India’s Largest Aquarium Set to Open at Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park — All You Need to Know

Walk under the sea—India’s largest aquarium is coming to Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoo. (Representative Image: Canva)

Hyderabad is set to make a splash in the world of marine tourism. The city’s Nehru Zoological Park will soon house India’s largest tunnel-style aquarium—a 4,000-square-metre facility offering a world-class, immersive underwater experience for visitors of all ages.

The Rs 50-crore project, expected to be completed by 2026, will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Once operational, it will allow visitors to walk through a stunning glass tunnel surrounded by marine life, including sharks, vibrant reef fish, and deep-sea species—offering a unique "under the ocean" experience, right in the heart of Hyderabad.

Aquarium to Feature Global Marine Species

The aquarium will showcase aquatic species from across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Rare fish like Amazonian arowanas, African cichlids, and other exotic marine creatures will be housed in climate-controlled tanks designed for both conservation and public display.

Currently, the Nehru Zoological Park has 15 small aquariums, but this new development is set to dramatically transform the marine exhibit experience in India. The design of the new facility is being undertaken in collaboration with marine experts from Singapore and Australia, drawing inspiration from other major marine centres like Ahmedabad’s Science City and Marine World in Kerala.

Dive into a world of exotic fish—Hyderabad’s new aquarium will bring global marine life to your feet. (Representative Image: Canva)

Educational & Tech-Enabled Experiences

Beyond just a visual treat, the aquarium will include digital guides, curated educational tours, and augmented reality (AR) features aimed at school groups, families, and wildlife enthusiasts, as per reports. The initiative aims to raise awareness about marine biodiversity and the need for conservation through interactive learning.

Approval from the Central Zoo Authority is currently awaited. Once received, construction is expected to begin soon, with the launch targeted for 2026.

Hyderabad’s Growing Urban Appeal

The aquarium is yet another addition to Hyderabad’s expanding list of urban attractions. With thriving sectors like IT, biotech, pharma, and startups, the city has positioned itself as a major innovation hub in India. Projects like this underline its push towards modern, sustainable urban development with a focus on tourism and public engagement.

Hyderabad: Where heritage meets innovation—India’s next big hub for tech, tourism, and transformation.

Zoo to Add Bulletproof Glass Tiger Exhibit

In addition to the aquarium, Nehru Zoological Park is also planning a Rs 2 crore bulletproof glass enclosure for its tiger exhibit. This feature will allow visitors to observe big cats from close quarters, separated by protective glass for safety.

Together, these developments are expected to significantly boost visitor footfall at the zoo and enhance Hyderabad’s appeal as a destination for eco-tourism and educational travel. Officials hope the upgraded offerings will help modernize the country’s zoological parks and promote greater public interest in wildlife conservation.