The Matsyadarshini Aquarium is an aquarium located on the Rama Krishna Beach in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It's a great place to visit, especially for families with young children.
Getting There
The Matsyadarshini Aquarium is located about 17.2 kilometers from the Visakhapatnam city center. You can easily reach the aquarium by bus, auto-rickshaw, or cab.
- Bus: Take an RTC bus from any point in the city to the RK Beach bus stand. The aquarium is just a short walk from there.
- Auto-rickshaw: You can hire an auto-rickshaw from any point in the city to take you directly to the aquarium.
- Cab: For a more convenient commute, you can hail a cab from a ride-hailing app or hire one from a local taxi stand.
Entry Fee and Timings
The Matsyadarshini Aquarium is open every day from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Here's a breakdown of the entry fees:
- Adults: INR 30
- Children above 5 years old: INR 20
- Children below 5 years old: Free entry
- Still camera: INR 20
- Video camera: INR 50
What to See
The Matsyadarshini Aquarium houses a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish, including clownfish, angelfish, archerfish, and sharks. There are also turtles, starfish, and other marine creatures on display. The aquarium is built in the shape of a shark, and you enter through its jaws which adds to the unique experience.
Here are some of the highlights of the aquarium:
- The variety of fish species: The aquarium is home to a wide variety of fish, from the colorful clownfish to the majestic sharks.
- The informative displays: The aquarium has informative displays that provide details about the different fish species on display.
- The shark tank: The shark tank is one of the highlights of the aquarium. Visitors can see different species of sharks swimming around in the tank.
Things to Keep in Mind
- The Matsyadarshini Aquarium is a relatively small aquarium, so you can expect to cover it in around 30-35 minutes.
- The aquarium has received mixed reviews from visitors. Some reviewers have praised the variety of fish on display, while others have mentioned that the aquarium is not very well maintained.
- If you are expecting a large, state-of-the-art aquarium, you may be disappointed. However, if you are looking for a small, educational outing for young children, the Matsyadarshini Aquarium is a good option.
Overall, the Matsyadarshini Aquarium is a decent place to visit if you are in Visakhapatnam with kids. It is a budget-friendly option and offers a glimpse into the underwater world.