Location : Mumbai
Significance : Muslim Pilgrimage
Best time to Visit :All throughout the year
About Haji Ali

Dedicated
to Allah, Haji Ali is a mosque and dargah (tomb)situated on the a small
island on the coast of Worli in Mumbai. It was built in 1431, and the place
is learnt to be the mausoleum of a Muslim saint who is said to have died on
his way to the pilgrimage of Mecca. Locally known as dargah, this holy land
is a tribute to the merchant. History has marked the pilgrimage place with
the immortal belief of fulfilling one's wish list by the almighty. The
religious power of the place is so strong that devotees of all caste and
communities stand in queue to offer prayer to Allah and to pay their tribute
to the Sufi saint who lies buried here. The entire tomb covers an area of 4,
500 m complemented with an 85 foot high tower. Like all the Masjid of
Maharashtra, this Dargah is also taken care by the Sunni Barelvi Movement of
India.
An eye-catching view of Haji Ali comes at the time of sunset, when the
red-golden sunny rays hits the innumerable silver frame and multi-hued
intricate mirror gives a glittering image.
Pilgrimage to Haji Ali
The while washed mosque of Mumbai, Haji Ali is a splendid example of Mughal
art and Islamic architecture. Handcrafted with fine work of blue-green chips
of mirror and outlined with silver shades, this mosque as well as a
pilgrimage site gives a spectacular look to the visitors. It is structured
in a slim solitary minaret and the pillars glows with the inscribed 99 names
of Allah. Behind the sculptured entrance, lies the marble courtyard
shimmering with the central shrine. The pious tomb inside the shrine is
wrapped in brocaded red and green chaddar. Pilgrims from all over the world
visit the place and stoop to make their forehead touch the godly chaddar.
Separate rooms are arranged for both men and women with a proper passage to
its mainland.
The mosque is 500 yards from the sea shore, in the middle of Worli Bay and
as such visitors mostly look for its cool sea-breezy environment. The
courtyard is facilitated with a few refreshment stalls and shops , thereby
making a favorable place of recreation.
Best time to visit Haji Ali
The dargah of Haji Ali is an integral part of Mumbais heritage and
Indian culture. The rocks exposed at low tide behind the mosque kiss the sea
waves every now and then, which is why it is one of the hot spot of the
visitors. Pilgrims can visit the place throughout the year and the ideal day
to catch the religious moment is on Friday or on Thursday evenings.
Attraction near to Haji Ali mosque
Walkeshwar Temple, Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park, Taraporevala
Aquarium, Elephanta Island, Flora Fountain, Siddhivinayak Temple, Town Hall
& Asiatic Library and Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus. So during your
pilgrimage travel to Haji Ali, you can also plan to visit other famous
tourist attractions in the city of Mumbai.
Tourist Preffered Hotels
Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is among the best tourist destination of
the world. This metro city of India is developed with a number of quality
hotels and food. The staying option lies according to the tariff of the
traveler. Amongst the top rated hotels of Mumbai are the Hyatt Regency (5
star deluxe, located on Sahar airport road), Le Royal Meridien Mumbai, J W
Marriott (5 star deluxe, situated near Juhu beach), the Shalimar Hotel,
Ajanta Hotel and Le Meridien (5 star deluxe, situated in Andheri).
Distance of Haji Ali from major Indian cities
Pune: 163 km
Nasik: 185 km
Mahabaleshwar: 239 km
Shirdi: 307 km
Aurangabad: 392 km
Vadodara: 432 km
Ahmedabad: 545 kms
Panaji: 597 kms
Hyderabad: 711 kms
Bangalore: 998 kms
Haji Ali Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
By Air :Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport is
located just 29 km from the city center. It is well connected to other
cities in India as well as a few international cities through regular
flights.
By Rail : Both the central and western railways connects
Mumbai to various cities in and outside the country. The major railway
stations in Mumbai are at Dadar, Churchgate and Kurla. Also the Intra city
trains in Mumbai are the convenient and cheapest way to have a glimpse of
the charming Mumbai.
By Road :A network of well developed roads connect Mumbai
with other neighboring cities in and around Maharashtra. State transport
buses provide regular services between these cities. Also there are a number
of local vehicles and tourist buses, comfortable for a move across the busy
street of Mumbai.