Dhobi Ghat

Mumbai

Dhobi Ghat
Dhobi Ghat
Dhobi Ghat
Dhobi Ghat showing a city
Dhobi Ghat

Walk amid the labyrinth of alleys of this fascinating open-air laundry, where hundreds of workers painstakingly hand wash much of the city’s clothing.

Experience the enthralling sights, sounds and smells of the hard-working Dhobi Ghat, a huge open-air laundry community. Stroll between washing pens and meet the dhobis (laundrymen) for the chance to see a slice of quintessential Mumbai and Indian culture. Dhobi Ghat dates back to 1890 and today is home to hundreds of dhobis and their families. Almost all of the dhobis learn the trade as an occupation passed down by generations of skilled workers. Preview this setting in the 2011 film Dhobi Ghat (or Mumbai Diaries).

A great place to appreciate the enormity of the community is from the flyover outside the nearby train station. Look down on the multitude of concrete washing pens, squeezed together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. See couriers carrying bags of clothing on their backs, on bicycles and on hand-pulled carts. The washermen serve the needs of individuals, hospitals, hotels and restaurants. Marvel at the fabrics that hang in a rainbow of colors from row upon row of washing lines.

Walk down the stairs to witness the action up-close. Watch as the dhobis stand in pools of water, soak the clothes and then thrash them on more than 700 flogging stones, sending soap suds swirling into the air. Then items are dropped into vats of starch before being hung to dry. Take a moment to reflect on how this apparent chaos is actually a remarkably efficient operation.

As you explore this curious community you’ll be able to peek inside the humble homes of its resident families. Spot groups of children coming and going from the school. Look and listen for temples including the Haji Daood Masjid and Santoshi Mata Mandir.

Dhobi Ghat is about a 25-minute drive from Colaba and Kala Ghada, two of Mumbai’s most popular coastal tourist areas. Get here via tuk-tuk or taxi or ride a train to Mahalaxmi station.

Visit Dhobi Ghat any day and pay a nominal donation. Hire a charismatic English-speaking guide for valuable inside information. Many workers are happy to engage in conversations and pose for photos, although you should be respectful of their privacy.


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Dhobi Ghat Hotel Deals

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Palm Grove

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Palm Grove

5 out of 5
Juhu Beach, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra
$90 nightly
The price is $107 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$107 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (750 reviews)
Nice hotel let down by pool area
"The hotel itself was excellent. Room was nice, Service and staff were brilliant. However the pool area let it down badly. Not the pool. That was great. But the area was never cleaned or washed down on an evening. It was so dirty. Tables were not cleared and the pool side was disgusting. Need to invest ..."

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Palm Grove
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

5 out of 5
IA Project Road, Chhatrapati Shivaji Intl Airport, Mumbai, Maharashtra
$114 nightly
The price is $134 total per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
$134 total
Oct 20 - Oct 21
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy free valet parking, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Professional and courteous staff"

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2025

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The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

5 out of 5
Opposite Gateway of India, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra
$227 nightly
The price is $268 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$268 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
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Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (570 reviews)
"Third time I stayed here. Came back after 20 years. Incredible level of hospitality but not the Royal standard of 20 years ago due to far more guests."

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2025

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Niranta Airport Transit Hotel & Lounge Terminal 2 Arrivals

Niranta Airport Transit Hotel & Lounge Terminal 2 Arrivals

4 out of 5
Terminal 2 , Landside Terminal, CSI Airport, Sahar, Mumbai, Maharashtra
$80 nightly
The price is $84 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$84 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
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Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
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Fairmont Mumbai

Fairmont Mumbai

5 out of 5
T2 C06 At C T S No 1405, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Int Arpt T2, Mumbai
$148 nightly
The price is $174 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$174 total
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Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Juhu Beach and Phoenix Market City ...
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Novotel Mumbai International Airport

Novotel Mumbai International Airport

5 out of 5
CTS 1359, Andheri - Kurla Rd, Marol, next to Airport Metro Station, Mumbai
$86 nightly
The price is $102 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$102 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Mumbai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (235 reviews)
"The staff were very attentive to our needs.nothing was beyond their capacity to fulfill. The food was catered for all taste buds what ever their country and culture. I saw many happy faces.The room spacious and clean. The art work in Lobby blew me away."

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Novotel Mumbai International Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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