Byculla Zoo - Rani Baug | Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Udyan

Spread across more than 60 acres in the heart of Mumbai, Rani Baug or the Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Udyan is the oldest public garden in the financial capital of the nation. Constructed in the year 1861, this verdant landmark of Mumbai was named after Queen Victoria, the then Empress of India and consequently referred to as the Victoria Gardens or Rani Baug (Queen’s Garden in the Marathi language). It was later renamed the Jijamata Udyan, after the revered Jijabai Bhosale, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s mother.

Opened to the public in the year 1862, the botanical garden houses a zoo, a museum named Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, and a statue of King Edward VII of England. Located in Byculla, Rani Baug is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna, including more than 800 species of plants and 3,000 plus trees. The biodiversity of the place makes it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.

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Rani Baug - Byculla Zoo
Byculla Zoo - Rani Baug | Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Udyan

Home to 330 animals and birds, Rani Baug is a place where you can see penguins, crocodiles, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and deer, to name a few. Owing to its rich diversity of inhabitants, the zoo is frequently visited by people of all ages. You can visit Rani Baug on any day of the week except Wednesday. The zoo is open to the public from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm at an entry fee as given below:

Minor: ₹10.00

Adult: ₹20.00

The proposed entry fee is revised in different categories, as below:

₹100 for a family of four (mother, father, and two children). An additional ₹25 will be charged for each extra child.
Jijamata Udyan penguin tickets: ₹100
Rani Baug ticket fare for children below 12 years: ₹15
₹25 for children under 12-18 years.

₹15 for the students from private schools on a picnic to zoo.
Mumbai zoo ticket price is free for senior citizens and physically challenged people.
Zoo entry fee for foreign tourists - ₹300

Plant Life at Rani Baug, Byculla

Rani Baug, Byculla is home to more than 800 species of plants that attract nature enthusiasts and photographers from different parts of the country. The botanical garden houses several species of plants that are not found anywhere else in the country or found in very few places.

Whilst at Rani Baug, Byculla, you must take time to visit the beautiful botanical garden section and see trees such as the Cannon Ball, the Brownea Coccinea, the Apta Tree, to name a few. Some of the trees in Rani Baug have medicinal properties, including the Cajeput Oil Tree. The distinct biodiversity of Rani Baug is one of the reasons why it has no dearth of visitors across the year.

If you are planning to visit Mumbai, you must set aside some time to visit Rani Baug, Byculla and witness the diversity of flora and fauna at the historic botanical garden and zoo.

Animals Inside Rani Baug, Byculla

Rani Baug, Byculla, is home to animals and birds from a wide variety of species. At this zoo, you can see mammals, reptiles, and birds alike. After the revamping of the facilities of the zoo in the year 2016, there has been a drastic improvement in the living conditions of the residents of the zoo as well as the maintenance of the hygiene in the premises.

Amongst the animals living in Rani Baug, you can find leopards, chimpanzees, elephants, gorillas, giraffes, orangutans, and deer. Rani Baug, Byculla is also home to penguins that are housed in a separate enclosure where the temperature is maintained according to the requirements of the species. This enclosure is one of the major attractions of the zoo. Since there is no additional fee to visit the penguin enclosure, it is feasible for visitors to see these exotic creatures.

Phase three of the development of Rani Baug is in place and this phase is expected to enhance the variety and number of animals in the zoo. Rani Baug, Byculla is set to welcome more animals in three distinct sections, namely the African Section, the Australian Section, and the American Section. The animals set to be welcomed to these new sections include jaguars, zebras, hoolocks, gibbons, and cheetahs. The new inhabitants of the zoo shall be brought in from various regions, including Asia, Africa, and Australia.

With the third phase of the enhancement of Rani Baug, Byculla, the focus is on ensuring the provision of the optimal temperatures, living conditions, food, and care for all the denizens of the zoo - old and new alike. The zoo authorities shall also place an enhanced focus on the health and wellbeing of all the animals and birds in Rani Baug. Presently, the zoo is home to a wide variety of reptiles, including a large number of bats. Rani Baug, Byculla, has no dearth of birds either with the presence of peacocks and flamingos.

A visit to Rani Baug, Byculla could be a great opportunity to see a diverse range of flora and fauna. The botanical garden and the zoo are easily accessible and have convenient hours of operation. To make it easier for the public to visit the zoo, Rani Baug is open on Sundays. However, the weekly holiday of the zoo falls on Wednesday. Therefore, you must plan well and visit the zoo in accordance with the official timings.

Piramal Realty's luxury residential project, Piramal Aranya, is located near Rani Baug and offers splendid views of the verdant botanical gardens. If you are planning to purchase a house in Mumbai, Piramal Aranya is an excellent option that has proximity to one of the city's most beautiful landmarks that is also its oldest public garden.

Rani Baug - Travel Tips

If you are planning to visit Rani Baug, here are a few travel tips for you.

Carry a water bottle with you

Wear a mask

Practice social distancing

Keep children away from the enclosures of animals and birds

Adhere to the rules of the Zoo administration

Whilst at Rani Baug, you will be near Piramal Aranya, Rani Baug, our luxury residential project in Byculla. You can visit the project and have a glimpse of what could be your dream home.

Public Transportation to Rani Baug, Byculla

Reaching Rani Baug, Byculla is extremely convenient owing to the garden's proximity to the Byculla Railway Station. You can use several means of public transportation to reach Rani Baug.

By Bus:

There are many bus stations that are located near Rani Baug, including the following.

Robert Gomes Chowk (2 minutes away by foot)
Sant Savta Market Station (3 minutes away by foot)
Jijamata Udyan Station (4 minutes away by foot)
Byculla Bus Station (4 minutes away by foot)

By Train:

Byculla is one of the most well-connected areas of Mumbai. Lying on the Central Line of the Mumbai Local Train network, Byculla is reachable by almost every suburb of the city as well as South Mumbai. You can reach Byculla station by train, then use the services of either a taxi or a bus to go to Rani Baug. The main train stations near Rani Baug are the Byculla Railway Station and the Mahalaxmi Railway Station. Furthermore, the Sant Gadge Maharaj Chowk Station is also close to the botanical garden. .

By Taxi:

You can reach Rani Baug, Byculla, via road from different parts of Mumbai. The botanical garden is 45 minutes away from Kurla and Bandra via road transport.

By Foot:

Once you reach the Byculla Railway Station or any bus station near Rani Baug, Byculla, you can walk to the botanical garden.

Other Places To Visit Near Rani Baug, Byculla

There are several places to visit around Rani Baug, Byculla. The bustling neighbourhood of Byculla is home to some of Mumbai's oldest places of worship, spanning various faiths and religions. The region is renowned as one of the cultural centres of the city. Here are some of the places you can visit near Rani Baug.

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is located near Rani Baug, Byculla. Opened to the public in the year 1872 as the Albert and Victoria Museum, the building is home to archaeological collections, maps, historical photographs of Mumbai, copperware, etc. An iconic monolithic basalt sculpture of an elephant is located outside the museum and is regarded as one of its major attractions.

Gloria Church

Built in the year 1632, only to be demolished in 1911 and rebuilt two years later, Gloria Church is one of Mumbai's oldest landmarks. The magnificent towers of the church, reconstructed in line with the British style of architecture, form a Latin cross. Frequently visited by visitors and film crews alike, the church is a remnant of times long past.

Hasnabad Dargah:

The picturesque Hasnabad Dargah is an architectural marvel located in the heart of Byculla. Constructed from marbles, the mosque is 130 years old and features four beautiful minarets.

Marine Drive:

One of the most iconic markers of Mumbai is the Marine Drive. Spread across 3 kilometres, the glorious promenade offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Flanked by Malabar Hills at its northern end and Nariman Point at its southern end, the landmark is visited by locals and tourists alike.

If you are in Rani Baug or the wider Byculla area, you must visit our project Piramal Rani Baug. Featuring 2, 3, and 4-BHK apartments, the luxury project offers breathtaking views of Rani Baug and the Eastern Harbour. With its proximity to several commercial centres in Byculla, Piramal Aranya is an excellent choice for your new address.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rani Baug

What is Rani Baug?

Rani Baug is a botanical garden and zoo located in Byculla, Mumbai. It is the oldest public garden in the city and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

How To Reach Rani Baug, Byculla?

You can reach Rani Baug via bus, taxi, or train. The garden is well connected to several nearby bus stations, including Robert Gomes Chowk and the Byculla Station. You can also travel to the garden on foot as it is a 5 to 7-minute walk away from the Byculla Railway Station.

How Far is Rani Baug from the Byculla Railway Station?

Rani Baug is 1.4 kilometres away from the Byculla Railway Station and easily accessible via foot and motor transport.

What is the Best Time to Visit Rani Baug?

The best time to visit Rani Baug, Byculla, is after midday and before 3 pm.

What Are The Facilities Available in Rani Baug?

Rani Baug is a well-maintained zoo and has several essential facilities for visitors, including washrooms and restrooms.

How Many Animals Are There in Rani Baug, Byculla?

Rani Baug, Byculla is home to a total of 330 animals, including elephants, deer, crocodiles, penguins, etc.

Which Animals Are There in Rani Baug?

Rani Baug has a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several species of birds and animals such as leopards, penguins, and elephants, to name a few.

Are There Penguins in Rani Baug?

Yes, Rani Baug is home to Penguins who are housed in a separate enclosure with the optimal temperature. There is no separate entry fee to visit the enclosure for the penguins.

What is the Entry Fee for Rani Baug?

The entry fee for Rani Baug is ₹50 for adults and ₹25 for children.

Has Rani Baug Reopened after the Lockdown?

Rani Baug had briefly reopened in February 2021 but shut down again the following month after the emergence of the second wave of the coronavirus in the country. After talks between the Zoo authorities and the Bombay Municipal Corporation, Rani Baug has reopened for the public from November 1, 2021, albeit with COVID-19 restrictions in place.

Is Rani Baug also a Botanical Garden?

Yes, Rani Baug is a botanical garden and is home to diverse species of plants. It is the oldest public garden in the city of Mumbai.

Residential Property Near Rani Baug

Piramal Aranya Near Rani Baug, Byculla

Framed by scenic vistas where the verdant landscapes beautifully fringe the cerulean sky and the Eastern Harbour, Piramal Aranya offers an exceptional ensemble of bespoke wellness and beautifully appointed 2, 3 & 4 bedrooms apartments. The project has 360 degree views of the Rani Baug botanical gardens on one side and eastern harbour as well as the cityscape on the others.

Renowned for its rich heritage and urban culture, Aranya’s locale Byculla echoes the historical warmth of South Mumbai. Flanked by the finest and magnificent 60-acre Rani Baug botanical gardens, you can breathe in the refreshing scent that glides from the paradise-green landscapes and beautiful foliages.

The three contemporary silhouettes of Avyan, Arav and Ahan towers redefine wellness living and promise a balanced lifestyle brimming with wellbeing, culture, and community

About - Piramal Realty

Founded in 2012, Piramal Realty is the real estate development arm of the Piramal Group, and has currently ~15 million sq. ft. of land under development. Piramal Realty aspires to be one of India's most admired real estate companies, by setting gold standards in architectural design, customer centricity, quality and safety. Piramal Realty secured funding from global private equity firms, making it one of the largest private equity investments in Indian real estate.

Disclaimer - This article is based on the information publicly available for general use. We do not claim any responsibility regarding the genuineness of the same. The information provided herein does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. We expressly disclaim any liability, which may arise due to any decision taken by any person/s basis the article hereof. Readers should obtain separate advice with respect to any particular information provided herein.

Rani Baug

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Plant Life at Rani Baug, Byculla

Animals Inside Rani Baug, Byculla

Rani Baug - Travel Tips