Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, otherwise famously referred to as Rani Baug, is India’s oldest garden as well as a zoological park in the city of Mumbai. Located in Byculla, on nearly 50 acres of land, the park includes a botanical garden and zoo, thus qualifying as one of the world’s oldest zoological parks. The name Rani Baug means “Queen’s Garden” in Marathi.
History of Rani Baug
Rani Baug has an interesting history, which goes way back to 1835 when the British government offered land at Sewri for developing the botanical garden. It is to be noted that the name of the gardens was then Victoria Gardens in honor of Queen Victoria. Later, since Sewri was acquired for burying grounds, a garden was developed at Mount Estate in Mazgaon, which came to be popularly known as Byculla.
In 1861, all the flora at Sewri was moved to the new site, and the gardens were opened to the general public for the first time on November 19, 1862, by Lady Catherine Frere. The Bombay Municipal Corporation took charge of maintenance of the garden in 1866 and assumed full administrative control once the Agri-Horticultural Society got dissolved in 1873.
A zoological area was added to the gardens in 1890, and finally in 1969, the Victoria Gardens got a new name as well, i.e., ‘Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan’ in honor of Jijabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Rani Baug Founder and Establishment
- Name: Victoria Gardens
- Establishment: 1861
- Opening to Public: 1862
- Inauguration: By Lady Catherine Frere
- Donation of Land: By David Sassoon
- Managed by: Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India (1862–1873), later BMC
- Renamed: 1969 as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan
The garden was created to provide a public recreational and botanical space for Mumbai residents while also promoting horticulture and wildlife conservation.
Rani Baug Timings
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday – Tuesday | 9:00 AM | 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed | Closed |
It is preferable to visit the zoo in the morning hours from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM as animals will be more active during that time and the climate will be favorable too.
Rani Baug Location and Address
Address: Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan & Zoo, Byculla East, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400027
Landmarks near Rani Baug Zoo
- Byculla Railway Station – Approximately 1 km from the zoo
- Close to Lalbaug Flyover
- Near Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Location Map for Rani Baug
Rani Baug Ticket Price and Entry Details
| Visitor Category | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults (12–59 years) | ₹50 |
| Children (3–12 years) | ₹25 |
| Foreign Tourists | ₹300 |
| Senior Citizens | Free |
| Physically Challenged Visitors | Free |
| Family of 4 | ₹100 |
The penguin enclosure falls under the general admission charge. The visitors can buy tickets from both the online source and the ticket counter. Charges for cameras are applicable.
Why is Rani Baug Famous?
Rani Baug is famous for many reasons, like:
- The oldest park in Mumbai city
- Oldest zoo in Asia
- Dwelling of rare Humboldt Penguins
- Heritage botanical garden with 800+ plant varieties
- Old Victorian-style architecture and monuments
- More than 6,000 trees and rich biodiversity
- Rich in history and heritage for more than 160 years
The zoo remains one of Mumbai’s most visited family attractions and educational spaces.
Flora and Fauna at Rani Baug
Flora
The botanical garden contains over 800 species of plants, shrubs, herbs, and climbers. The garden features thousands of trees belonging to hundreds of species and botanical families.
Famous Trees and Plants
- Baobab Trees
- Rain Trees
- Ashoka Trees
- Palm Species
- Cannonball Tree
- Neem
- Tulsi
- Aloe Vera
- Giant Water Lily
Fauna
The zoo houses more than 325 animals across several species.
Wildlife Categories
- Mammals
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Aquatic species
Rani Baug Zoo Attractions
There are many key attractions at the zoo that keep people coming all year round:
- Humboldt Penguins
- Asiatic Lions
- Leopards
- Crocodiles and Alligators
- Hippos
- Rhinos
- Kangaroos
- Zebras
- Deer and Blackbucks
- Ostriches
- Bears
- Exotic Birds
The penguin exhibit is regarded as the biggest attraction for kids and tourists alike.
Rare Animals and Birds
| Rare Species | Importance |
|---|---|
| Humboldt Penguins | Main attraction |
| White Peacocks | Rare white variety |
| White Crows | Extremely uncommon |
| Asiatic Lions | Endangered species |
| Leopards | Rare big cats |
| Rhinoceros | Unique zoo attraction |
| Hippopotamus | Popular among visitors |
| African Grey Parrots | Colorful and intelligent birds |
Botanical Garden Highlights
The botanical part of Rani Baug is as impressive and historical as well.
Important Attraction Points
- Largest park in Mumbai
- Palladian architecture
- Historical David Sassoon Clock Tower
- Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum inside the premises
- King Edward VII statue
- Greco-Roman architectural style buildings
- Banyan-lined walking paths
The tranquil setting of the place makes it an ideal place for leisure and photography.
Best Time to Visit Rani Baug
| Season | Months | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | October – February | Pleasant weather |
| Summer | March – May | Morning visits preferred |
| Monsoon | June – September | Lush greenery |
The winter season is considered the best time to enjoy the garden comfortably.
How to Reach Rani Baug
By Train
The nearest railway station is Byculla Station on the Central Line, located about 1 km from the zoo entrance.
By Bus
Several BEST buses connect Byculla to different parts of Mumbai.
By Taxi or Auto
Visitors can easily reach the zoo through taxis, autos, and app-based cab services.
By Metro
Nearby metro connectivity and railway links make transportation convenient for tourists.
Visitor Experience and Facilities
Rani Baug offers modern visitor facilities while maintaining its heritage atmosphere.
Facilities Available
- Ticket counters and online booking
- Paid parking facility
- Canteen and restaurant
- Restrooms
- Shaded pathways
- Seating arrangements
- Security and guidance staff
The 2015 renovation modernized the zoo with better animal enclosures and improved visitor experiences.
Rules and Guidelines for Visitors
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Closed Day | Wednesday |
| Outside Food | Not allowed |
| Plastic Bottles | Restricted |
| Water Bottles | Reusable bottles allowed |
| Animal Safety | Do not feed or disturb animals |
| Photography | Charges may apply |
Visitors are requested to maintain cleanliness and follow all zoo rules for safety and conservation purposes.
Nearby Tourist Places
Some of the major tourist attractions that surround Rani Baug include:
- Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
- Gateway of India
- Marine Drive
- Gloria Church
- Kwan Kung Temple
The above tourist attractions provide a comprehensive sightseeing tour for tourists traveling to Mumbai.
Conclusion
Rani Baug still remains one of the most cherished heritage sites of Mumbai, where history, nature, flora, and fun coexist in harmony. For over 160 years, the garden has been attracting visitors in huge numbers. Home to endangered Humboldt penguins, exotic plants, historic buildings, and walkways, Rani Baug provides a unique experience to everyone who visits the site.
FAQ’s
What is the official name of Rani Baug?
The official name is Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo.
Where is Rani Baug located?
It is located in Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Which day is Rani Baug closed?
Rani Baug is usually closed every Wednesday.
What is the best time to visit Rani Baug?
The winter season and morning hours are considered the best time to visit.
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