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Haji Ali Dargah, a mosque and a dargah to Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, is a famous tourist attraction in Mumbai. Located on an islet near the coast of Worli, the Dargah is a magnificent monument. Haji Ali, as the locals call it, is the resting place of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. He was a Sufi saint and a rich merchant in his time. He lived in Uzbekistan before travelling to and eventually settling in Mumbai. A very spiritual person who gave up all his worldly possessions before embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca, a holy site for Muslims, he requested that he be not buried in any place or graveyard. He further requested that his shroud (kafan, a cloth used to cover a person) be dropped into the ocean instead and duly be buried wherever it came to rest. Thus, the Haji Ali Dargah that stands today is built on the very place upon which the shroud eventually came to rest upon. According to local legends, Haji Ali is also linked to folklore about doomed lovers.
That’s an interesting place to visit in Mumbai for both spiritual believers and history buffs. But, when in Mumbai, there is so much you can do in the vicinity. From architectural marvels to legendary shrines to experiential evenings, there is something to do for everyone. And we have compiled a list of the absolute best.
Here are some other locations to check out while visiting Haji Ali
For a spiritual quest
1. Haji Ali
The list cannot start without including Haji Ali itself. A beautiful monument shrouded in history and local folk tales, Haji Ali Dargah is a hotspot when it comes to tourist attractions. People from all faiths and religions travel to Haji Ali, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. If you plan on visiting Haji Ali Dargah, especially on Fridays, you can enjoy Qawwali music as some Sufi musicians come down to the Dargah to perform the devotional music.
2. Mahalakshmi Temple
Mahalakshmi Temple is one of the most famous temples in Mumbai. The temple is located just one kilometre from Mahalakshmi railway station, which places it in the nearby vicinity of Haji Ali. The temple is hundreds of years old, lending it an exciting charm of history and faith. It warrants a visit while visiting Haji Ali.
3. Babulnath Temple
Babulnath Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva sure does have an interesting history. Originally built when a Hindu king consecrated Shiv Ling and other idols on this land in the 12th century, the temple unfortunately got buried and the idols were lost underground. The original idols were ultimately rediscovered in the eighteenth century and thus rebuilt into a temple. Out of the original five idols, four are in place in the temple while one was immersed in the sea due to it being broken during the process of unearthing.
4. St. Thomas Cathedral
St. Thomas Cathedral is a three hundred years old church dedicated to Saint Thomas the Apostle. He is thought to have been the first person to bring Christianity over to India. The church is located in a historic place in Mumbai called the Horniman Circle. It is one of the oldest churches in India and holds an iconic place among the famous landmarks in Mumbai.
For the architecture enthusiasts
5. Gateway Of India
Gateway of India, a structure that is the most famous symbol that comes to mind when one thinks of Mumbai, was built in the early twentieth century to mark the event of King-Emperor George V visiting India. It was celebrated because he was the first British monarch to visit India. Built-in beautiful styles of Gujarati architecture with a mix of Islamic influence as well, the Gateway of India is an exquisite example of Indian architecture. Located near Haji Ali, it is a must-visit.
6. Worli Fort
An interesting visit for architecture and history lovers alike, the Worli Fort was built by the British around 1675. At the time, the fort served as a lookout location used to keep an eye on enemy ships and pirates to keep the coast safe. It is now a monument that stands as a symbol of the rich history that India possesses. It will surely make for an exciting visit to explore its historic premises.
7. Banganga
Legend has it Banganga came into existence when Lord Ram, along with his brother Lord Laxman, stopped at this place and asked his brother to bring him some water to drink. Lord Laxman then proceeded to shoot an arrow into the ground from which sprouted water which formed what is now called Banganga. In present times, it is now a pond surrounded by monuments of temples that are well looked after and maintained.
8. Sea Link
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link, or just the Sea Link as called by the locals, is an architectural marvel built to connect two points of land. The longest sea bridge in India at 5.6 kilometres, architecture lovers should indulge themselves and go for a car ride along the lengths of the bridge, to fully marvel at the architectural wonder.
To unwind
9. Palladium Mall
An amazing luxurious mall housing all top brands, head to the Palladium after a visit to Haji Ali to indulge in some amazing retail therapy. An impressively huge mall, you will be spoilt for choices while shopping for yourself and your loved ones. The mall also offers great options when you want to relax and recharge with nice food and ambience, the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring.
10. No Borders
If you want to end your day with some shopping but with an unconventional touch, look no further than the amazing No Borders. It is a retail store that is situated in a 300 years old bungalow. It functions as a pioneer store of its sort housing various options for you to shop in fashion, art and culture as well. What sets it apart from other stores is that it walks hand in hand with the rich culture of India as it very efficiently works to maintain the culture and history of the bungalow as well, offering an insight into the bygone times.
11. NSCI
The National Sports Club of India, Mumbai, is the perfect spot to visit if you want to just relax after a long, tiring day. Not just a sports club, this club offers a plethora of options to its guests looking to unwind. Outdoor movies, plays, amazing restaurants and many more options help people relax according to their preferences.
12. Chowpatty
Head to Chowpatty, the beach strip also houses several kiosks that serve the famous street food of Mumbai. If you want to take in the soft sea breeze while amazing the sea and exploring the delicious street food, Chowpatty is the place for you to visit to experience breezy Bombay.
13. Opera House
Opera House, a perfect way to experience culture and entertainment in SoBo, as South Bombay is called by its locals, has something for everyone. With an impressive figure of two hundred shows of a plethora of genres around the year, it assures entertainment for people from all walks of life. Head to the Opera House for an excitingly unique experience that is sure to leave you impressed.
14. Marine Drive
Marine Drive, a glittering strip crowning the beach, offers amazing views to people of the beach on one side and the hustling visions of Mumbai on the other side. Locals as well as tourists throng to the Marine Drive strip for evening or early morning walks with some amazing views. You will always see people walking here while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea being sold by kiosk people.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.