The Byculla Zoo or Rani Baug, was constructed in the year 1861, and named after the then-empress Queen Victoria and was later renamed the Jijamata Udyan, after Jijabai Bhosale, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Today, the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan & Zoo, as it is known, houses more than 800 species of plants and over 3,000 trees. It is also home to around 330 animals and birds, including elephants, crocodiles, giraffes, deers, leopards and penguins among others.
Byculla Zoo: Key Facts
| Area | 50 acre |
| Location | Railway Station, 91A, Lalbaug Flyover,Byculla East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027 |
| Founded in | 1861 |
| Owned by | Municipal corporation of greater Mumbai |
| Type | Botanical Garden & Zoo |
| Operated by | Director Zoo, MCGM, Mumbai |
| Species | 843 |
| Timings | 9 AM to 6 PM ( Except Wednesdays) |
| Entry Fees |
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How to reach Byculla Zoo in Byculla East, Mumbai?
- By road: Byculla Zoo is easily accessible, located near national highways NH9 and NH48 connecting it to various parts of Mumbai.
- By train: The nearest railway station to Byculla Zoo is Byculla Railway Station, located just 1.6 km away. You can take a taxi, or rickshaw or walk from the station to the zoo.
- By flight: The closest airport to Byculla Zoo is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, situated approximately 16 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rickshaw, or pre-booked car to reach the zoo.
Things to explore at Byculla Zoo
Zoo
There are many different species of animals at the Byculla Zoo, such as tigers, lions, hyenas, deer, leopards, monkeys, elephants, Nilgais, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, bears, and many more. Each kind of animal has its cage with comprehensive breed information.
Aquatic bird aviary
This is a separate, contained area that you may stroll through on a wooden bridge to interact with and take pictures of the lovely bird breeds that are kept there. There are flamingos, herons, cranes, albino crows, pelicans, storks, and other birds in the aviary.
Penguin enclosure
A more recent and eye-catching addition to the zoo is the Rani Baug penguin enclosure. After being transported by air from Seoul, seven Humboldt penguins are housed in specially designed, chilly rooms that replicate their native surroundings.
Botanical garden
Spanning around 50 acre, the Rani Baug in Byculla is a stunning and verdant botanical garden that is home to nearly 3000 trees, 800+ types of flowers, and herbs. Flame of the Forest, Cannon Ball, Beggar’s Bowl, Tree of Heaven, Rose of Venezuela, and Indian Banyan are just a few of the locations.
Museum
The original rock-cut elephant statue from the Elephanta Caves and the Kala Ghoda statue is among the many fascinating historical representations of the city that can be seen in the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum.
Things to explore near Byculla Zoo
Hasnabad Mosque
Location: Hasnabad Dargah, Anjeerwadi Road, Byculla East, Mazgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400010, India.
Among the most visited sites in Byculla is the Hasnabad Mosque. The mosque is affectionately known as the city’s own Taj Mahal and is claimed to mimic the building of the famous Taj Mahal due to its magnificent minarets made of white and blue marble.
Gloria Church
Location: Sant Savata Mali Marg, Byculla East, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027
Gloria Church, one of Mumbai’s oldest Roman Catholic churches, dates back to its construction in 1632. Despite being rebuilt in 1913, the original building of this church, originally called Our Lady of Glory Church, was destroyed in 1911.
Marine Drive
Location: Marine Drive, Mumbai, India
It is a must to visit the incredibly magical Marine Drive at Nariman Point if you are in Mumbai. The Byculla Railway Station is only 5.6 km away. This three-kilometre promenade, often referred to as the Queen’s Necklace, overlooks the Arabian Sea and runs next to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road.
Gateway of India
Location: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
The identity of Mumbai is closely associated with the Gateway of India located in Colaba. Constructed in 1924, both locals and tourists regularly visit the landmark.
Impact of the real estate market in Byculla, Mumbai
Due to its strategic location and increased affordability in comparison to its affluent neighbours, Byculla’s real estate is seeing rapid growth in Mumbai, drawing in both people and businesses and providing stores with a growing consumer base.
Residential properties near Byculla Zoo, in Byculla, Mumbai
Prices for residential real estate in Byculla have increased significantly in recent years; in the last year alone, prices have increased by an average of 12.4% annually. Forecasts indicate that this tendency will continue, with an expected growth of 10% to 15% in the upcoming years. This rise is ascribed to things like better infrastructure, being close to business centres and the construction of contemporary flats by reputable builders.
Commercial properties near Byculla Zoo, in Byculla, Mumbai
Byculla’s growing residential population and advantageous location are driving favourable growth in the commercial real estate industry as well. Prices for commercial real estate are rising by 7–10% annually due to the growing demand for restaurants, retail stores and office spaces. As Byculla becomes a more well-known business centre, this tendency is predicted to pick up speed in the future years, with an estimated 15-20% growth predicted.
Property rates in Byculla, Mumbai
| Buy | Avg. Price / Sqft: Rs 35,689 | Price Range / Sqft: Rs 14,509 – Rs 60,714 |
| Rent | Average Rent: Rs 83,698 | Price Range: Rs 18,000 – Rs 2 Lakh |
Source: Housing.com
Price range of properties near Byculla Zoo
Avg. Price / Sqft: Rs 20,345
Price Range / Sqft: Rs 220 – Rs 1 Lakh
Source: Housing.com
FAQs
The entry fee for adults is Rs 50 and for children, it is Rs 30.
To beat the crowd, try to arrive early—by 10 AM. Peak hours are from 12 to 3 PM.
The zoo does not have lions or wolves.
The zoo's total penguin population is eighteen, made up of nine male and nine female flightless birds.
You are only permitted to carry one bottle of water into the zoo; food is not permitted inside; you must eat outside.
The nearest railway station to Byculla Zoo is Byculla railway station. What is the entry fee of Byculla Zoo?
What is the best time to visit Byculla Zoo?
Is there a lion in Byculla Zoo?
How many penguins are there in Byculla Zoo?
Is food permitted in the Byculla Zoo?
Which railway station is near Byculla Zoo?
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected] |
Priya Banerjee, a writer with a keen eye on the property market, she deciphers the ever-changing trends in residential real estate. Priya excels at simplifying complex real estate terms, making them easy for everyone to understand. Her well-researched advice helps buyers and investors understand complex topics.
