18.949272.8199Mumbai, Maharashtra

MUSEUM

Taraporewala Aquarium - Mumbai's Historic Underwater World

Explore India's oldest aquarium on Mumbai's Marine Drive, featuring a variety of marine life and a 360-degree acrylic walk-through tunnel.

Mumbai, Maharashtra1-2 hours10:00 AM – 8:00 PM₹60No Photography

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Best Season:The best time to visit Mumbai is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and humidity is low, making it ideal for sightseeing. Since the aquarium is an indoor attraction, it can be visited year-round. However, visiting during the monsoon season (June to September) can be challenging due to heavy rains affecting travel within the city. The post-monsoon and winter months offer the most comfortable experience for exploring the aquarium and nearby attractions like Marine Drive.

Duration:1-2 hours

Entry (Indian):₹60

Entry (Foreign):₹60

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Taraporewala Aquarium?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Taraporewala Aquarium is India's oldest aquarium, located prominently on Mumbai's Marine Drive. First opened in 1951, it underwent a major renovation and reopened in 2015 with updated exhibits. The main attraction is a 12-foot long, 360-degree acrylic tunnel that gives visitors a feeling of walking on the seabed, surrounded by fish. Inside, the aquarium is divided into several sections housing a variety of marine and freshwater species. You can see everything from common damselfish and angelfish to more unusual species like moray eels, sea turtles, and small sharks.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), public holidays, and school vacation months like April-May and December.

Moderate

Weekday afternoons (2 PM - 5 PM) when school groups often visit.

Low Season

Weekday mornings, especially between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹60

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹60

Per person

Opening Hours

10:00 AM — 8:00 PM

Open on all days except Mondays. The ticket counter closes at 7:30 PM. Timings might vary on public holidays.

Adults: ₹60. Children (3-12 years): ₹30. Students with valid ID: ₹30. Entry is free for children below 3 years. Still Camera: ₹500. Mobile Camera: Free. Charges are subject to change.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Marine Drive, Near Charni Road Station

Coordinates

18.9492, 72.8199

Nearest City

Mumbai

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is about 22 km away. A taxi or cab from the airport will take approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on ...

By Train

The nearest local railway station is Charni Road on the Western Line, which is a 5-minute walk. For long-distance trains, Mumbai Central (BCT) is about 3 km awa...

By Road

The aquarium is situated on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, popularly known as Marine Drive. It's well-connected by road to all parts of Mumbai. You can hire ...

Local Transport

Local trains are the lifeline of Mumbai; alight at Charni Road station. BEST buses provide excellent connectivity across the city. Taxis and app-based cab servi...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

Established in 1951, the Taraporewala Aquarium is the oldest in India. It was inaugurated by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The aquarium is named after D. B. Taraporewala, a Parsi philanthropist who donated a significant amount for its construction. For decades, it served as a key educational and recreational center in Mumbai. In 2013, it was closed for a major overhaul and modernization project. It reopened to the public in March 2015 with a completely new look, including the addition of a clear acrylic tunnel, larger tanks, and a more diverse collection of aquatic species, aiming to provide a more immersive and modern visitor experience.

Significance

The Taraporewala Aquarium's primary significance lies in its status as India's first aquarium. For over 70 years, it has been a center for marine education and awareness in Mumbai, introducing generations of visitors to the world of aquatic life. Its location on the iconic Marine Drive makes it a landmark attraction. The 2015 renovation, particularly the installation of the acrylic tunnel, elevated its appeal, making it a popular recreational spot for families and tourists. It plays a continuous role in educating the public about marine biodiversity and the importance of conservation.

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