewashed 15th-century Sufi shrine and mosque on an islet in Haji Ali Bay, reached by a long causeway that floods at high tide.
At a glance
- Type
- Mosque and Sufi shrine
- Area
- Worli, Mumbai, India
Good to know
- Free entry
- Causeway walk
Why we recommend it
The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and shrine on a small islet in Haji Ali Bay, off the Worli coast. It holds the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a Sufi saint and merchant from Bukhara, and the original structure dates from 1431. It is one of the most visited religious sites in Mumbai, drawing people of all faiths, and the sight of the white building apparently floating offshore is one of the classic images of the city.
The shrine is reached by a causeway about a kilometre long with no railings. It is only usable at low tide; when the tide comes in, the sea covers it and the dargah is cut off. The building itself is in the Indo-Islamic style, whitewashed and set on a marble courtyard, and the main hall is decorated with mirror work in patterns spelling out the 99 names of Allah. The complex was extensively renovated in the 1960s, and a major structural upgrade began in 2008. Since a Bombay High Court ruling in 2016, women have been able to enter the inner sanctum again.
The causeway walk is part of the experience, with the open sea on both sides and the shrine growing larger as you approach. It can be very crowded on Thursdays and Fridays and during religious festivals. Check the tide times before you go, and allow around an hour to walk out, visit and return. The sea views back towards the city skyline are best in the late afternoon.
The dargah is a place of worship, so dress modestly, with shoulders and legs covered; women may want a scarf to cover their heads, and everyone removes their shoes before entering the shrine. Photography is generally fine on the causeway, but be respectful inside. The causeway is level but has no railings and can be slippery after rain or spray, which matters if you are with small children. During the monsoon the sea can be rough and access may be restricted.
Haji Ali is on the western shore of central Mumbai, between Worli and the Mahalaxmi area, and most visitors come by taxi. The Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat open-air laundry is a short taxi ride away, so the two are easy to combine, and Marine Drive and Girgaum Chowpatty lie further south along the same coast for an evening walk.
Haji Ali Dargah FAQs
Can you visit at any time?
Only when the tide is low; the causeway floods at high tide and the dargah is cut off, so check tide times first.
Is there an entry fee?
No. The dargah is a place of worship and there is no ticket.
Can women enter the inner sanctum?
Yes. Women have been allowed back into the sanctum since a Bombay High Court ruling in 2016.
What should you wear?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and legs; shoes are removed before entering the shrine.
How long is the causeway?
About one kilometre, with no railings.
When was it built?
The original shrine dates from 1431.
When is it busiest?
Thursdays, Fridays and religious festivals bring the largest crowds.
How do you get there?
Most visitors arrive by taxi; the causeway starts on the Worli shore of Haji Ali Bay.