Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan is also called the Byculla Zoo, and earlier Victoria Gardens is a zoo and garden covering 50 acres of land situated at Byculla, in the heart of Mumbai city, India. It is the oldest public garden in Mumbai. After the independence of India, it was named after Jijamata, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha ruler.

Districts/Region

Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

History

In 1835, the British administration offered a large plot of land in Sewri to the Agro Horticultural Society of Western India for a botanical garden known as Victoria Gardens after Queen-Empress Victoria. Subsequently, this land was obtained for a European cemetery. In 1861, the development of another garden was initiated on 33 acres of land in the Mount Estate, Mazgaon (at present included in Byculla). The flora and fauna from Sewri garden were moved to this new garden.  It was officially opened to people in general by Lady Frere on 19th November 1862. continued to maintain Victoria Gardens till 1873 when the society's end led to the municipal corporation assuming control over the garden's upkeep. In 1890 this garden was stretched out by 15 acres of land for the zoo.

Geography

Jijamata Udyan is spread across 52 acres and is in the heart of Mumbai.

Weather/Climate

The prominent weather in the region is rainfall, the Konkan belt experiences High Rainfall (ranges around 2500 mm to 4500 mm), and the climate remains Humid and warm. The temperature reaches up to 30 degrees Celsius during this season.
Summers are hot and humid, and the temperature touches 40 degrees Celsius.
Winters have a comparatively milder climate (around 28 degrees Celsius), and the weather remains Cool and Dry.
 

Things to do

It has varied flora & fauna with about 853 Species of plants, 3000 plus trees, Wild Animals, Birds and the only ‘heritage’ botanical garden of the city, spread over 53 acres of land. Various animals are newly accommodated in the zoo and different flora as well. Humboldt Penguins are the important attractions at the zoo. Jijamata Udyan is spread across 52 acres and is in the heart of Mumbai.

Nearest tourist places

Many historical places are there to visit:
1. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum (1.5 KM)
2. Gloria Church (0.5 KM)

Special food speciality and hotel

The zoo has its canteen where various food items like ice creams, samosa, etc. are available.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

Morning 8.00 A.M. to  Evening 5.00 P.M. is the visiting time of this zoo. In summer and winter season is the best to visit. 

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi and Gujrati.