Haji Ali - Discover The God Within

Haji Ali's Tomb is a mausoleum built in the memory of Haji Ali, a Muslim saint who was drowned while on pilgrimage to Mecca. It is accessible by a narrow causeway and is one of the landmarks of Mumbai.The mausoleum is set 500 yards in to the sea and can be reached only in low tide. During high tide the connecting causeway is submerged in water giving the impression that the mosque and tomb are floating out at sea in splendid isolation.

Memoirs
The dargah was built in 1431 by a wealthy Muslim merchant named Haji Ali, who renounced all his worldly possessions and meditated on a nearby headland following a pilgrimage to Mecca. However he died on his way to Mecca and his body, in its casket floated back to Mumbai.

As many as 40,000 pilgrims visit the shrine on Thursdays and Fridays. Non-Muslims are also permitted to walk on the causeway and into the mosque compound. The only area out of bounds for non-Muslims is the Sanctum-Sanctorum of the mosque itself
Structure
The structure is a slim solitary minaret. It is linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway, which is practically non-reachable during rough monsoon, tides. Behind the sculpted entrance, a marble courtyard contains the central shrine. Hundreds of worshippers stoop to press their forehead against the richly brocaded red and green chaddar covering the tomb, lying in an exquisite silver frame supported by marble pillars and is decorated with artful mirror work: blue, green, yellow chips of glass arranged in kaleidoscopic patterns interspersed with Arabic patterns which spell the ninety-nine names of Allah.

Scoop
Place - Mumbai
Area -4500 metres
Altitude- 26 m
Built In - 1451
Built By - Haji Usman Rangikar
Best Season To Visit - October to March
Local Transport - Metred taxis, Auto rickshaws and buses

Accommodation Options

• Taj Mahal Hotel and Taj Mahal Intercontinental
• Ambassador Hotel
• Ritz Hotel
• Oberoi Hotel
• Hotel President
• Centaur Hotel
• Hotel Airport Plaza
• Hotel Sun -n- Sand
• Leela Kempinski
• Hotel Sea Princess
• Holiday Inn
• Ramada Inn Palm

Mumbai Times
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1068342

Map Of Mumbai
http://www.maps-india.com/mumbai/mumbai-map.html
Getting There
The Haji Ali Mosque in Mumbai can be reached during the low tide only. The Mosque lies opposite to the famous Mahalakshmi temple and can be approached from Lala Rajpatrai Marg. There are flights , trains and buses that connects Mumbai with places outside. Local trains, auto rickshaws, taxis or buses are available to take tourists to Haji Ali Mosque