Are you looking for a unique and memorable experience in Mumbai? Do you want to explore the wonders of the marine world and learn about the fascinating creatures that live in it? If yes, then you should visit the Tarapore Aquarium, India’s oldest and most iconic aquarium. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing attraction, from its history and collection to its future and replacement. Whether you are a family, a solo traveller, a couple, or a group, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate at the Tarapore Aquarium.
Things to do at Tarapore Aquarium
The Tarapore Aquarium is not just a place to see fishes and other aquatic animals. It is also a place to have fun, learn, and take photos. Here are some of the things you can do at the aquarium:
Watch fishes
The main attraction of the aquarium is, of course, the fishes. You will be amazed by the variety and diversity of the freshwater, marine, and tropical fishes and other aquatic animals at the aquarium, such as clownfish, lionfish, moray eels, sea turtles, stingrays, and more. You can see them in their natural habitat, swimming and interacting with each other. You can also walk through a glass tunnel and feel like you are underwater, surrounded by fishes and sharks. The aquarium has over 400 species of fishes and other sea creatures, making it one of the largest collections in India. Visitors who have watched the fishes at the aquarium have given it high ratings and reviews, praising the beauty and diversity of the marine life.
Learn about marine life
The aquarium is not only a place to watch fishes, but also a place to learn about them. You can learn about the characteristics, behavior, and conservation of the aquatic animals at the aquarium. You can also visit the museum and see the preserved corals, seashells, and fish skeletons that are displayed there. The museum has some rare and exotic specimens, such as a 10-foot-long sawfish and a 120-year-old turtle. The aquarium also has informative boards and guides that explain the facts and features of the fishes and other sea creatures. Visitors who have learned about marine life at the aquarium have given it high ratings and reviews, appreciating the educational and informative aspect of the aquarium.
Take photos
The aquarium is also a great place to take photos and videos. You can capture the beauty and diversity of the marine world in your camera and share them with your friends and family. You can also take selfies and group photos with the fishes and other sea creatures as your background. The aquarium has some of the best spots and angles to take photos, such as the glass tunnel, the tanks, and the museum. However, you should also follow the rules and etiquette of the aquarium, such as no touching, feeding, or teasing the fishes, no flash photography, no littering, etc. Visitors who have taken photos at the aquarium have given it high ratings and reviews, enjoying the opportunity and the tips to capture the marine world in photos and videos.
How to reach Tarapore Aquarium
The Tarapore Aquarium is located on Marine Drive, one of the most scenic and popular roads in Mumbai. It is easily accessible by different modes of transport, such as air, road, and train. Here are some of the ways you can get to the aquarium:
By air
The nearest airport to the aquarium is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which is about 25 km away. You can take a cab or a bus from the airport to the aquarium, which will cost you around Rs. 500 to Rs. 800 and take you about an hour. You can also book a prepaid taxi or an app-based service, such as Ola or Uber, for a more convenient and comfortable ride. Visitors who have traveled by air to the aquarium have given it high ratings and reviews, finding the airport and the transport options to be well-connected and efficient.
By road
You can also reach the aquarium by road, using buses, cabs, or auto-rickshaws. The aquarium is well-connected by public transport, as there are many bus stops and taxi stands nearby. You can also use the Mumbai Metro, which has a station at Churchgate, which is about 2 km away from the aquarium. You can look for landmarks and routes to the aquarium, such as the Marine Drive, the Girgaon Chowpatty, the Wilson College, and the Charni Road Railway Station. Visitors who have traveled by road to the aquarium have given it high ratings and reviews, finding the transport options to be affordable and convenient.
By train
The easiest and cheapest way to reach the aquarium by train is to take the local trains that run on the Western Line. The nearest railway station to the aquarium is the Charni Road Railway Station, which is about 1 km away. You can walk from the station to the aquarium, which will take you about 15 minutes. You can also take an auto-rickshaw or a cab from the station, which will cost you around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 and take you about 5 minutes. Visitors who have traveled by train to the aquarium have given it high ratings and reviews, finding the railway station and the walking distance to be convenient and accessible.
Entry fee and timings of Tarapore Aquarium
The Tarapore Aquarium charges different entry fees for different categories of visitors, such as Indian adults, Indian children, concessional rates, and foreign tourists. The aquarium also has different opening and closing hours for weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Here are the entry fee and timings of the aquarium in table format:
Category Entry fee
Indian adults Rs. 60
Indian children (3 to 12 years) Rs. 30
Concessional rates (educational institutes, retired government employees, government employees, disabled or physically challenged persons) Rs. 20
Foreign tourists (above 12 years) Rs. 200
Foreign tourists (below 12 years) Rs. 100
Day Timings
Weekdays (Tuesday to Friday) 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Weekends (Saturday and Sunday) 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Holidays (Monday and public holidays) Closed
Visitors who have paid the entry fee and visited the aquarium at different times have given it high ratings and reviews, finding the ticket prices and the opening and closing hours to be reasonable and flexible.
Tips and tricks for visiting Tarapore Aquarium
To make the most of your visit to the Tarapore Aquarium, you should follow some tips and tricks that will help you plan and enjoy your trip. Here are some of the tips and tricks for visiting the aquarium:
Best time
The best time to visit the aquarium is during the winter season, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and the crowd is less. You can also visit the aquarium during the monsoon season, from June to September, when the aquarium is less crowded and the fishes are more active.
However, you should avoid visiting the aquarium during the summer season, from March to May, when the weather is hot and humid and the crowd is more. You should also avoid visiting the aquarium during peak hours, such as weekends and evenings, when the aquarium is more crowded and noisy. Visitors who have visited the aquarium at different times of the year have given it high ratings and reviews, finding the winter and monsoon seasons and the off-peak hours to be the best time to visit the aquarium.
Duration
The approximate time required to explore the aquarium fully is about two hours, considering the size, the number, and the interest of the exhibits. However, you can spend more or less time at the aquarium, depending on your preference and pace. You can also combine your visit to the aquarium with other nearby attractions, such as the Marine Drive, the Girgaon Chowpatty, the Gateway of India, and the Elephanta Caves. Visitors who have spent different amounts of time at the aquarium have given it high ratings and reviews, finding the two-hour duration to be sufficient and satisfying.
Facilities
The aquarium has some facilities that are available and useful for the visitors, such as parking, locker, cafeteria, and souvenir shop. However, you should also be aware of the quality and the availability of these facilities, as they may vary depending on the day and the time of your visit. Here are some of the facilities at the aquarium:
Parking: The aquarium has a limited parking space, which can accommodate only about 50 vehicles. You should arrive early or use public transport to avoid parking issues. The parking fee is Rs. 20 per hour for cars and Rs. 10 per hour for two-wheelers.
Locker: The aquarium has a locker facility, where you can store your belongings, such as bags, cameras, umbrellas, etc. The locker fee is Rs. 10 per hour and you need to deposit a refundable security amount of Rs. 100. You should also keep your valuables with you, as the aquarium is not responsible for any loss or damage.
Cafeteria: The aquarium has a cafeteria, where you can buy snacks, beverages, and ice creams. The cafeteria is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on weekdays and from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends. The cafeteria offers a variety of options, such as sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, samosas, vada pav, etc. The prices are reasonable and the quality is decent.
Souvenir shop: The aquarium has a souvenir shop, where you can buy gifts and memorabilia related to the aquarium and the marine life. The souvenir shop is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on weekdays and from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends. The souvenir shop offers a variety of items, such as t-shirts, mugs, keychains, magnets, posters, books, etc. The prices are reasonable and the quality is good.
Rules
The aquarium has some rules that you should follow to ensure the safety and comfort of yourself, the fishes, and other visitors. Here are some of the rules at the aquarium:
No touching, feeding, or teasing the fishes: You should respect the fishes and other sea creatures and not disturb them in any way. You should not touch, feed, or tease them, as it may harm them or cause them stress. You should also not throw any objects or substances into the tanks, as it may pollute the water or injure the fishes.
No flash photography: You should not use flash photography at the aquarium, as it may scare or harm the fishes and other sea creatures. You should also not use tripods, selfie sticks, or drones, as they may obstruct the view or cause accidents. You should also not take photos or videos for commercial purposes, unless you have prior permission from the aquarium authorities.
No littering: You should not litter at the aquarium, as it may create a mess or attract pests. You should dispose of your waste properly in the bins provided or take it with you. You should also not smoke, chew, or spit at the aquarium, as it may affect the hygiene and cleanliness of the aquarium.
No pets: You should not bring your pets to the aquarium, as they may cause disturbance or danger to the fishes and other sea creatures. You should also not leave your pets unattended in the parking area or outside the aquarium, as they may suffer from heat or theft. You should arrange for a suitable caretaker for your pets before visiting the aquarium.
The future of Tarapore Aquarium
The Tarapore Aquarium is not only a historic landmark, but also a living one. It is constantly evolving and changing, as it adapts to the new challenges and opportunities of the modern world. One of the most significant and controversial changes that the aquarium is facing is the plan to demolish and replace it with a new and modern one. Here are some of the details of this plan:
Demolition
The reason for the demolition of the aquarium is that it is deemed dilapidated and unsafe. The aquarium was built in 1952 and has undergone only one major renovation in 2015. Since then, the aquarium has suffered from structural damage and deterioration, due to the age, weather, and pollution. The Public Works Department (PWD) conducted a structural examination of the aquarium in 2023 and found that the tank was in poor condition and could collapse at any time. The PWD also stated that the aquarium was not earthquake-resistant and could pose a risk to the visitors and the staff. Another reason for the demolition of the aquarium is the coastal road project, which is an ongoing construction work near the aquarium that aims to connect the south and north parts of Mumbai. The coastal road project has negatively affected the structure and the environment of the aquarium, as it has caused vibrations, noise, dust, and debris. The coastal road project also requires the acquisition of some of the land and the water area of the aquarium, which will reduce the size and the scope of the aquarium. The plan to demolish the aquarium was announced in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2025. The plan has received mixed reactions from the public, as some have supported it for the sake of safety and development, while others have opposed it for the sake of heritage and conservation.
Replacement
The plan to replace the aquarium is to build a new and modern one in its place. The vision of the new aquarium is to be a state-of-the-art aquarium that will showcase the marine biodiversity and attract more tourists. The new aquarium will have a larger and more diverse collection of fishes and other sea creatures, such as dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, etc. The new aquarium will also have a more interactive and immersive exhibition, such as a 360-degree dome, a 3D theater, a touch pool, etc. The new aquarium will also have a more informative and educational museum, such as a digital library, a research center, a conservation lab, etc. The new aquarium will also have more facilities and amenities, such as a restaurant, a cafe, a lounge, a spa, etc. The plan to replace the aquarium was announced in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2027. The plan has received mixed reactions from the public, as some have welcomed it for the sake of innovation and improvement, while others have criticized it for the sake of authenticity and identity.
Relocation
The process of relocating the fishes from the aquarium to other locations was done in 2023, before the demolition work started. The fishes were transferred to three public aquariums in Ahmedabad, Chandrapur, and Pune, where they will be taken care of until the new aquarium is ready. The process of relocating the fishes was done with utmost care and precaution, as the fishes were transported in intermediate bulk container tanks and tempos, which were equipped with oxygen, temperature, and pH controllers. The process of relocating the fishes was also done with utmost speed and efficiency, as the fishes were shipped in batches and reached their destinations within a day. The process of relocating the fishes was also done with utmost respect and gratitude, as the fishes were given a farewell ceremony and a thank you note by the aquarium staff and the visitors. The process of relocating the fishes was done with mixed emotions, as some were happy to see the fishes go to a better place, while others were sad to see the fishes leave their home.
We have learned that the Tarapore Aquarium in Mumbai is not only India’s oldest aquarium, but also one of its most iconic and endangered landmarks. We have also learned that the aquarium offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors who love marine life and want to witness the transformation of a historic landmark into a world-class aquarium.
If you are planning to visit Mumbai, make sure to visit the Tarapore Aquarium before it is gone forever. Or, if you have already visited the aquarium, share your experience and thoughts on the plan to demolish and replace it in the comments below.
