Date: 01 November, 2025 Author: Team Piramal Realty
From Byculla’s Heart: The Story Behind Rani Baug and the Iconic Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Byculla, Mumbai, Rani Baug, also known as Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Udyan, is one of the city’s oldest and most cherished green spaces. Established in 1861, this botanical garden and zoo offers a peaceful retreat amid Mumbai’s busy urban environment, featuring over 3,000 trees, a wide variety of plant species, and a habitat for diverse wildlife, including the beloved Humboldt penguins. Just steps away is the magnificent Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai’s oldest museum, dating back to 1855. Known for its beautiful Victorian-era Indo-Saracenic architecture and curated exhibits, the museum preserves Mumbai’s rich cultural and industrial heritage. Together, Rani Baug Byculla and the Bhau Daji Lad Museum create a compelling cultural corridor that vividly reflects Mumbai’s spirit through art, nature, and history.
This blog by Piramal Realty delves into the fascinating story of Rani Baug, highlighting its botanical marvels, historical significance, and its enduring role as a sanctuary for families and nature enthusiasts. This blog explores their legacies, architectural beauty, and their ongoing importance in Mumbai’s cultural fabric.
A Walk Through Rani Baug, Mumbai’s Botanical Heritage
Genesis and Evolution of Rani Baug
Named initially Victoria Gardens in honor of Queen Victoria, Rani Baug was established as a botanical sanctuary during the colonial era. The garden was designed to preserve and grow a variety of native and exotic plants, with many of its trees transferred from Mumbai’s Sewri Botanical Gardens in the mid-19th century. Covering over 60 acres near Byculla Railway Station, Rani Baug features more than 800 plant species, including rare and medicinal plants, along with large banyan, peepal, and tamarind trees.
Rani Baug, a Wildlife Sanctuary at the Mumbai Zoo
In the late 19th century, the addition of the zoo transformed the garden into a versatile attraction. Today, the Rani Baug Zoo houses over 330 animals and birds, including an exotic collection of endangered species like black panthers, leopards, and the famous penguins that have delighted generations of visitors. The zoo’s emphasis on conservation and education underscores its dedication to preserving biodiversity in urban environments.
Architectural and Historic Treasures
The garden is dotted with historical landmarks, including the beautiful Sassoon Clock Tower, the statue of Rani Lakshmibai, and various colonial-era buildings that enhance its historical significance. Established in memory of Jijamata, the mother of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the garden’s renaming in 1969 to honor her solidifies its regional importance and cultural pride.
The Bhau Daji Lad Museum: Mumbai’s Cultural Treasure
Image Credit: Incredible IndiaHistorical Origins
The Bhau Daji Lad Museum, previously called the Victoria and Albert Museum, opened in 1872 as Mumbai’s first museum dedicated to decorative and industrial arts. It showcased the city's industrial and cultural accomplishments during British rule, reflecting the spirit of the Great Exhibition of Works of Industry, where Bombay's artisans displayed their best art and products on a global stage.
Architectural marvel
Built in the elegant Indo-Saracenic style, the museum is a masterpiece with ornate arches, stained glass windows, and richly decorated interiors that showcase 19th-century craftsmanship. After a decade-long restoration completed in 2008, led by INTACH and supported by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, the museum restored its original beauty and earned an award-winning reputation for conservation.
Collections and Exhibits
The museum’s extensive collection includes sculptures, textiles, manuscripts, paintings, photographs, and detailed models that illustrate Mumbai’s evolution from a cluster of islands into a vibrant city. Its galleries offer an immersive look into the city’s cultural heritage, industrial progress, and social life, featuring works by well-known 19th and early 20th century artists and artisans.
Visitor Information and Timings for Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum & Rani Baug Zoo
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum:
- Open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day except Wednesday.
- Closed on Wednesdays and select public holidays for maintenance.
- Tickets are affordably priced to support access, maintenance, and programmes.
Rani Baug Zoo (Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Udyan):
- Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Closed on Wednesdays for maintenance.
- Open on public holidays.
- Offers family-friendly atmosphere, large green spaces, and educational activities suitable for all ages.
Rani Baug and the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum stand as proud guardians of Mumbai’s rich heritage, seamlessly blending nature, history, and culture at the heart of Byculla. Together, they preserve centuries-old botanical diversity, wildlife, and architectural marvels while engaging the community through educational workshops, guided tours, and cultural events. Their lush green spaces, historic collections, and vibrant programs offer visitors a unique glimpse into Mumbai’s living heritage—a testament to the city’s enduring spirit and pride. As treasured landmarks, they continue to welcome families and visitors alike, inviting everyone to experience and celebrate the timeless legacy of Byculla.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the name Rani Baug and its historical significance?➕Rani Baug, founded in 1861 as Victoria Gardens, was renamed to honor Jijamata, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, reflecting both colonial and local historical influences.
What makes the Bhau Daji Lad Museum architecturally significant?➕Its distinctive combination of Victorian and Indo-Saracenic styles reflects Mumbai's colonialera architectural heritage, carefully restored to preserve original craftsmanship.
What can visitors expect to see at Rani Baug Zoo?➕A diverse range of exotic animals and birds, including endangered species, is displayed in a conservation-focused, peaceful setting.
What are the visiting hours and ticket details for the Bhau Daji Lad Museum?➕The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, except Wednesdays and select public holidays. The last ticket is sold at 5:00 PM.
Ticket prices for the museum are as follows:
- Adult: ₹20
- Children (3-12 years): ₹10
- School/University/College Students (with valid ID): ₹10
- Senior Citizens (above 60 years): ₹10
- Police and Armed Forces Members: ₹10
- BMC Employees: ₹10
International Citizens:
- Adult: ₹200
- Children (3-12 years): ₹100
Free Entry:
- BMC School Students
- Visitors with physical disabilities
For school and other group bookings, contact:
Email: education@bdlmuseum.org
Phone: +91 22 2372 1234
Entry tickets are required for all public programmes at the museum. The museum also offers free guided tours every weekend in English at 11:30 AM and in Marathi/Hindi at 12:30 PM. Audio guides are available in English, Hindi, and Marathi for selfguided tours.
Disclaimer - This article is based on the information publicly available for general use as well as reference links mentioned herein. The views expressed above are for informational purposes only based on industry reports and related news stories. Piramal Realty does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information and shall not be held responsible for any action taken based on the published information. Piramal Realty expressly disclaims/disowns any liability, which may arise due to any decision taken by any person/s basis the article hereof. Readers should obtain separate advice with respect to any particular information provided here in.
