Dhobi Ghat

The world's largest outdoor laundry: a complex of over 700 open-air concrete washing pens where a community of washermen (dhobis) launders shirts, hospital linens, hotel bedding, and domestic washing by hand. The best view is from the pedestrian bridge on Dr. E Moses Road near Mahalaxmi station, where you can look down into the ghat without entering — the sight of hundreds of pens being worked simultaneously, with washing hanging to dry on lines above, is one of Mumbai's most memorable.

Guided tours of the ghat itself are possible with prior arrangement. Photography from the bridge is fine; photography inside the working area requires permission from the dhobis. The Mahalaxmi Temple nearby is worth combining with a visit.

things to do sight lower parel
A story
Dhobi Ghat was established in the early 19th century and has operated continuously ever since, making it the world's largest outdoor laundry. The 731 washing pens are inherited and traded within families of washermen (dhobis), who collectively service much of Mumbai's commercial laundry — from hotels to hospitals. Each pen is identified by a personal mark that its family has used for generations.

Other places in Lower Parel