Haji Ali Dargah stands on a small islet off Worli in south Mumbai, joined to the shore by a causeway of nearly a kilometre. The causeway can be walked only at low tide, so the visit depends on the sea as much as on the opening hours. This guide covers the Trust’s timings, the causeway and tide, the etiquette to follow, the position on women’s access to the tomb chamber, and how to plan the journey from Navi Mumbai.
Timings and arrangements are set by the dargah Trust and can change. Check the Trust’s website or call before you travel. This guide is independent and is not run by the Trust.
Haji Ali Dargah at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where is it? | On an islet about 500 yards offshore, off Lala Lajpatrai Marg, Worli, according to the Trust’s website. |
| Visiting hours | 5:30 am to 10:00 pm, according to the Trust. Some travel guides print slightly different hours. |
| Phone | The Trust’s website lists +91 22 2352 9082. |
| What it is | A whitewashed dargah with one dome and one minaret, a marble courtyard and a tomb under a green and red cloth (Wikipedia). |
The causeway and the tide
- The causeway is nearly a kilometre long and links the islet to the Mahalaxmi side, according to Wikipedia. It is reachable only at low tide and is submerged at high tide.
- Wikipedia notes that the causeway has no railings, so walk with care, especially in wind and rain, and keep children close.
- The Trust’s website gives no tide rule, so check the tide times for your day and be ready to wait for the water to drop. Ask the people at the entrance if you are unsure.
- Do not step onto the causeway as the tide comes in, and leave enough time to return before it rises.
Etiquette
- Cover your shoulders and knees, and carry a head covering. Travel guides advise this, and the Trust’s website does not give a dress rule.
- Remove your footwear before you enter, as at any religious site.
- Ask the attendants before you take photographs inside the tomb area.
- Keep your belongings simple, since the causeway is crowded on Thursdays and Fridays.
Women and the tomb chamber
The Trust barred women from the inner tomb chamber from 2012. In August 2016 the Bombay High Court held that the ban violated the Constitution and stayed its order for six weeks to allow an appeal. In the Supreme Court the Trust later told the court it would allow women into the sanctum, and reports say women were allowed back from 29 November 2016. Arrangements on the day, such as the distance from the tomb, can differ, so confirm the current position with the Trust.
How to reach Haji Ali from Navi Mumbai
From Navi Mumbai the dargah is in south Mumbai, so you will change between lines or use a taxi for part of the way. Check live timings and see the Mumbai local train guide for the lines.
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| Harbour line then Western line | Take the Harbour line to a station where you can change to the Western line, and travel to Mahalaxmi. Allow for a taxi or a walk from the station to the causeway entrance, and confirm the distance on a map. |
| Metro Line 3 | Mahalaxmi is a station on the Aqua Line, which opened in full in October 2025 according to news reports. The walking distance from the station to the causeway has not been published, so ask or use a taxi. |
| Taxi or cab | The simplest option, particularly for elders. Ask the driver to wait for the tide. |
The Mumbai Darshan bus guide also covers sightseeing buses. The Mahalaxmi temple is nearby, and the Mahalaxmi Temple guide explains how to combine the two.
Planning a visit
- Check the tide chart first and plan your arrival for low tide.
- Go in the morning, or in the evening when the light is better, and avoid Thursday and Friday crowds if you can.
- Combine the visit with the Mahalaxmi temple, the Babulnath Temple guide or the Siddhivinayak Temple guide for a south Mumbai day.
- Wear shoes you can remove easily, and keep a bag for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Haji Ali Dargah timings?
The Trust lists 5:30 am to 10 pm. Confirm on the day, especially on festival days.
Can I walk to Haji Ali at high tide?
No. The causeway is submerged at high tide, so you must wait for low tide.
How long is the Haji Ali causeway?
Nearly a kilometre, according to Wikipedia, with no railings.
Are women allowed inside the Haji Ali tomb chamber?
The Trust told the Supreme Court in 2016 that it would allow women into the sanctum, and reports say access resumed in November 2016. Confirm the arrangements with the Trust.
How do I reach Haji Ali from Navi Mumbai?
Take the Harbour line and change to the Western line or Metro Line 3 to Mahalaxmi, then a short taxi ride, or take a taxi all the way.
What should I wear to Haji Ali?
Cover your shoulders and knees, carry a head covering and remove footwear before entering.
Sources and a note on accuracy
- Haji Ali Dargah Trust website for the visiting hours, the location and the phone number.
- Wikipedia: Haji Ali Dargah for the causeway, the structure and the 2012 ban.
- News reports on the 2016 Bombay High Court ruling and the Trust’s statement in the Supreme Court.
The tide rule, the dress code and the Navi Mumbai route are general guidance. Confirm timings and current arrangements with the Trust.
Featured photo: Haji Ali Causeway by AroundTheGlobe, licensed CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons, cropped and resized.
NaviMumbai.com is an independent information site and is not affiliated with the Haji Ali Dargah Trust.
