Situated on an islet off the coast of Mumbai, the Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and tomb named after a wealthy merchant and Sufi saint from Uzbekistan, Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. It was constructed in 1431 and is renowned for its elaborate Indo-Islamic architecture that overlooks Haji Ali Bay.
Admire the intricate carvings and soaring minaret of the Haji Ali Dargah as you approach along the narrow causeway that connects from the Kinara Masjid. It features a marble courtyard and pillared main hall, which is decorated with colourful glass chips interspersed with Arabic calligraphy.
Discover the legend of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari who gave up all of his worldly possessions to make a pilgrimage to Mecca before settling in Mumbai near where the shrine is located today. Visit on a Friday, when thousands of pilgrims flock to the mosque and Sufi musicians can often be heard playing devotional Qawwali music.
Getting there
Haji Ali Dargah is a 25-minute walk from the Mumbai Central railway station, with buses and rickshaws also available outside the station. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is around 30 minutes’ drive away.