Location : Mumbai
Significance : Muslim Pilgrimage
Best time to Visit : Throughout the year
About Haji Ali
Built in 1431, Haji Ali is the mausoleum of a Muslim merchant saint who is
said to have died on his way to the pilgrimage of Mecca. The body of the
saint was brought back to Bombay by Haji Usman Rangikar, the owner of the
ship in which the saint was travelling, and a dargah built as a mark of
respect. Located 500 yards into the sea from the sea shore, the beautiful
monument can be reached by a narrow pathway only during the time of low
tides. During high tide, the passage leading up to the structure is
completely submerged under water giving the impression that the tomb is
floating on water.
An opulent amalgamation of the Indo-Sarsenic style of architecture, the
snow white dome of the dargah stands dominating the west shoreline of the
city. A huge marble doorway leads to the area where the tomb lies in a
beautiful silver frame supported by a series of marble pillars. The inside
part of the huge structure consists of exquisite glass formations with the
name of the almighty carved on it in different languages.
The dargah is visited by thousands of devotees belonging to all religions
everyday. The devotees ask for wishes from the saint and believe that these
come true if wished of a pure heart. As per Muslim traditions, seperate
prayer rooms are provided for ladies and gents. The concrete walkway leading
up to the dargah is lined with shops that sell items for offerings at the
dargah as well as other articles. The structure is presently taken care of
by a local trust.
Stay At
Mumbai has some of the best hotels which provide the best in accommodation
facilities and quality food. Besides hotels, there are plenty of cheap
accommodation options ideal for the budget traveller. Amongst the top rated
hotels of Mumbai are the Hyatt Regency (5 star deluxe, located on Sahar
airport road), Taj Lands End (5 star deluxe, situated in Bandra), J W
Marriott (5 star deluxe, situated near Juhu beach), The Oberoi (5 star
deluxe, located at Nariman Point) and Le Meridien (5 star deluxe, situated
in Andheri).
Getting There
By Air : Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport is
located just 29 km from the city centre. It is well connected to other
cities in India as well as a few international cities through regular
flights. From the airport, you can hire any of the available means of
transport such as buses or taxis to reach the airport.
By Rail : Mumbai is connected to rest of the country
through trains of both the central and western railways. There are two
important railway stations located in Mumbai at Churchgate and the VT
terminus.
By Road : A network of well built roads connect Mumbai
with other neighbouring cities in and around Maharashtra. State transport
buses provide regular services between these cities.
Local Transport : Local transport in Mumbai is not a
problem with the available means of local transport being the local trains,
BEST buses, taxis and auto rickshaws.
