Mumbai Zoo / Jijabai Udyan / Byculla Zoo, Mumbai - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 5 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai Zoo, officially known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, is a zoological park located in Byculla area of Mumbai, India. It is one of the must-include places in Mumbai family packages.

Established in 1861, the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, commonly known as Rani Baug, ranks among the oldest zoos in India and is the oldest public garden in Mumbai. Originally developed during the British colonial era as a botanical garden, it was initially named Victoria Gardens or Rani Baug, which translates to Queen's Garden in Marathi. Approximately 30 years later, a zoo was incorporated into the gardens. Later, the botanical gardens was renamed Veer Mata Jijabai Bhonsale Park in honor of the esteemed mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Covering an expanse of around 50 acres, the complex includes the Byculla Zoo, also referred to as Mumbai Zoo, Rani Baug Botanical Garden, and the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum. The Mumbai Zoo is home to a diverse array of animals, birds, and reptiles from various parts of the globe. Visitors can observe species such as tigers, lions, hyenas, deer, leopards, monkeys, elephants, Nilgais, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and bears, among others. Each species is housed in a separate enclosure, complete with detailed information about the animals.

Additionally, there is an aviary for aquatic birds, where guests can stroll along a wooden bridge to interact with and photograph the stunning array of bird species present. The aviary features flamingos, herons, cranes, albino crows, pelicans, and storks, among others. A recent highlight of the zoo is the Penguin Enclosure, which accommodates seven Humboldt penguins from Seoul, maintained in specially designed cooled chambers that replicate their natural environment.

In addition to the animal exhibits, the garden boasts a vibrant botanical collection with nearly 3,000 trees, herbs, and flowering plants representing around 800 species. Notable flora includes the Flame of the Forest, Cannon Ball tree, Rose of Venezuela, Tree of Heaven, Indian Banyan, and Beggar's Bowl. Visitors may also explore the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, which showcases intriguing historical photographs of the city, archaeological artifacts, and statues. Among the attractions are the statue of King Edward VII and the impressive 75-foot David Sassoon Clock Tower located within Veer Jijamata Udyan.

Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM, Closed on Wednesdays

Entry: Rs. 50 for Adults & Rs. 25 for Children (includes entry to the Rani Baug Penguin enclosure), Rs. 300 for Foreigners