Veermata Jeejabai Udyan
:
Popularly called Ranee Baug after its namesake,
the Victoria Gardens are now rechristened
Jijamata Udyan. They are botanical gardens,
sprawled over 48 acres and contain some
of the oldest trees in the city, some dating
back two hundred years! At the entrance
is a charming Renaissance clock tower to
match the Italian Renaissance-style Victoria
and Albert Museum (now the Bhau Dali Ladd
Museum) that houses an interesting collection
of local archaeological finds. Just behind
it is the Mumbai Zoo, a depressing place
with animals in bare cast iron-and-stone
cages. Avoidable. You can however, opt for
an elephant ride on weekends, but the best
bet is a stroll through the gorgeous botanical
gardens or picnic on the well-kept lawns.
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