The wild world of patterns, scales and textures is in the heart of Mumbai! The famous Byculla Zoo lets you immerse in the beauty of wildlife like no other place. A city where all you see is tall buildings and corporate offices nestles the popular Jijamata Udyan. Surrounded by lush greenery and a relaxing vibe, this zoo is a hotspot for all age groups.
What’s more? The zoo attracts tourists throughout the year because of the penguins. Along with this, you get to stroll in nature as you watch the world go by. From amphibians to reptiles and mammals, it is literally like turning pages of an animal picture book.
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History of Byculla Zoo, Mumbai
You are sure to come across the many names of Byculla. Some people call it Rani Baug while others say Jijamata Udyan. Let’s understand the logic for multiple names. Initially, a botanical garden was supposed to be made in Sewri in 1835.
However, the project was then shifted to Byculla for the construction of a garden under the name of Queen Victoria. It was then named Victoria Gardens (garden of the Queen Victoria). That’s why locals started calling it Rani (queen) Baug (garden).
Later, the government wanted an Indian name for the garden. That’s when it was named after the mother of Shivaji Maharaj. That’s how Victoria Gardens turned into Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan or Jijamata Udyan. The zoo is located in Byculla that’s why it is popularly also known as Byculla Zoo.
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Byculla Zoo: Everything you can spot here!
Byculla Zoo is spread across a massive landscape thereby allowing you to discover a lot here. While the zoo is known for wild animals, it is also a great place to rejuvenate. Mumbai, surrounded by high-rise buildings, hardly gives a chance to witness greens all around. That’s when Jijamata Udyan soothes your soul!
Byculla Zoo is home to more than 300 species of different animals. Right in the heart of Mumbai, wild animals find their natural habitat. Moreover, many conservation efforts have been taken to protect the wildlife and increase the count of animals here. Let’s understand the fascinating species of the zoo.
1. Elephants
Elephants are the first that you meet in the Byculla Zoo. As you walk through the well-manicured lanes, you can spot giant elephants. It’s a huge enclosure allowing you to take pictures too.
2. The Cat Family
No, we are not talking about the little cats you see every day. Byculla Zoo is home to the big cats too! Yes, you can spot the giant lions here. A huge enclosure is made for the national animal of India, the tiger. Moreover, the zoo also has two leopards in a special enclosure. You can be lucky if you visit during their feeding hours.
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3. Monkeys
Monkeys look alike but there are many different species of them. There are three big enclosures for monkeys at Byculla Zoo. You can witness them playing and hanging on the tree branches. You can spot langurs and bonnet macaques at the zoo. They are medium-sized, playful and mischievous too.
4. Bird Aviary
A giant and beautiful bird aviary is built to create a natural environment for the flying species. As you walk through the aviary, you can spot many pelicans, storks, cranes, herons, ducks and spoonbills. A special artificial waterfall is made for these aquatic birds. Do you know it is an open cage? Yes, birds can obviously be flying over your head.
Apart from the aquatic birds, you can spot different species of parrots, hornbills and macaws. The aviary also has a white crow which clearly steals the show! Peahen and peacocks are also a part of the zoom.
5. Other animals
Byculla Zoo is home to so many species of wild animals. You can spot wolves, sloth bears, hyenas and jackals. There are four different types of deer including spotted, sambar, swamp (barasingha) and barking deer.
Byculla Zoo also has a butterfly park where these colourful species keep flying in splendour. Crocodiles, gharials and otters also find their homes in the zoo.
Humboldt Penguins: The prime attraction of Byculla Zoo
Penguins in Mumbai? Yes, that’s the reality at Byculla Zoo. Jijamata Udyan is home to beautiful Humboldt penguins that are straightaway brought from Seoul, South Korea. With technological advancements and engineering techniques, a perfect environment is created for these penguins.
What’s interesting? Veterinarians, CCTV cameras and clean air circulation contribute to ensuring the smooth lifestyle of penguins. You can see them through a transparent enclosure as they swim and walk in the area.
The arrival of penguins has played an important role in boosting tourism and educating the youth.
Location, Timings and Entry Fee
Location: Railway Station, 91A, Lalbaug Flyover, near Byculla, Byculla East, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027
The zoo remains open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. It remains closed on Wednesday.
Entry Fee
The ticket price for adults is INR 50 Per Person. For children, it is INR 25 Per Person.
The ticket price for families with 2 adults and 2 children is INR 100. The same applies in the case of 2 adults and 1 child.
Entry is free for senior citizens and disabled travellers.
Essential tips for visiting the Byculla Zoo
- It is best to visit the zoo in the early morning if you want to witness animals in their active state.
- Do not make loud noises or try feeding animals. It disturbs their natural habitat.
- Since the area is all open, wear caps or carry an umbrella for heat protection.
- It also has huge garden areas, so carry a mat to sit in the shade.
- Byculla Zoo gets crowded on weekends and public holidays. Plan your visit accordingly.
- The ticket counter gets crowded so make sure to book Byculla Zoo tickets through the official website.
How to reach Byculla Zoo?
Byculla Zoo is well connected to different transportation modes. Byculla falls on central Mumbai thereby connecting the central and western railway lines.
By Railway
The nearest railway station is the Byculla station (600 metres) on the central line. The nearest railway station on the western line is Mahalaxmi station (3.7 kilometres).
By Airway
The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (16.4 kilometres). After this, you can either take a cab or travel via the railway.
By Road
Byculla Zoo is well connected via roadways. You can either take a cab or drive through a personal vehicle. Moreover, there are state-run buses that help you reach the zoo at affordable prices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are visitors permitted to bring food into Byculla Zoo?
No, snacks or any eatables are not allowed inside the zoo. All eatables are confiscated during the security check.
2. Is food available inside the zoo?
Yes, the Byculla Zoo has an eatery offering popcorn, pizza and sandwiches. You can also find soft drinks and other eatables in the eatery.
3. Are visitors allowed to carry water bottles in the zoo?
Yes, you can carry your water bottles. You can also refill the bottle at the refill machine available throughout the zoo.
4. How long is the waiting time for entering Byculla Zoo?
The waiting time for any enclosure is generally 5 to 10 minutes. You might find a smaller crowd during the weekdays.
5. Where can I stay near Byculla Zoo?
You can find many affordable hotels in Mumbai near the zoo for a comfortable time.
