Puri Aquarium
The Puri Aquarium, officially known as the Marine Aquarium and Regional Centre (MARC), is a fascinating scientific and educational attraction for visitors. Operated by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), it is one of the premier marine research centers in the country. The aquarium houses a divers e collection of marine life indigenous to the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Visitors can see various species of colorful fish, sea anemones, crabs, and even some rare specimens of sharks and rays. The center serves two purposes: providing a window into the underwater world for the public and conducting vital research on marine biodiversity. The exhibits are arranged in a series of well-maintained tanks, each mimicking the natural habitat of the species. Information plaques provide details about the biological characteristics and conservation status of the creatures. It is an excellent educational spot for children, helping them understand the importance of ocean conservation. The building also houses a museum section with preserved specimens of marine mammals and corals. Being located close to the main beach, it offers a cool indoor respite from the coastal sun. The staff is knowledgeable and often helps explain the displays to curious visitors. It is a quiet, intellectual space in the middle of a bustling pilgrimage town.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
Educational / ScienceEntry Fees:
Affordable Entry: The entry fee is very nominal, usually around 10 INR to 20 INR for adults and 5 INR for children. For foreign tourists, it might be around 100 INR. Photography with mobile phones is usually free, but using professional cameras might require a fee of 50 I...Affordable Entry: The entry fee is very nominal, usually around 10 INR to 20 INR for adults and 5 INR for children. For foreign tourists, it might be around 100 INR. Photography with mobile phones is usually free, but using professional cameras might require a fee of 50 INR. School groups often get a significant discount with prior notice.Timing:
Regular Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and National Holidays).
Ideal Visit Time: 11:00 AM to avoid the late afternoon rush of beachgoers. ...Regular Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays and National Holidays).
Ideal Visit Time: 11:00 AM to avoid the late afternoon rush of beachgoers.Special Events:
World Oceans Day: Special workshops and exhibitions are held on June 8th.
National Science Day: In February, the center organizes competitions for local school students. Occasionally, temporary exhibitions on "Save the Turtle" are showcase...World Oceans Day: Special workshops and exhibitions are held on June 8th.
National Science Day: In February, the center organizes competitions for local school students. Occasionally, temporary exhibitions on "Save the Turtle" are showcased during the nesting season.Best Photo Spots:
The Ray Tank: Capturing the graceful movement of rays from below.
Glowing Anemones: The neon colors of the anemones look stunning in low light.
The Entrance Mural: A large marine-themed mural at the entranc...The Ray Tank: Capturing the graceful movement of rays from below.
Glowing Anemones: The neon colors of the anemones look stunning in low light.
The Entrance Mural: A large marine-themed mural at the entrance is great for group photos.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Learning and Discovery:
Observation: Watch the mesmerizing movement of jellyfishes and rays.
Educational Reading: Read the detailed scientific descriptions of each species.
Museum Visit: Explore the section with preserved marine skeletons.
Photography: Take photos of the colorful fish (without flash).
Interactive Sessions: Ask the guides about the local marine life of Puri.
Research: Students can use the library resources if available.
Souvenir Shopping: Buy small books or posters about marine life at the entrance.
Relax: Enjoy the air-conditioned environment after a hot day at the beach.Learning and Discovery:
Observation: Watch the mesmerizing movement of jellyfishes and rays.
Educational Reading: Read the detailed scientific descriptions of each species.
Museum Visit: Explore the section with preserved marine skeletons.
Photography: Take photos of the colorful fish (without flash).
Interactive Sessions: Ask the guides about the local marine life of Puri.
Research: Students can use the library resources if available.
Souvenir Shopping: Buy small books or posters about marine life at the entrance.
Relax: Enjoy the air-conditioned environment after a hot day at the beach.
Kids Zone: Let children identify fish from their textbooks.
Conservation Awareness: Learn about how to protect the local coastline.
Information
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Why Famous:
Scientific Heritage: It is famous as one of the few high-quality marine research aquariums in Eastern India. It is well-known for its collection of local marine species that are often not seen in commercial aquariums. The center is famous for its research on the Olive Rid...Scientific Heritage: It is famous as one of the few high-quality marine research aquariums in Eastern India. It is well-known for its collection of local marine species that are often not seen in commercial aquariums. The center is famous for its research on the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles and coastal ecology. It is a popular destination for school trips and families looking for educational entertainment. Its location near the Puri sea beach makes it a well-known landmark for tourists. -
Architecture:
Modern Institutional Design: The aquarium is housed in a modern two-story building with a functional institutional design. The main hall is circular, facilitating a smooth flow of visitors around the tanks. The aquarium features about 20-25 large tanks integrated into the...Modern Institutional Design: The aquarium is housed in a modern two-story building with a functional institutional design. The main hall is circular, facilitating a smooth flow of visitors around the tanks. The aquarium features about 20-25 large tanks integrated into the walls. The building covers an area of approximately 10,000 square feet. The lighting is kept low inside to highlight the illuminated tanks and protect the light-sensitive marine life. The museum section features glass display cases and large skeletal mounts of marine mammals. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Bhubaneswar Airport is 60 km away.
By Train: Puri Railway Station is only 2. 5 km away.
By Road: It is located near the Puri Beach road.
By Local Transport: An auto...By Air: Bhubaneswar Airport is 60 km away.
By Train: Puri Railway Station is only 2. 5 km away.
By Road: It is located near the Puri Beach road.
By Local Transport: An auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw can drop you right at the gate for a small fee of 40 INR to 60 INR. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Any Season: Since it is an indoor, climate-controlled facility, it can be visited year-round.
Part of Day: Mid-day is best to escape the outside heat.
Summer Months: April to June is a great time to enjoy t...Any Season: Since it is an indoor, climate-controlled facility, it can be visited year-round.
Part of Day: Mid-day is best to escape the outside heat.
Summer Months: April to June is a great time to enjoy the cool interiors.
Rainy Days: A perfect alternative activity when it’s too wet for the beach. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Puri Beach (200 m), 2. Swargadwar (1 km), 3. Jagannath Temple (2 km), 4. Sudarshan Craft Museum (1. 5 km), 5. Lighthouse (1. 5 km), 6. Golden Beach (1 km), 7. Narendra Tank (2. 5 km), 8. Markandeswar Temple (2. 5 km), 9. Lokanath Temple (3 km), 10. Gundicha Temple (4 km).
Tourism Tips
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Aquarium Etiquette:
Health & Safety: Do not tap on the glass tanks as it stresses the fish. No flash photography.
Packing: No special packing needed, but carry your ID card. Cash &
Read MoreAquarium Etiquette:
Health & Safety: Do not tap on the glass tanks as it stresses the fish. No flash photography.
Packing: No special packing needed, but carry your ID card. Cash &
Connectivity: Carry small change for tickets. Mobile signal is excellent.
Accommodation: Stay in any hotel along the New Marine Drive.
Connectivity: High-speed mobile internet is available inside the building.Reviews
FAQs
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