Are you fascinated by the colorful and diverse life forms that inhabit the oceans, rivers, and lakes? Do you want to witness the beauty and mystery of the aquatic world without getting wet? If yes, then you should visit the Bangalore Aquarium, the second largest aquarium in India and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city.
The Bangalore Aquarium, also known as the Government Aquarium, is located in the heart of the city, in the famous Cubbon Park. It is home to over 70 species of ornamental and exotic fishes, such as eels, angelfish, hockey stick tetra, red-tail shark, pearl gourami, goldfish, moon tail, and many more. The aquarium is not only a place to admire the aquatic creatures, but also a place to learn about their habitats, behaviors, and conservation.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to the Bangalore Aquarium, such as how to reach, timings, entry fee, history, structure, fish varieties, and other things to do/see at Cubbon Park. We will also suggest some of the best hotels near the aquarium, where you can stay and enjoy your trip to Bangalore.
How to Reach Bangalore Aquarium
The Bangalore Aquarium is easily accessible by different modes of transport, such as metro, bus, cab, etc. The nearest metro station is the Cubbon Park Station, which is just a 5-minute walk from the aquarium. You can also take a bus to the Kasturba Road Bus Stop, which is right opposite the aquarium. Alternatively, you can hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw from anywhere in the city and reach the aquarium in no time.
The aquarium is also close to some of the major transportation hubs in the city, such as the Kempegowda International Airport (35 km), the Bangalore City Railway Station (5 km), and the Kempegowda Bus Station (6 km).
Bangalore Aquarium Timings and Entry Fee
The Bangalore Aquarium is open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on all days, except Mondays and second Tuesdays of every month. The entry fee is ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for students. You can buy the tickets at the counter near the entrance of the aquarium. The time required to explore the aquarium is around 1-2 hours, depending on your interest and pace.
Bangalore Aquarium History and Overview
The Bangalore Aquarium was established in 1983 by the Karnataka Fisheries Department. It is the second largest aquarium in India, after the Taraporewala Aquarium in Mumbai. The aquarium is spread over an area of 2700 square meters and has a capacity of 200,000 liters of water. The aquarium aims to educate the public about the aquatic biodiversity and the importance of its conservation.
Bangalore Aquarium Architecture and Structure
The Bangalore Aquarium is housed in an octagonal-shaped building, which resembles a giant fishbowl. The building has three floors, with the ground floor being used for administrative purposes and the first and second floors being used for displaying the fishes. The first floor has 14 tanks and the second floor has 69 tanks, each containing different species of fishes. The tanks are arranged in a circular fashion, allowing the visitors to view the fishes from all angles. The tanks are also equipped with lights, filters, and aerators to maintain the optimal conditions for the fishes.
Bangalore Aquarium Fish Varieties
The Bangalore Aquarium boasts of a rich and diverse collection of fish varieties, ranging from freshwater to marine, from native to exotic, and from common to rare. Some of the fish varieties that you can see at the aquarium are:
Eels:
These are long and slender fishes that have no scales and can produce electric shocks. They are usually found in tropical and temperate regions, in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. Some of the eel species that you can see at the aquarium are Moray Eel, Ribbon Eel, Electric Eel, and Spotted Eel.
Angelfish:
These are colorful and elegant fishes that have flat and round bodies, long dorsal and anal fins, and small mouths. They are usually found in coral reefs, in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. Some of the angelfish species that you can see at the aquarium are Emperor Angelfish, Queen Angelfish, Blue Angelfish, and Freshwater Angelfish.
Hockey Stick Tetra:
These are small and slender fishes that have a distinctive black stripe along their body, resembling a hockey stick. They are usually found in freshwater habitats, especially in the Amazon River basin. They are also known as Black Neon Tetra.
Red-Tail Shark:
These are medium-sized fishes that have a black body and a bright red tail. They are usually found in freshwater habitats, especially in the Mekong River basin. They are also known as Red-Tailed Black Shark or Fire Tail.
Pearl Gourami:
These are medium-sized fishes that have a silver body with black spots, resembling pearls. They are usually found in freshwater habitats, especially in the Southeast Asia region. They are also known as Lace Gourami or Mosaic Gourami.
Goldfish:
These are small and popular fishes that have a golden body and a variety of shapes and sizes. They are usually found in freshwater habitats, especially in China and Japan. They are also known as Carassius Auratus.
Moon Tail:
These are small and colorful fishes that have a crescent-shaped tail, resembling a moon. They are usually found in freshwater habitats, especially in the Southeast Asia region. They are also known as Moonlight Gourami or Moonbeam Gourami.
These are just some of the fish varieties that you can see at the aquarium. There are many more to discover and admire, such as Catfish, Clownfish, Discus, Guppy, Koi, Oscar, Piranha, Swordtail, Zebra Fish, and more.
Other Things to Do/See at Cubbon Park
The Bangalore Aquarium is located in the Cubbon Park, which is one of the most popular and beautiful parks in the city. The park covers an area of 300 acres and has a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things that you can do/see at the Cubbon Park are:
Visit Museums and Art Galleries:
The park has several museums and art galleries that showcase the history, culture, and art of the city and the state. Some of the museums and art galleries that you can visit are Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Government Museum, Venkatappa Art Gallery, HAL Aerospace Museum, and Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.
Admire Statues and Monuments:
The park has several statues and monuments that honor the prominent personalities and events of the city and the state. Some of the statues and monuments that you can admire are King Edward VII Statue, Queen Victoria Statue, Chamarajendra Wodeyar Statue, Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall, and State Central Library.
Enjoy Gardens and Fountains:
The park has several gardens and fountains that add to the beauty and charm of the park. Some of the gardens and fountains that you can enjoy are Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Jawahar Bal Bhavan, Lotus Pond, Musical Fountain, and Dancing Fountain.
Relax and Recreate:
The park has several facilities and amenities that allow you to relax and recreate in the park. Some of the facilities and amenities that you can use are Children’s Play Area, Toy Train, Boating, Cycling, Jogging, Yoga, Picnic, and Cafeteria.
Hotels near Bangalore Aquarium
If you are looking for a place to stay near the Bangalore Aquarium, you will be spoilt for choice, as there are many hotels near the aquarium, catering to different budgets and preferences. Some of the best hotels near the aquarium are:
FabHotel Astra Suites:
This is a 3-star hotel that offers comfortable and spacious rooms with modern amenities, such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant, a gym, a conference room, and a terrace. The hotel is located at a distance of 1.5 km from the aquarium and the price per night is ₹1,500.
Treebo Trend Stylotel by Jagdish:
This is a 3-star hotel that offers stylish and cozy rooms with contemporary amenities, such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, and a business center. The hotel is located at a distance of 2 km from the aquarium and the price per night is ₹2,000.
The Chancery Pavilion:
This is a 5-star hotel that offers luxurious and elegant rooms with premium amenities, such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, a spa, a pool, and a banquet hall. The hotel is located at a distance of 2.5 km from the aquarium and the price per night is ₹5,000.
The Bangalore Aquarium is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves the aquatic world. It is a place where you can see and learn about the amazing and diverse fishes that that live in the water. It is also a place where you can have fun and relax in the beautiful Cubbon Park, which has many other attractions and activities to offer. The Bangalore Aquarium is a perfect destination for a family outing, a solo adventure, or a romantic date.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the wonders of the aquatic world at the Bangalore Aquarium. And don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments below. We would love to hear from you. Happy travelling!
