Jijamata Udyaan Tickets: Complete Guide to Prices, Booking & Visiting in 2026

Published on: 29-04-2026
Jijamata Udyaan Tickets

Jijamata Udyaan tickets (also called Byculla Zoo or The Mumbai Zoo) cost Rs 50 for adults, Rs 25 for children, and Rs 400 for foreign nationals as of 2026. Tickets can be booked online through the official MCGM portal or purchased at the gate. The zoo is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed every Monday.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult tickets: Rs 50 | Children (3–12 years): Rs 25 | Foreign nationals: Rs 400
  • Online booking is available through the official MCGM portal at themumbaizoo-ticket.mcgm.gov.in
  • The zoo recorded 25.42 lakh visitors between April 2025 and March 2026, generating Rs 9.85 crore in revenue
  • Penguins will be off-display June through August 2026 due to enclosure expansion work
  • A new aquarium is planned for December 2026 inside the Interpretation Centre
  • The zoo is closed every Monday; arrive before 4:00 PM for entry
  • No ticket price hikes were announced between March and April 2026
  • Children under 3 years typically enter free (confirm at the gate)
  • Foreigners pay roughly 8x the adult local rate, so carry ID if needed
  • The zoo covers 48 acres in Byculla, Mumbai, and is one of India’s oldest zoological parks

What Are the Current Jijamata Udyaan Ticket Prices in 2026?

Jijamata Udyaan ticket prices have remained stable through early 2026, with no hikes announced in the March–April 2026 period. [4] The pricing structure is straightforward and among the most affordable for any major city zoo in India.

Visitor Category Ticket Price (Rs)
Adults (13 years and above) 50
Children (3–12 years) 25
Children under 3 years Free (typically)
Foreign Nationals 400
School Group (per student, approx.) 10–15 (contact zoo directly)

Pull quote: “At under $1 for an adult entry, Jijamata Udyaan is one of the most accessible family attractions in any major Indian city.”

Common mistake: Many visitors assume the penguin exhibit is always open. As of June 2026, Humboldt penguins will be moved off-display until August 2026 while BMC expands the enclosure from 25 to 40 birds. Plan the visit accordingly if penguins are a priority.

How to Book Jijamata Udyaan Tickets Online

Online booking for Jijamata Udyaan tickets is handled through the official MCGM portal. The process is simple and takes under five minutes.

Step-by-step booking process:

  1. Go to the official portal: themumbaizoo-ticket.mcgm.gov.in
  2. Select the visit date and number of visitors per category (adult/child/foreign)
  3. Fill in the required visitor details on the Mumbai Zoo Form
  4. Pay online via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking
  5. Download or screenshot the confirmation ticket (QR code format)
  6. Show the QR code at the entry gate on the day of the visit

Choose online booking if: visiting on weekends or public holidays, traveling with a large group, or wanting to skip the queue at the gate.

Choose gate tickets if: plans are flexible, the visit is on a weekday, or there’s no reliable internet access beforehand.

Third-party platforms like MakeMyTrip also list the zoo, but the MCGM portal is the official and most reliable source for Jijamata Udyaan tickets.

What Are the Zoo’s Timings and Visiting Rules?

Jijamata Udyaan is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The last entry is typically around 4:30 PM, so arriving after 4:00 PM risks being turned away.

Key visiting rules:

  •  Closed every Monday (including public holidays that fall on Monday)
  •  Personal photography is allowed; commercial shoots require prior permission
  •  No pets allowed inside the premises
  •  Outside food and beverages are restricted in some sections
  •  The zoo has limited but improving wheelchair accessibility across its 48-acre grounds
  •  Large bags may be checked at the entrance

Best time to visit: Early morning on weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) for smaller crowds. Weekends, especially after 11:00 AM, see the heaviest footfall given the zoo’s 25.42 lakh annual visitors.

What Animals and Attractions Are Inside Jijamata Udyaan?

Jijamata Udyaan (Byculla Zoo) houses a wide range of animals across its 48 acres, making the ticket price exceptional value for families.

Notable animals and exhibits:

  •  Humboldt Penguins (off-display June–August 2026 for enclosure expansion)
  •  Lions and big cats
  •  Giraffes
  •  Rhinoceros
  •  Reptile section including crocodiles
  •  Bird aviary with diverse species
  •  Botanical garden (the udyaan component, with heritage trees)

Upcoming additions that affect visit planning:

  • Aquarium: Opening December 2026 on the ground floor of the Interpretation Centre
  • Exotic bird aviary: Satellite facility in Mulund, expected 2027
  • Continent-themed enclosures: Part of a Rs 490-crore modernization project, ongoing since December 2025, adding 20 exotic species

The zoo also hosted the Mumbai Flower Show 2026 from February 6–8, 2026, organized by BMC, where standard zoo entry fees applied.

How Does Jijamata Udyaan Compare to Other Zoos Near Mumbai?

For visitors deciding between zoos, a direct comparison helps. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune (Katraj Zoo) is the closest major alternative, roughly 150 km away.

Feature Jijamata Udyaan (Mumbai) Rajiv Gandhi Zoo (Pune)
Adult Ticket Rs 50 Rs 40
Children Ticket Rs 25 Rs 10
Foreign Nationals Rs 400 Rs 100
Closed On Monday Wednesday
Timings 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Penguins Yes (off-display Jun–Aug 2026) No
Aquarium Coming Dec 2026 No
Location Byculla, Central Mumbai Katraj, Pune

Choose Jijamata Udyaan if: visiting Mumbai anyway, want to see penguins (outside June–August), or plan to visit the upcoming aquarium.

Choose Pune’s Katraj Zoo if: based in Pune, traveling with children on a tighter budget, or prefer a less crowded experience.

There is also a Pune Jijamata Udyan (a distinct, smaller garden), which can be booked through third-party travel sites like Trip.com, but it is not the same as Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo and offers a much smaller experience.

Is Jijamata Udyaan Worth the Ticket Price?

At Rs 50 per adult, Jijamata Udyaan offers strong value by any measure. The zoo generated Rs 9.85 crore in revenue from 25.42 lakh visitors between April 2025 and March 2026, demonstrating consistent demand at current pricing.

What makes it worth it:

  • One of India’s oldest zoological parks with over 150 years of history
  • Combines a zoo, botanical garden, and heritage architecture in one entry fee
  • Penguins remain a rare attraction for a city zoo in India
  • Ongoing Rs 490-crore modernization means the experience improves each year
  • Accessible from Byculla railway station (Central and Harbour lines), making it easy to reach without a car

Where it falls short:

  • Some enclosures are still undergoing renovation
  • Peak weekend crowds can make the experience feel rushed
  • The zoo acknowledges it has not yet returned to its historical peak footfall, meaning some exhibits may feel sparse compared to older memories

Where Exactly Is Jijamata Udyaan and How Do You Get There?

Jijamata Udyaan is located in Byculla, Central Mumbai, Maharashtra. The official address is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Byculla, Mumbai 400027.

Getting there:

  • By train: Byculla station on the Central Railway line (2-minute walk from the station)
  • By road: Auto-rickshaws and taxis stop directly outside; parking is limited
  • By Metro: Nearest metro connectivity depends on current Mumbai Metro Phase 2 status (check local updates before visiting)

The Byculla location makes it one of the most accessible major zoos in India for public transport users, which partly explains its high annual footfall.

Conclusion: Plan Your Visit to Jijamata Udyaan in 2026

Jijamata Udyaan remains one of Mumbai’s best-value family destinations in 2026. At Rs 50 per adult, the zoo packs in penguins, big cats, a botanical garden, and a heritage setting that few urban attractions can match at that price point.

Actionable next steps before visiting:

  1. Book tickets online at themumbaizoo-ticket.mcgm.gov.in to avoid gate queues, especially on weekends
  2. Check the penguin schedule — if seeing penguins matters, visit before June or after August 2026
  3. Arrive by 10:00 AM on weekdays for the most comfortable experience
  4. Watch for the December 2026 aquarium opening — it will significantly upgrade the visit
  5. Follow the official Mumbai Zoo social channels for real-time updates on exhibits and any temporary closures

With a Rs 490-crore modernization underway and new attractions arriving through 2027, the zoo is genuinely improving year over year. The current Jijamata Udyaan ticket price makes it an easy yes for families, tourists, and anyone curious about one of India’s most historic zoological parks.

FAQ: Jijamata Udyaan Tickets and Visiting

Q: What is the ticket price for Jijamata Udyaan in 2026?
Adults pay Rs 50, children (3–12 years) pay Rs 25, and foreign nationals pay Rs 400. Children under 3 typically enter free.

Q: Can I book Jijamata Udyaan tickets online?
Yes. Book through the official MCGM portal at themumbaizoo-ticket.mcgm.gov.in. Third-party sites like MakeMyTrip also list it.

Q: Is Jijamata Udyaan open on Sundays?
Yes, the zoo is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed every Monday.

Q: Will I be able to see the penguins in 2026?
Not between June and August 2026. The penguin enclosure is being expanded from 25 to 40 Humboldt penguins, and the birds will be off-display during construction.

Q: Is there a separate charge for the botanical garden inside?
No. The single entry ticket covers both the zoo and the botanical garden (udyaan) within the premises. [5]

Q: How long does a visit to Jijamata Udyaan typically take?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours. A thorough visit covering all sections, including the botanical garden, can take up to 4 hours.

Q: Are there group discounts for school visits?
School groups may be eligible for discounted rates. Contact the zoo administration directly through the MCGM portal for current group pricing.

Q: Is photography allowed inside?
Personal photography is generally permitted. Commercial photography or filming requires prior approval from zoo authorities.

Q: What is the nearest railway station to Jijamata Udyaan?
Byculla station on Mumbai’s Central Railway line is the closest, roughly a 2-minute walk from the zoo entrance.

Q: Will ticket prices increase when the new aquarium opens in December 2026?
No official announcement of a price increase has been made as of April 2026. Check the MCGM portal for updates closer to the aquarium’s opening.

Q: Is Jijamata Udyaan the same as Rani Baug?
Yes. Rani Baug is the historical name for the same location, now officially known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, or Jijamata Udyaan.

Q: Can foreign tourists use the online booking system?
Yes, but foreign nationals should select the correct visitor category during booking to ensure the correct ticket price (Rs 400) is applied.

 

Mirror News24: Your trusted news platform that provides the latest and most reliable news across various categories including Automobile, Business, Technology, Finance, Entertainment, Education and Sports! 🚀

Follow Us On Social Media

Get Latest Update On Social Media