Bombay Natural History Society
Mumbai
Garden
The Bombay Natural History Society is a membership-driven organization - has been promoting the cause of a natural India for the past 127 years since 1883. It was started by 8 Mumbai citizens, of which two were Indians. It was founded in order to discuss observations on natural history and for exhibiting interesting specimens. Today the BNHS is the biggest non-governmental organization in India undertaking conservation of nature and natural resources, education and research in natural history.
This society is located very near to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. The Society has a wonderful collection of insects, butterflies and stuffed reptiles which is constantly replenished by donations of more species by nature donors.
It has a unique natural history collection with over 1,20,000 specimens. This includes nearly 18,500 mammals, 29,000 birds, 5,400 bird eggs, 8,500 amphibians and reptiles and 50,000 insects. The collection dates back over 100 years, covering entire South Asia, including Afghanistan and Myanmar. It is open to students, researchers and nature lovers with prior appointment. If you are interested you can become a temporary member of the society for the duration of your stay in Mumbai. The membership will allow you access to the library of the society and allow you to attend the various lectures and slide shows that are held weekly.