Dhobi Ghat (Open-Air Laundry, Mahalaxmi) Mumbai
About
The world's largest open-air laundry, Dhobi Ghat is a living heritage spectacle where over 5,000 washermen (dhobis) hand-wash clothes in rows of concrete wash pens, serving homes, hospitals, and hotels across Mumbai. An unmissable cultural icon of the city.
Basic Information
Timings
Visible from bridge anytime; guided tours 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee
Free from bridge; guided tours Rs 200-500
Best Time to Visit
Year-round (mornings best)
Place Type
Experience
How to Reach
Walk from Mahalaxmi station on Western Line, the dhobi ghat is visible from the Mahalaxmi road bridge directly outside the station
By Metro:
The nearest metro station is Mahalaxmi (0.9 km away) on the Line 3.
By Local Train:
The nearest local train station is Mahalaxmi (0.8 km away) on the Western Line.
Nearby Metro Stations
Metro stations within 5 km of Dhobi Ghat (Open-Air Laundry, Mahalaxmi)
Nearby Local Train Stations
Local train stations within 3 km of Dhobi Ghat (Open-Air Laundry, Mahalaxmi)
History
Established in 1890 during British colonial rule to serve the laundry needs of the rapidly growing city of Bombay. Generations of dhobi families have worked the same wash pens for over 130 years, making it a living example of hereditary urban labour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Opening Hours
Visible from bridge anytime; guided tours 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Entry Fee
Free from bridge; guided tours Rs 200-500
Type
Experience
Best Time to Visit
Year-round (mornings best)
How to Reach
Accessible via local trains to Malad station, short taxi or auto-rickshaw ride
Over 5,000 dhobis wash approximately 500,000 garments per day
Each garment is tracked using a unique coding system so nothing gets lost
The dhobi ghat featured prominently in the acclaimed Bollywood film 'Dhobi Ghat' (2011)
The best vantage point is the Mahalaxmi road bridge directly outside the station
Guided walking tours take you inside the laundry area for a close-up experience (Rs 200-500)
Morning light (8-10 AM) is best for photography as the dhobis are most active
Nearby Attractions
Other popular places to visit near Dhobi Ghat (Open-Air Laundry, Mahalaxmi)
Dhobi Ghat (Open Air Laundry), Mahalaxmi
Experience
Dhobi Ghat (Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat)
Cultural
Gloria Church (Our Lady of Glory), Byculla
Religious
Mahalaxmi Racecourse
Sports
Magen David Synagogue (Byculla)
Religious
Rani Baug Botanical Garden (Victoria Gardens)
Nature
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla
Museum
Bhau Daji Lad Museum (Byculla)
Museum
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Museum
Mahalaxmi Racecourse (Horse Racing)
Sports