Bangalore Aquarium: Information, Location, Timings, Entry Fee

Fascinated by the diversity and abundance of life beneath the oceans? Want to explore the wealth of marine life that you normally get to see only on Animal Planet or Discovery Channel? While in Bangalore, you have the golden opportunity to witness the wonders of the aquatic world at the Government Aquarium. Popularly known as Bangalore Aquarium, it is the second-largest aquarium in India and has a fascinating range of cultivable and ornamental fish on display. Located in the heart of the city, the aquarium is surrounded by several historical structures, shopping streets, high-end malls, museums, churches, restaurants, and pubs. 

Are you planning your Bangalore itinerary? We recommend that you club your visit to the aquarium with other attractions around the area. Read on to know more about Bangalore Aquarium such as its history, timings, entry fee, fish varieties, nearby attractions, and more.

Bangalore Aquarium Information

Bangalore Aquarium: History and Overview

Bangalore Aquarium, which has earned a place in the top 10 aquariums in the country, was established more than three decades ago, in 1983. It is located in the busy and bustling Central Business District of Bangalore (CBD), right at the entrance of the famous Cubbon Park. The aquarium is home to a good range of indigenous and exotic freshwater fish species including both cultivable and ornamental varieties. It is currently being maintained by the Karnataka Fisheries Department.

Bangalore Aquarium: Structure

Housed in an octagonal-shaped building, Bangalore Aquarium covers an area of about 2700 square meters. The building has three stories, of which the ground floor comprises the laboratory and office where visitors are not allowed. The first and second floors of the building are used for displaying a diverse range of aquatic flora and fauna. The first floor has 14 large-sized tanks where you can see huge fishes belonging to various cultivable varieties.  The second floor of the building is dedicated to ornamental fish varieties and has over 60 small and medium-sized tanks arranged in two rows.

Fish Varieties on Display at Bangalore Aquarium

The Government Aquarium in Bangalore houses species that are native to India and from across the world. Some of the most popular inhabitants here include Eels, Catla, Grey Pacu, Red Tail Shark, Giant Gourami, Masheer, Silver Dollar, Glow Light Tetra, and Hockey Stick Tetra, among others.

While visiting the aquarium, you can also see many colorful and exotic species including Angel Fish, Indian Tiger Barb, Siamese Fighters, Blue Gourami, Pearl Gourami, Moonlight Gourami, Gold Fish, Moon Tail, Blue Acara, Oscar, and orange-colored Swordtail Fish, to name a few.

Other Things to Do/See at Cubbon Park

As the aquarium is located at Cubbon Park, one of the best hangout places in Bangalore, you keep some time aside to explore the park. Spread over 200 acres of land, the park houses several attractions including:

• Exotic and indigenous botanical assets including 6000 plants/trees belonging to a wide range of species
• Toy train rides through the park
• Jawahar Bal Bhavan, a recreation center for children
• Stately buildings and monuments that are part of the expansive park, each of which boasts of remarkable architectural grandeur.
• Statues of several notable historical figures like Mark Cubbon, Queen Victoria, K. Sheshadri Iyer, Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar, and King Edward VII

Attractions near Bangalore Aquarium

• Mahatma Gandhi Park (190 m by walk)
• Mark’s Cathedral (300 m by walk)
• Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (450 m by walk)
• Mary’s Basilica (1.5 km)
• Vidhan Soudha (2 km)
• Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park (2 km)
• Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (2 km)
• National Gallery of Modern Art (2 km)
• Bangalore Turf Club (2 km)
• Ulsoor Lake (3 km)
• Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple (3 km)
• Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (3.5 km)
• Bangalore Palace (4 km)
• Snow City (4 km)
• Sankey Tank (5 km)

While Bangalore Aquarium is a must-visit spot in its own right, the attractions and shopping zones encircling it add to its popularity. You can start your day with a visit to the aquarium followed by other attractions around the area. Then, indulge in some shopping and end your day with a lavish dinner and your favorite poison.