Looking for an affordable and fun day out in Mumbai? Byculla Zoo, officially known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, is one of the city’s most loved attractions. Located in the heart of Mumbai, this historic zoo combines wildlife, lush gardens, heritage structures, and the famous Humboldt penguins, making it a favorite destination for families, school students, couples, and tourists.
One of the most searched questions before planning a visit is: “What is the Byculla Zoo ticket price?” In this detailed guide, you’ll find the latest information about entry fees, timings, attractions, facilities, travel tips, and much more.
Byculla Zoo at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
| Official Name | Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo |
| Popular Name | Byculla Zoo / Mumbai Zoo |
| Location | Byculla East, Mumbai |
| Established | 1861 |
| Managed By | Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) |
| Famous For | Humboldt Penguins, Botanical Garden |
| Suitable For | Families, Students, Tourists |
Byculla Zoo is India’s oldest public zoo and botanical garden, making it both a wildlife attraction and a heritage site.
Byculla Zoo Ticket Price
The zoo offers reasonably priced tickets, making it suitable for visitors of all budgets.
| Visitor Category | Ticket Price |
| Adults | ₹100 |
| Children (3–12 Years) | ₹50 |
| Children Below 3 Years | Free |
| Senior Citizens | As per current policy |
| School Groups | Special arrangements may be available |
Penguin Exhibit
The famous penguin enclosure is generally included in the zoo entry ticket. No separate ticket is usually required.
Online Ticket Booking
Visitors can book tickets online to avoid long queues during weekends and holidays.
Official Website
For updated ticket prices, notices, and booking information:
Byculla Zoo Official Website
Location
Address
Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Byculla East, Mumbai, Maharashtra
The zoo is centrally located and easily accessible from all parts of Mumbai.
How to Reach Byculla Zoo
By Train
The nearest station is:
Byculla Railway Station
Distance: Approximately 500 meters
A short walk from the station takes you directly to the zoo entrance.
By Metro
Visitors can use nearby metro connectivity and continue by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
By Bus
BEST buses regularly connect the zoo with major Mumbai neighborhoods.
By Car
Private vehicles and app-based cabs can easily reach the zoo through Mumbai’s main roads.
Byculla Zoo Timings
| Day | Timing |
| Tuesday to Sunday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
Best Entry Time
Between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM for a relaxed experience and pleasant weather.
Animals and Attractions
Although compact compared to some larger Indian zoos, Byculla Zoo offers a diverse collection of animals and birds.
Mammals
- Leopard
- Hyena
- Deer
- Jackal
- Monkeys
Birds
- Flamingos
- Pelicans
- Macaws
- Parrots
- Peacocks
Reptiles
- Crocodiles
- Snakes
- Monitor Lizards
- Turtles
The Famous Penguin Exhibit
The Humboldt Penguin enclosure is the zoo’s biggest attraction.
Why It Is Popular
- Climate-controlled environment
- Penguins swimming and playing
- Educational displays
- Excellent family experience
Many visitors come primarily to see the penguins, especially children.
Botanical Garden
The botanical garden is as impressive as the zoo itself.
Highlights
- Ancient trees
- Rare plant species
- Beautiful flower beds
- Heritage landscaping
- Shaded walking paths
Nature lovers often spend as much time in the garden as they do at the animal exhibits.
Safari Details
Is Safari Available at Byculla Zoo?
No.
Byculla Zoo does not offer:
- Lion Safari
- Tiger Safari
- Jeep Safari
Visitors explore the zoo through designated walking pathways.
Visitor Experience
Most visitors enjoy:
✅ Affordable ticket prices
✅ Clean surroundings
✅ Family-friendly atmosphere
✅ Famous penguin enclosure
✅ Educational value
✅ Beautiful gardens
A typical visit lasts between 2 and 4 hours.
Facilities Available
| Facility | Available |
| Washrooms | Yes |
| Drinking Water | Yes |
| Seating Areas | Yes |
| Wheelchair Access | Available in many sections |
| Security Staff | Yes |
| First Aid | Yes |
| Information Boards | Yes |
| Food Counters | Limited |
| Online Ticket Booking | Yes |
Best Time to Visit
Winter Season (November to February)
This is the ideal time to visit.
Advantages
- Pleasant temperatures
- Comfortable walking conditions
- Better sightseeing experience
Monsoon Season (June to September)
The botanical garden becomes especially beautiful during monsoon.
Pros
- Fresh greenery
- Excellent photography opportunities
Cons
- Rain interruptions
- Wet pathways
Summer Season (March to May)
Mumbai’s humidity can make afternoon visits uncomfortable.
Tip
Visit early in the morning.
Weekdays vs Weekends
| Day Type | Crowd Level |
| Weekdays | Moderate |
| Saturday | Busy |
| Sunday | Very Busy |
| Public Holidays | Extremely Busy |
Weekday mornings offer the most comfortable experience.
Practical Travel Tips for Families and Kids
For Families
- Reach before 11 AM.
- Carry water bottles.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Keep hats and sunglasses handy.
- Book tickets online during weekends.
For Parents with Young Children
- Visit the penguin enclosure first.
- Bring a stroller if needed.
- Plan rest breaks in shaded areas.
For School Students
- Read educational information boards.
- Carry notebooks for observations.
- Explore both the zoo and botanical garden.
For Senior Citizens
- Visit during winter months.
- Use seating areas frequently.
- Avoid afternoon hours in summer.
Rules and Regulations
Visitors should follow zoo guidelines:
- Do not feed animals.
- Avoid littering.
- No loud music.
- Stay behind safety barriers.
- Respect plants and gardens.
- Follow instructions from zoo staff.
Failure to follow rules may result in penalties.
Parking Information
Parking near the zoo is available but can be limited due to its central Mumbai location.
| Vehicle Type | Availability |
| Cars | Limited |
| Bikes | Limited |
| Public Transport | Highly Recommended |
Using local trains is often the easiest option.
Nearby Places to Visit
You can combine your zoo visit with other popular Mumbai attractions.
| Attraction | Distance |
| Marine Drive | Around 7 km |
| Gateway of India | Around 9 km |
| Haji Ali Dargah | Around 5 km |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus | Around 4 km |
| Mahalaxmi Racecourse | Nearby |
Sample Family Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
| 9:30 AM | Enter Zoo |
| 10:00 AM | Penguin Exhibit |
| 10:45 AM | Bird Section |
| 11:30 AM | Reptile House |
| 12:15 PM | Botanical Garden Walk |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch Break |
| 2:00 PM | Photography & Relaxation |
| 3:00 PM | Exit |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable entry fee
- Famous penguin enclosure
- Historic botanical garden
- Easy public transport access
- Educational for children
- Clean and well-maintained
Cons
- No safari rides
- Limited parking
- Crowded on weekends
- Smaller compared to large wildlife parks
FAQs
Q: What is the Byculla Zoo ticket price?
A: The entry fee is generally ₹100 for adults and ₹50 for children aged 3–12 years.
Q: Is the penguin exhibit included in the ticket?
A: Yes, penguin viewing is generally included with the zoo entry ticket.
Q: What are Byculla Zoo timings?
A: The zoo is usually open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM and remains closed on Mondays.
Q: Is online ticket booking available?
A: Yes, visitors can book tickets through the official website.
Q: Is safari available at Byculla Zoo?
A: No, there are currently no safari rides inside the zoo.
Q: How much time is needed to explore Byculla Zoo?
A: Most visitors spend between 2 and 4 hours exploring the zoo and botanical garden.
Q: Is Byculla Zoo worth visiting?
A: Absolutely. The combination of wildlife, penguins, historic gardens, and affordable pricing makes it one of Mumbai’s best family attractions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an enjoyable and budget-friendly outing in Mumbai, Byculla Zoo is an excellent choice. With ticket prices starting at around ₹100 for adults, visitors get access to a historic zoo, beautiful botanical gardens, and the city’s famous Humboldt Penguin enclosure. Whether you’re traveling with children, planning a school visit, or simply exploring Mumbai’s attractions, Byculla Zoo offers a fun, educational, and memorable experience for all age groups.
Leave a Reply