Counted among the best aquariums in India, Taraporewala Aquarium is located on the way to Marine Drive.   It houses large variety of marine life including sea and fresh water fish and other forms.  Named after a Parsi philanthropist, Mr. Taraporewala, the aquarium is among the famous tourist places in Mumbai.

Built in 1951, the Aquarium cost around 800 thousand rupees. Mr. Taraporewala opened the way to set up the aquarium by giving a grant of rupees 200,000. It was opened by the Lt. Dr. Rajendra Prasad.  At present it is supported and maintained by the Maharashtra State Government.

Description
The main hall of Mumbai aquarium is divided into two sections;  One a large section measuring 160 cubic feet and other miniature section measuring 2 cubic feet only.  Hundreds of variety of marine life is displayed including turtles, sharks, morays and more.  Recently, seven varieties of coral fish, brought from Lakshadweep Island were added to the collection which makes the great attraction.

One of the famous tourist places in Mumbai, the Aquarium is home to many sea lives like sharks, turtles, moray eels, small starfish, stingrays and more. Aquarium also has fossils and preserved fish kept in bottles, and you can see rare sea shells also. There are pearls also on display in the aquarium.

Proposed Renovation
Maharashtra State Government is seriously working over the proposal to convert this aquarium into the underwater oceanarium.  If this becomes a reality which it will soon, people will be able to enjoy undersea walks in which they can see various forms of marine life in their natural habitat.  This kind of undersea walk will be unique in India.

Timings
You can visit the aquarium between 11 am to 8 pm on weekdays and on Sundays and other holidays, it opens from 10 am to 8 pm. You are not allowed to use camera here.

How to Reach
The aquarium is easily accessible from all parts of Mumbai. It can be reached by taxi or bus.
According to this Mumbai travel guide, the Aquarium is not –to-be missed attraction while you are in Mumbai.