Tucked away in the middle of Mumbai’s busy Byculla neighbourhood, Jijamata Udyaan, better known as Byculla Zoo or Rani Baug, has been a favourite family outing for well over a century. It’s one of the few places in the city where you can spot elephants, penguins and leopards without ever leaving the metro area.
If you’re planning a visit, this guide covers everything you actually need, the ticket price, penguin enclosure charges, timings, how to book, and how to get there without any hassle. let’s explore Jijamata Udyaan Ticket Price.
About Jijamata Udyaan
Jijamata Udyaan was established way back in 1861 by David Sassoon, a well known Mumbai based businessman and philanthropist, and opened to the public the following year. It was originally called Victoria Gardens, named after Queen Victoria, and was later renamed in 1969 after Jijabai, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Spread across roughly 50 to 60 acres, the park combines a functioning zoo with a botanical garden, and also houses the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum within its grounds. Today, it’s best known for its Humboldt penguin enclosure, one of the biggest draws for families and children visiting the zoo.
Jijamata Udyaan Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Byculla Zoo, Rani Baug, Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Udyan |
| Established | 1861, opened to public in 1862 |
| Area | Around 50 to 60 acres |
| Location | Byculla East, Mumbai |
| Nearest railway station | Byculla Station, about 2 minutes walk |
| Weekly off | Wednesday |
| Timings | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Managed by | Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai |
Jijamata Udyaan Ticket Price
Ticket prices here have stayed quite affordable for years, which is part of why the zoo remains such a popular outing for Mumbai families. Here’s the breakdown.
Jijamata Udyaan Adult Ticket Price
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (Indian visitor) | ₹50 per person |
Jijamata Udyaan Children’s Ticket Price
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Children | ₹25 per person |
| Family package (2 adults + 2 children) | ₹100 |
| Each additional child beyond the package | ₹25 extra |
Jijamata Udyaan Senior Citizens & Visitors with Disabilities
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Senior citizens | Free entry |
| Visitors with disabilities | Free entry |
Jijamata Udyaan Foreign Tourists
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign nationals | ₹300 per person |
The standard entry ticket generally covers access to the penguin enclosure as well, though this has varied slightly across years, so it’s worth confirming at the counter on the day of your visit. A monthly pass priced around ₹150 is also available for regular morning walkers.
Prices are revised periodically by the managing committee, so treat the above as the latest confirmed figures and double check at the ticket window if you’re visiting after a long gap.
Is Jijamata Udyaan Open for Public?
Yes, Jijamata Udyaan is open to the public throughout the week except on Wednesdays, when it remains closed for maintenance. It also stays shut on a few major public holidays such as Holi and Diwali, so it’s a good idea to check ahead if you’re planning a visit around a festival.
Jijamata Udyaan Ticket Booking Process (Online & Offline)
Online booking: Tickets can be booked in advance through the official online ticketing portal linked on the zoo’s municipal information pages. This is a convenient option if you want to skip the queue, especially on weekends when footfall is higher.
Offline booking: Tickets are also readily available at the counters near the main entrance on the day of your visit. Since the zoo is centrally located and popular with school groups and families, arriving a little early on weekends helps you avoid long queues at the ticket window.
Jijamata Udyaan Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday | 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
Weekday mornings, especially right after opening, tend to be the least crowded time to visit. Weekends can get quite busy, particularly around the penguin enclosure.
Jijamata Udyaan Location & Address
Jijamata Udyaan is located on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Byculla East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400027.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Nearest railway station | Byculla Station (Central line), roughly a 2 minute walk |
| Nearest airport | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport |
| Contact number | 022-23742162 |
How to Reach Jijamata Udyaan (All Possible Routes)
By Train
Byculla Railway Station on the Central line is the closest, just a short walk from the main entrance. This is by far the easiest and most reliable way to reach the zoo, especially given Mumbai’s traffic.
By Road
The zoo is well connected by BEST buses from most parts of the city, and app based cabs or private taxis can drop you right at the entrance gate.
By Air
The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, from where you can take a taxi to reach Byculla.
Attractions at Jijamata Udyaan
| Attraction | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Humboldt Penguin enclosure | The zoo’s biggest draw, housing a colony of penguins in a temperature controlled setup |
| Elephants, hippos and deer | Long standing residents of the zoo, popular with children |
| Reptile section | Home to crocodiles, pythons and other reptiles |
| Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum | A heritage museum located within the same complex |
| David Sassoon Clock Tower | A 75 foot heritage structure inside the garden |
| Botanical garden | Over 800 plant species and 3,000 plus trees spread across the grounds |
Visitor Guidelines
- Carry a valid ticket at all times, including for the penguin enclosure if charged separately
- Avoid feeding or disturbing the animals and birds
- Follow signage and staff instructions near enclosures, especially around the penguin area
- Carry drinking water and snacks if visiting with children, since food options inside are limited
- Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowding, particularly near the penguin enclosure
Best Time to Visit Jijamata Udyaan
Winter months, from November to February, offer the most pleasant weather for walking around the gardens and zoo. Weekday mornings, right after opening at 9 AM, are ideal if you want a quieter, less crowded experience. Weekends and holidays tend to draw large crowds, especially families with children heading straight for the penguins.
Facilities Available at Jijamata Udyaan
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Ticket counters | Available near the main entrance |
| Drinking water | Available at multiple points inside the park |
| Restrooms | Public toilets available on the premises |
| Museum | Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum located within the same grounds |
| Parking | Limited parking available nearby, though the area can get congested |
Nearby Places to Visit
| Place | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum | Located within the same complex, showcasing Mumbai’s history and heritage |
| Mahalaxmi Temple | A short drive away, one of Mumbai’s popular temples |
| Haji Ali Dargah | Iconic mosque located on an islet in the Arabian Sea |
| Crawford Market | Historic market area known for shopping and local food |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jijamata Udyaan ticket price?
The adult ticket costs ₹50 and the children’s ticket costs ₹25. A family package covering two adults and two children is priced at ₹100.
Is Byculla Zoo closed on any particular day?
Yes, the zoo remains closed every Wednesday for maintenance.
Do senior citizens get any discount?
Yes, senior citizens and visitors with disabilities are allowed free entry.
What is the ticket price for foreign tourists?
Foreign nationals are charged ₹300 per person.
Is the penguin enclosure included in the regular ticket?
In most cases, yes, the standard entry ticket covers the penguin enclosure, though it’s worth confirming at the counter, since this has varied over the years.
What are the Jijamata Udyaan timings?
The zoo is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, every day except Wednesday.
Conclusion
Jijamata Udyaan remains one of Mumbai’s most loved and affordable family outings, and between the heritage garden, the museum, and the ever popular penguins, it’s easy to spend a full morning or afternoon here. Ticket prices are refreshingly low for what you get, just remember to skip Wednesdays, and try to reach early if you’re visiting on a weekend.
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