Haji Ali Mosque

This iconic structure can be seen from the coast of Mumbai and is located entirely on an island in the Arabian Sea, about 500 meters from the mainland. According to legend, thanks to the miracles that Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari performed, he was considered a saint and was followed and worshiped by many people. Before his death, he expressed his wish that his shroud be soaked in water, not buried in the ground. His followers complied with the wish and built a tomb at the place where his shroud rested after being adrift at sea.

The structure has white domes and minarets reminiscent of Mughal architecture and is a popular pilgrimage and tourist site enjoyed by both Muslims and non-Muslims. Adjacent to the Mosque is a small marble minaret 25m high. Both the Mosque and minaret are made from pure white solid marble with beautiful mirror carvings and decorations. A belief repeated here is that whoever prays to the holy Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari will never be disappointed. The project is a quiet and peaceful oasis, floating in the middle of the gentle blue sea, away from the chaos of the mainland.

Live qawwali and sufi music performances take place most afternoons. Thursday and Friday are special days at Dargah (grave) and there is a large number of devotees on these days. People who visit this place often pray and ask for the fulfillment of their wishes and seek blessings from the saint. On special religious occasions such as Urs (the saint's death anniversary) and Eid (Islamic religious festivals), this heritage monument is beautifully decorated and followed by Islamic rituals. Another is Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, which marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

Address: Lala Lajpatrai Marg, Haji Ali junction, Near the entrance to Haji Ali durgah, Dargah Rd, Haji Ali, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026, India

Opening hours: daily 06:00 - 20:30