What is the status of Taraporewala Aquarium?

Currently, the Taraporewala Aquarium in Mumbai is not in use.

Why did the Taraporewala Aquarium close?

The Taraporewala Aquarium has been closed since the COVID-19 breakout because it was declared dilapidated following a structural audit by the Public Works Department (PWD)

Taraporewala Aquarium Mumbai: The Entire Ocean In A Tank

Out of many places in South Mumbai including Marine Drive, Gateway Of India, Mani Bhavan, etc Taraporewala Aquarium is the most nostalgic place. Be it a school field trip or a trip with your family Taraporewala Aquarium in Mumbai was the first choice for a weekend trip.

Although, since the COVID-19 breakout the edifice of Taraporewala Aquarium has been closed due to the audit report from the Public Works Department that it was dilapidated, it was one of the best places to visit in Mumbai. The aquatic animals of Taraporewala Aquarium in Mumbai are shifted to Gujarat. Due to the Coastal Road construction, it is not sure when the aquarium will be opened.

About Taraporewala Aquarium

If we talk about Taraporewala Aquarium then it is the oldest aquarium in Mumbai. The aquarium hosts around 2000 aquatic animals and has around 400 different species. Taraporewala Aquarium has 16 seawater tanks and 9 freshwater tanks.

Taraporewala Aquarium in Mumbai has sharks, turtles, rays, moray eels, sea turtles, small starfish, seahorses, and stingrays.

The new varieties of nearly 70 new Sea water fishes include Helicopter, Arowana, Grouper, yellow-striped tang, blue spotted stingray, sea stars, clownfish, hark, triggerfish, Moorish idol, Azure Damsel, Blueline Demoiselle, Purple Firefish, Cloudy Damsel, Copperband Butterflyfish, Schooling Bannerfish, Raccoon Butterflyfish, White Tail Trigger, Clown Triggerfish and Blue Ribbon Eel.

There are nearly 40 new varieties of freshwater fishes including Red Devil, Jaguar, Electric Blue, Jack Dempsey, Frontosa, and Catfish.

The Taraporewala Aquarium in Mumbai also has a glass tunnel where you can walk through it and see the fish through the glass.

History Of Taraporewala Aquarium

Taraporewala Aquarium was inaugurated in 1951 by the first president of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad. It is estimated that around Rs. 8,00,000/- was spent to build the Aquarium. The Aquarium is named after the Parsi Philanthorophist D B Taraporewala, who donated ₹200,000.

Taraporewala Aquarium Entry Fee

The Taraporewala Aquarium entry fee is Rs. 60/- per person for adults and Rs. 30/- for children between the age group of (3-12 years). For foreign tourists, the Taraporewala Aquarium Entry Fee is Rs. 200/- and if the foreign tourist is between 3-12 years then the entry fee is Rs. 100/-.

Taraporewala Aquarium Timings

Taraporewala Aquarium timings are from 10:00 am to 08:00 pm. It is open on all days except Monday. The hours might differ on public holidays.

Best Time To Visit Taraporewala Aquarium

The best time to visit Taraporewala Aquarium is during monsoon when the atmosphere of Mumbai is the best. Although not many people are fans of Mumbai Monsoon, it is one of the best things one can witness.

The other best time to visit Taraporewala Aquarium is during the day in the late afternoon when the sun is not harsh and bearable.

Restaurants Near Taraporewala Aquarium

Located in the heart of Mumbai’s oldest and famous locality there are many restaurants near the Taraporewala Aquarium. Near Girgaon Chowpatty there are many food stalls you can have food from, Hygiene is maintained in these stalls. Giargaon Chowpatty is around 1.6 km from Taraporewala Aquarium.

Following are some of the most famous restaurants near Taraporewala aquarium

Bachelor’s Chowpatty (Since 1930)
The Third Wave Coffee
Sukh Sagar
Sujata Upahar Gruha
Shree Thaker Bhojanalay (Since 1945)
Pancharatna Restaurant
Kyani & Co
Onomato Pizza
Mumbai Bites

Hotels Near Taraporewala Aquarium

Marine Drive is expensive, so if you are planning to book hotels near Taraporewala Aquarium then pre-book and save yourself from breaking the bank.

Following are some top suggestions for hotels near the Taraporewala Aquarium

Hotel Bentley
Trident Hotel
Haven Stay
West End Hotel
Oberoi
Intercontinental
Sea Green
Hotel Marine Plaza

How To Reach Taraporewala Aquarium

Via Rail

The nearest railway station to reach Taraporewala Aquarium is Charni Road which is around 2 km. You can take a cab from the station to reach the aquarium.

Via Road

The roads in Mumbai are well-connected. You can reach the aquarium by hiring a cab or getting a bus.

Places To Visit Near Taraporewala Aquarium

Located in Mumbai there are many places to visit near Taraporewala Aquarium. Following are some of the places to visit near Taraporewala Aquarium

1. Marine Drive

Due to the Coastal Road construction in front of the Taraporewala Aquarium the Marine Drive in from of it is not accessible. Although a short walk towards Churchgate the Marine Drive is accessible to sit, walk, and enjoy the horizon.

Also known as the Queen’s Neckless the best time to visit Marine Drive is during sunset. Every day thousands of tourists and locals come to Marine Drive for their leisure walk and watch the beautiful horizon and the sun setting. It is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai.

2. Mani Bhavan

Located in Mumbai Mani Bhavan is around 1.8 km from Taraporewala Aquarium in Mumbai. This two-stories building is where Gandhiji used to stay when he was in Mumbai.

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalya has many things related to Mathma Gandhi including the collection of books, Gandhiji spinning wheels, photographs, etc. Many photographs of Gandhiji are hung on the walls of the museum.

3. Girgaon Chowpatty

Girgaon Chowpatty is around 1.5 km from Taraporewala Aquarium. It is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai with thousands of tourists every year. The best time to visit Girgaon Chowpatty is during Ganesh Visarjan when various idols of Lord Ganesha are submerged in the majestic Arabian Sea. Of everything else Lal Baug Cha Raja (Lord Ganesha of Lalbagu area) is something you should not miss on Visarjan Day.

4. Gateway Of India

Gateway of India is around 5.5 km from Taraporewala Aquarium. A twentieth-century marvel, The Gateway of India Mumbai is a jewel-studded with a century-old history. The foundation stone of the Gateway Of India was placed on 31 March 1911 at Apollo Bunder to honour King George V and Queen Mary on their visit to India.

5. Hanging Garden

Hanging Garden is around 3.3 km from Taraporewala Aquarium in Mumbai. Located at Malabar Hills Hanging Garden gives a stunning view of the Arabian Sea. The hanging gardens are great places for jogging and morning walks. You can also bring your friends and family for a picnic, pack your lunch box, and indulge in activities like potluck.

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Taraporewala Aquarium: Mumbai’s Indoor Aquarium