Mumbai has 3 Zoos. VeerMata Jigabai Bhonsale Zoo, Humboldt penguins Park and Sanjay Gandhi National Park. All 3 have their unique specialty.
01. Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Udyan, also known as the Byculla Zoo
Established in 1862, this zoo is spread over 21.44 hectares in Byculla East, Mumbai. This zoo was formerly known as Victoria Garden and is counted among the oldest zoo in India.
A famous attraction is the 2 Bengal tigers named Shakti and Karishma. You will witness many animals apart from Tigers, i.e., Hyenas, Crocodiles, elephants, hippopotamus, Bats, Parrots, Turtle, Tortoise, and swamp deer. Apart from the animals, the zoo is famous for its fauna also.
02. Humboldt penguins Park
However, this part of the Byculla zoo is being shown separately due to the unique attraction of 7 penguins named Bubble, Molt, Donald, Daisy, Popeye, Olive, and Flipper. They have become famous and even today draw many visitors to the park. They opened for public display in 2017.
The 1700 square feet space is well maintained at a cooling point of 16 degrees celsius to create a conducive temperature for the penguins who survive in cold climates only.
More than 10 crores of revenue have been generated by Byculla zoo after these penguins were introduced for public viewing, and the visitor count also has crost 25 lacs within 2 years.
These penguins were brought from Seoul, South Korea, in 2016 at around Rs. 45 crores.
Timings of the Park are as follows; however, this being Covid time, kindly check the dates and timings before visiting the park.
Timings and Entry Fee for Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Udyan and Humboldt penguins Park
Timing:
- Monday:- 9:00 Am – 6:00 Pm
- Tuesday:- 9:00 Am – 6:00 Pm
- Wednesday:- Closed
- Thursday:- 9:00 Am – 6:00 Pm
- Friday:- 9:00 Am – 6:00 Pm
- Saturday:- 9:30 Am – 6:00 Pm
- Sunday:- 9:00 Am – 6:00 Pm
Entry Fee:
- Indian National – Adult: Rs. 50, Children: Rs. 25,
- Indian Family – Husband + Wife + 2 Children: Rs.100
- Foreigner National – Adult: Rs. 400, Children: Rs. 200
- Photo Camera – Rs. 100
- Video Camera – Rs. 300
Facilities in the Zoo
- Baggage counter souvenir shop
- Drinking water fountains
- Rainwater shelters
- Interpretation Center
- Child Care center
- Public Toilets
- Cafe and Eatery
Address of the Zoo:
Veermata Jijabai Bhosle Udyan-Zoo, Mumbai,
Dr. B.Ambedkar Road, Byculla (East),
Mumbai – 400 027, Maharashtra.
How to Reach
- Mumbai Internation Airport: 16 Kms.
- Byculla Railway Station: 550 Mtrs.
- Road – Several City Bus and Taxi service is available throughout Mumbai and is easily accessible by Road.
03. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is also known as Borivali National park and is easily accessible by Road or railway. The National Park houses 274 species of birds, 35 species of mammals, 170 species of butterflies, and 1300+ species of trees. It is a forest in itself.
Apart from Zoo, The Sanjay Gandhi National Park also has Kanheri Caves, Mini train, Boating, Lion Tiger Safari, and Gandhi Tekri. You can enjoy the scenic view of the forest and the city.
Here is some information that will be handy before you plan your visit.
Entry Fees and timing for the National Park, Mini Train, Lion Tiger Safari, and Kanheri Caves
Mini Train Ride (Van rani Ticket Charges)
- Adults: Rs.55
- Children: Rs.21
Rules and Regulations for Mini Train
- Monday shall be closed
- Please get the tickets verified at the ticket counter
- A minimum of 20 people is required to start the train journey.
- Timings are 9:00 to 5:30
Lunch break: 12:30 to 1:30 - Each trip is 20-25 mins.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Main Gate Fee
- Adults: Rs.64
- Children: Rs.34
- Two Wheelers: Rs.44
- LMV: Rs.215
- HMV: Rs.322
- Cycles: Rs.22
Boating Charges
- 2 Seater Boats: Rs.64
- 4 Seater Boats: Rs.130
Rules and Regulations for Boating
- Timings 9:00 to 5:30. Lunch break: 12:30 to 1:30.
- Monday shall be closed for maintenance
Morning Walk and Jogging Charges – Yearly Pass
- Senior Citizens: Rs.25
- Other Adults / Citizens: Rs.215
Lion & Tiger Safari Ticket Costs
- Tiger Safari Charges for Adults: Rs.85
- Tiger Safari Children: Rs.34
- Tiger & Lion Safari Both (Adults): Rs.108
- Tiger & Lion Safari Both Children: Rs.43
- Timings: 9:00 to 4:30. Luch break: 12:30 to 1:30
- A minimum of 15 people are required to start the bus journey
- The journey will commence according to the minimum criteria set by the authorities.
Kanheri Caves Bus Services
- Bus Charges to Kanheri For Adults: Rs.64
- Kanheri Caves Bus Ticket Cost for Children: Rs.34
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is easily accessible by Road and Western Express Highway. It is very close to Borivali Railway station, where you can take Auto Rickshaws or BEST Bus.
Famous Places Nearby:
Mount Mary Church Bandra – The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, commonly known as Mount Mary Church, is a Roman Catholic Basilica in Bandra, Mumbai. Even though the church tower is 100 years old, the history of the current statue of Our Lady dates back to the 16th century when Jesuit priests from Portugal got the figure to the present place and built a chapel.
Girgaon Chowpatty – The Girgaon Chowpatty Girgaon Chowpatty Beach can be a local spot to explore and the most famous beach in Mumbai. The beach is a popular destination for massages, yoga, and strolls at a leisurely pace.
It’s also a popular spot for those looking to relax with their family and friends after work. You can relax on the beach, sipping hot tea, bhelpuri, and panipuri while watching the sunset on the Arabian Sea.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus is one of the most important railway stations connecting Mumbai with other national regions. In addition to its importance in the commercial world, It’s a landmark structure constructed in the Victorian-Gothic style.
It was previously known as Victoria Terminus. British engineers and Indian artisans worked for a decade to construct this structure.
Gateway of India – This stunning stone arch overlooked the Arabian Sea and was built to commemorate the first visit by King George V and Queen Mary. It is among the most popular spots for a visit to Mumbai for the people of Mumbai who visit to stroll around or watch the ferries that enter and leave the harbor.
It is also known as the Gateway of India and is the location for many luxurious boat excursions. It is a must-visit location for any Tourist who comes to Mumbai.
Taj Mahal Hotel – The most famous and Prestigious luxurious Taj Mahal Hotel is situated opposite the structure of the Gateway of India.
Marine Drive – Another famous attraction in Mumbai where you can sit beside the sea or walk on the promenade. It’s where you will see couples, Children, and early morning walkers enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya – is around 5 km from Marine Drive.
Jehangir Art Gallery – is a famous art gallery only 5 km from Marine Drive.
Flora Fountain – in Fort is another famous structure between Marine Drive and the Gateway of India. It is just a water fountain with an exciting history and landmark in Mumbai.
