Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

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Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo, commonly known as Byculla Zoo or Rani Baug, is Mumbai’s oldest public garden and one of India’s oldest zoos, established in 1861 on a 50–60 acre site in the Byculla area of central Mumbai.

Originally named Victoria Gardens to honor Queen Victoria, it was later renamed after Jijabai Bhosale, the mother of the legendary Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The complex beautifully combines a botanical garden with over 800 plant species and 3,000+ trees, including some more than 150 years old.

Alongside a zoological park housing around 330 animals, birds, and reptiles such as penguins (the first Humboldt penguins in India), crocodiles, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and deer. It also contains the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum and a heritage clock tower, making it a historic green oasis for nature lovers, families, and educators.