A major addition is on the horizon for Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park, a tunnel-style aquarium, set to be India’s largest. Slated to open in 2026, this immersive facility will offer visitors the thrilling experience of walking through a glass tunnel while surrounded by vibrant marine life. With a project cost of ₹50 crore and spread over 4,000 square meters, the aquarium aims to blend entertainment with education, conservation, and technological innovation.
Key Highlights of the Upcoming Tunnel Aquarium
- Location: Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
- Opening Timeline: 2026 (pending final Central Zoo Authority approval)
- Project Cost: ₹50 crore
- Size: 4,000 square meters (~1 acre within the zoo)
- Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
- Collaborators: International firms from Singapore and Australia
Immersive and Educational Experience
The tunnel-style aquarium is designed as both a tourist hotspot and an educational center, offering a 360-degree view of diverse marine ecosystems. It is envisioned as a “living classroom” with various sections representing different aquatic environments:
- Freshwater Rivers and Lakes
Showcasing large freshwater species like Amazonian arowanas and African cichlids. - Vibrant Coral Reefs
Featuring colorful coral, clownfish, angelfish, and other reef inhabitants. - The Mysterious Deep Sea
Dedicated to rarely seen deep-sea creatures from around the world.
A New Marine Landmark for India
The tunnel aquarium is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model and is expected to be one of the most advanced marine exhibits in the country. Taking cues from world-renowned marine centers, this facility will feature marine and freshwater species from around the globe. Collaborations with experts from Singapore and Australia, countries known for their expertise in immersive aquariums, ensure that the project will match global standards in design, animal care, and visitor engagement.
The proposed site will be located within Nehru Zoological Park, which spans over 380 acres and currently houses around 100 species of animals, birds, and reptiles. At present, the zoo features 15 small aquariums, which will be upgraded through this new addition.
The highlight of the facility will be its walk-through glass tunnel, allowing guests to feel as if they’re strolling beneath the ocean. The aquarium will provide a 360-degree view of aquatic creatures — from majestic sharks and colorful coral reef dwellers to rarely seen deep-sea species.
This immersive experience is expected to attract not only marine enthusiasts but also families, tourists, wildlife photographers, and school groups. Species like Amazonian arowanas and African cichlids, which are rarely displayed in Indian aquariums, will be featured prominently.
Educational and Interactive Elements
More than just a recreational space, the aquarium is designed as a “living classroom.” Visitors will have access to interactive digital guides, augmented reality (AR) elements, and thematic educational tours that explain the significance of different marine habitats.
The aquarium will be divided into themed zones, including:
- Freshwater Rivers and Lakes – Featuring large freshwater species and diverse tropical ecosystems.
- Vibrant Coral Reefs – Home to clownfish, angelfish, and an array of colorful corals.
- The Mysterious Deep Sea – Dedicated to deep-sea creatures rarely seen in public aquariums.
This structure ensures a holistic learning experience about marine biodiversity, ecosystem balance, and conservation practices.
Designed for the Future
One of the core strengths of the upcoming aquarium lies in its sustainable infrastructure. The facility will include energy-efficient systems, responsible water management, and advanced life support systems that maintain ideal environmental conditions for the aquatic inhabitants.
Global expertise is being integrated with local innovation, as international consultants and marine biologists from Singapore and Australia work hand-in-hand with Indian designers and engineers. Their collective goal is to create diverse, balanced ecosystems inside the aquarium that can support marine life from a wide range of environments.
Additional Modern Attractions at NZP
As part of its broader modernization initiative, Nehru Zoological Park is also constructing a bulletproof glass tiger enclosure, budgeted at ₹2 crore. The enclosure will feature a 50-meter-wide viewing area, allowing visitors to observe tigers safely and closely, while promoting awareness about big cat conservation.
This effort, alongside the aquarium, is expected to boost tourism, improve the overall visitor experience, and increase footfall to the zoo — particularly among families and school groups.
Once complete, the aquarium will vastly enhance the existing offerings at Nehru Zoological Park and solidify Hyderabad’s position as a hub for wildlife tourism and marine education. The initiative also mirrors the success of the aquarium at Gujarat Science City, which draws nearly 10 lakh visitors annually.
Approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is currently awaited, following which construction will begin. Zoo Director Sunil S Hiremath emphasized that this project will set a new benchmark in India for interactive and conservation-focused marine attractions.
Main Features of the Aquarium
- Immersive Tunnel Experience
Visitors will walk beneath aquatic life, observing sharks, reef fish, and exotic marine creatures from close proximity. - Rare and Exotic Species
The aquarium will feature species from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, including Amazonian arowanas, African cichlids, and other globally sourced marine life not typically found in Indian aquariums. - Interactive Technology
Visitors can engage with augmented reality (AR) features, digital guides, and interactive educational tours. - Advanced Climate Control Systems
Sophisticated life support systems will ensure ideal conditions for marine health and exhibit quality. - Sustainable Infrastructure
Eco-conscious design with energy-efficient and water-conserving technologies.
The Significance of the Project
Currently, Nehru Zoological Park houses 15 small aquarium tanks. The new facility will significantly expand both scale and scope, transforming NZP into a hub for wildlife tourism and interactive learning in India.
Inspired by the success of the aquarium at Gujarat Science City (which attracts nearly 10 lakh visitors annually), this project aligns with Hyderabad’s tech-forward development and aims to increase footfall among:
- Families
- School groups
- Wildlife photographers
- Conservation enthusiasts
Final Thoughts
With construction slated to begin after the final clearance from the Central Zoo Authority, Hyderabad’s upcoming tunnel aquarium is a monumental step in blending education, entertainment, and conservation. Supported by international expertise and sustainable practices, it promises to offer an unmatched marine experience and set a benchmark for modern aquariums across India.