The Largest Fish Aquarium in India- ‘Under The Sun’ Aquarium, Udaipur

The privilege of having the largest fish aquarium in India is something to take pride in. Yes, we are talking about the Fish Aquarium, ‘UNDER THE SUN’, situated close to Vibhuti Park. Located at a hot-spot in Udaipur- the Lake Fatehsagar Paal. Under The Sun is the largest public aquarium gallery in terms of gallons of water, numbers, and species of fish in the entire Nation. Inaugurated on 21st October 2017 by the home minister of Rajasthan, Gulab Chand Ji Kataria, the place has approximately 180 species of fish both from marine and fresh water. Photography is permitted inside the fish aquarium which makes it even more exciting as visitors can carry memories with them.

The aquarium is a 125-meter-long gallery which hosts a number of small as well as large aquariums with various fish.

Variety of fish:

The species of fish have been brought from around the world viz. South America, Brazil, Senegal, Japan, Africa, Malaysia, Congo, Indonesia, America, China, and marine fish are from the Indian Ocean. They also have some of the rare species of fish like Mormyrus Rume, Alligator Gars, Marine Water Stingray, Senegal Dragons, Puffer Fish, Archer Fish and other sea creatures like – Sea Urchins, Sea Anemone, Fire Belly Newts, Indonesian Mud Crabs, Hermit Crabs, Albino frogs, Fresh Water Scampi and more.

There is a marine section where you can see a variety of amazing and unique brackish water fish. This section has 5 Marine Water Aquariums. In which fish like Clownfish, Brown Banded Bombay Shark, Blue-Eyed Yellow Tang, Blue Tang, Sea anemones, Sea Urchins, Hermit Crabs, StarFish, Fox Face Rabbit Fish, Trigger Fish, Two-Spotted Damsel, Blue Damsel, Mono Angel, Emperor Angel Fish, Turbo Snail can be seen.

Management and Structure of the Aquarium:

As you enter the aquarium, a mild music is playing and you come across a beautiful architecture. UIT Udaipur has spent Rs. 2 crores in the construction of the aquarium which is evident, and another 3 crores have been spent on the interiors of the gallery which is even more evident. The whole inside of the place is covered with insulating material and not much light enters the premises, to give the aquatic life their natural habitat.

The aquarium gallery is built and is being managed by the team of Manshapurn Karni Mata Ropeway, headed by Mr. Kailash Khandelwal. Anjali Azad Dubey, known for her green designs at her firm “Pratham Interiors” gave creative consultancy for the interiors of the aqua gallery. The consultancy for procurement, wellbeing, and maintenance of fish is provided by wildlife expert Mr. Aashish Mahesh Baagla who is based in Mumbai.

Opportunities at the Fish Aquarium:

It has good opportunities for the students of the Fisheries college of Udaipur as they can learn about various international breeds of fish and other aquatic animals. Mr. Aashish Mahesh Baagla has trained the students of the Fisheries college, who look after the aquariums under his guidance.

The aquarium poses as a major tourist spot as it drives not only local people but also tourists from the entire globe. As per the management stats, it has a monthly foot-fall of around 50,000 people.

Other attractions at the Under The Sun Fish Aquarium, Udaipur:

World’s First Aqua Trick Art Museum by World Renowned Artist Mr. AP Sreethar
India’s First Aqua Live Virtual Reality Experiences- for feeling sea life in an immersive 360-degree environment. It is an Award Winning oceanic VR Experiences deployed through state of the art and latest VR Gadgetry
Interaction with fish at the Touch Pool where you can feed as well as touch the fish
The OMG Tank- the only fish tank in India where you can get inside and experience life underwater, without getting wet.
A cafeteria for your munching needs
Free high-speed Wi-fi