Taraporewala Aquarium: Mumbai’s Famous Attraction

Taraporewala Aquarium, also known as Taraporevala Aquarium, is India’s oldest aquarium and one of Mumbai’s main attractions. It hosts marine and freshwater fish. The aquarium is located on Marine Drive, facing the Arabian Sea. The aquarium has a 12-foot long and 180-degree acrylic glass tunnel that allows visitors to walk through and see the fish from different angles. The aquarium also has various tanks that display different types of fish and aquatic animals such as sharks, seahorses, turtles, corals, etc. Visit during Mumbai One day tour.

Distance From City Center Location of Taraporewala Aquarium

The aquarium is located about 5 km from the city center of Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Churchgate, which is connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which is about 25 km away.

Timing/Entry Fees Taraporewala Aquarium

The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, except on Mondays. There is an entry fee for visiting the aquarium, which varies from Rs. 30 to Rs. 200 depending on the type of visitor and the shows they want to watch. There is also a fee for photography and videography, which varies from Rs. 500 to Rs. 10,000 depending on the type of camera and the duration of shooting.

How to reach Taraporewala Aquarium

There are various modes of transport available to reach the aquarium. One can take a bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw, or car from the railway station or the airport. The most convenient and popular way is to take a cab or a bus that goes via Marine Drive or Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road to the aquarium.

Things to Do / Must See Taraporewala Aquarium

There are many things to do and see at the aquarium and its surroundings. Some of them are:

• Darshan of Taraporewala Aquarium: The main attraction of the aquarium is the darshan of the various fish and aquatic animals that are displayed in different tanks and exhibits. The aquarium has around 400 species of fish that belong to different habitats such as freshwater, marine, tropical, etc. Some of the notable fish are:
  • Moray Eels: These are long and slender fish that have sharp teeth and can hide in crevices and holes. They can grow up to 4 meters in length and can be found in tropical and subtropical waters.
  • Lionfish: These are colorful and venomous fish that have long spines on their fins. They can grow up to 45 cm in length and can be found in coral reefs and rocky areas.
  • Clownfish: These are bright orange and white fish that have a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. They can grow up to 18 cm in length and can be found in warm waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans.
• Shows: The aquarium also organizes various shows that entertain and educate visitors about different aspects of aquatic life. The shows include:
  • Fish Feeding Show: This show involves feeding different types of fish such as sharks, stingrays, turtles, etc. with live or dead food items such as prawns, crabs, fish, etc. The show takes place twice a day at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm.
  • 3D Show: This show uses 3D glasses and special effects to create an immersive experience for visitors, who can watch various topics such as dinosaurs, sharks, volcanoes, etc.
  • Light & Sound Show: This show uses light and sound effects to narrate the story of life in water from its origin to its present form.
• Marine Drive: This is a boulevard along the coast that offers a scenic view of the sea and the city. It is also known as the Queen’s Necklace because of its shape and lights at night. It is a popular spot for walking, jogging, cycling, or relaxing.
• Chowpatty Beach: This is a beach near the aquarium that is famous for its street food stalls that serve a variety of snacks such as pav bhaji, bhel puri, pani puri, sev puri, vada pav, etc. The beach also hosts various cultural events such as Ganesh Chaturthi (Festival of Elephant God), Ramlila (Drama based on Ramayana), etc.

Significance of Taraporewala Aquarium

The aquarium has a great significance for the history and culture of India. It is one of the four national level science centres in India that were established by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) under the Ministry of Culture. It is also one of the most visited science centres in India that attracts over 700,000 visitors every year.

The aquarium also has significance for its location and environment. It is situated on a land that was donated by Parsi philanthropist D.B.Taraporewala in memory of his late wife Perinbanoo Taraporewala. It also provides a natural and free environment for students to learn about aquatic life and for professionals in the field of fisheries to have a glimpse of innovations in aquaculture.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

Taraporewala Aquarium is a must-visit place for anyone who loves aquatic life or entertainment. It is a place where one can explore and experience various types of fish and aquatic animals through exhibits and shows. It is also a place where one can enjoy the scenic view of the sea and the city along Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach. It is a place worth visiting for anyone who wants to learn more about aquatic life and culture…