Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo — Attraction in Mumbai

Byculla Zoo: A Piece of History with a Modern Twist Just spent a fantastic day exploring the Byculla Zoo, also known as the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan. Let me tell you, this place is more than just your average zoo! It's a vibrant mix of history, nature, and fascinating animals, all nestled right in the heart of Mumbai.

Stepping Back in Time

The zoo itself is steeped in history, dating all the way back to 1861! Walking through the gates feels like stepping back in time a bit. The architecture on some of the older enclosures is really cool, and you can almost imagine what the zoo might have been like all those years ago.

Animal Encounters Galore

Of course, the real stars of the show are the animals! They have a good variety of creatures, from majestic tigers and playful monkeys to graceful giraffes and adorable penguins. The highlight for me was definitely the penguin enclosure. Seeing these tuxedoed fellas waddling around and diving in the pool was pure joy.

A Breath of Fresh Air

But the Byculla Zoo isn't just about the animals. The botanical gardens attached to the zoo are a hidden gem. Lush greenery, colorful flowers, and towering trees create a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city. It's the perfect spot to relax, have a picnic lunch, and escape the urban chaos for a while.

Perfect for All Ages

Whether you're a family with young kids, a group of friends, or a solo adventurer, there's something for everyone at the Byculla Zoo. The kids will love the toy train ride, and everyone will enjoy spotting all the different animals and exploring the beautiful gardens.

Insider Tips:

Go early! Especially on weekends, the zoo can get crowded. Pack your own snacks and drinks. There are a few food stalls, but the options are limited. Wear comfortable shoes – there's a decent amount of walking involved. Take advantage of the shade! Mumbai can get hot, so plan your visit accordingly and seek out the shady spots in the gardens. The Verdict

The Byculla Zoo is a fantastic place to spend a day in Mumbai. It's a fun, educational, and affordable way to experience a bit of history, see some amazing animals, and enjoy the beauty of nature. I highly recommend...

Worth once a visit only. ⭐⭐⭐/5

To Do and Not To Do: Do explore the charming penguin section and various animal exhibits. Don't expect to see lions, wolves, giraffes, and zebras, as they are yet to be introduced.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Advantages: Well-maintained gardens, diverse animal exhibits, clean play area. Disadvantages: Limited animal variety, absence of lions, wolves, giraffes, and zebras.

Things To Do and See: Enjoy the elephant, bear, tiger, jackal, leopard, hyena, various deer species, hippos, penguins, tortoises, turtles, and a variety of birds. Explore clean gardens and the spacious play area.

Animals and Birds Present: Elephants, bears, tigers, jackals, leopards, various deer species, hippos, penguins, tortoises, turtles, and diverse birds including parrots, parakeets, macaw, toucan, peacock, pelicans, spoonbill, flamingo, herons, and storks.

Animals and Birds Absent: Lions, foxes, giraffes, and zebras are not part of the current exhibits.

Outside Food Policy: Outside food ain't allowed, so you'll have to rely on the food available within the premises.

Visitor Tips: Bring your own bottled water and homemade snacks. A cafe inside offers snacks and beverages. Ample seating for rest and snacks. Plan for a 2-2.5 hour visit, especially with a child. Arrive early to avoid crowds and heat, preferably by 10 am. Weekdays are preferable over weekends; closed on Wednesdays. Museum visit is recommended if time allows. Carry extra masks and clothes for kids. Limited parking; arrive early. The Zoo is centrally located, maintaining greenery and natural habitat.

Challenges: Mumbai's heat can be intense, so carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.

Entry Fees: ₹50 for adults, ₹25 for children, ₹100 for a family of four (additional ₹25 for extra child), ₹300 for foreign tourists, and ₹150 for monthly passes for morning walkers.

Accessibility: Byculla Zoo is easily accessible by the Mumbai Suburban Railway and by road via private cabs or public buses. Limited vehicle...

I visited the zoo with my son and was pleasantly surprised. For starters we went on a weekday. I booked tickets online since I wanted to skip the queue. The zoo opens at 10:30am and we reached around 10:45am. Parking was available inside the premises. There is a ticket vending machine for those who have booked online. They have tried to make it on the lines of international zoo and even if it may not have reached that standard it is good enough for a visit. The animals are well kept. The enclosures are maintained well. The gardens and trees are lovely and the whole zoo is extremely clean. I did not find any litter anywhere. There are clean toilets at every interval, dustbins everywhere. A huge food court at the penguin exhibit centre which was also very clean and having decent food options priced moderately. Adequate benches all along the zoo just in case you get tired of walking. A play area for children is also available. The highlight were the penguins who are super adorable and also the massive tiger (we witnessed it pacing up and down and was a treat to watch specially for my child). The Birds of Paradise and Aquatic Birds were also good. It is a good visit for children to get them acquainted with animals and spend some time around in the surroundings. Points to remember: Best to visit on a week day as weekends will be crowded. Visiting on the first hour will be convenient as you can finish it by lunch time. It takes around 2 hours if you visit all the animals. Pay and park available in the premises. If you wish to skip the line, book the ticket online. Although on a weekday in the first hour there was no line at the...