Among the bustling cities in Gujarat, Rajkot is the one place that many tourists skip out on, but you shouldn’t. Filled with a rich cultural heritage and hidden gems in and around, there are various picnic place near Rajkot that you can consider checking out with your friends or family. Not just for family outings, you can choose these spots for romantic getaways too. So, if you are simply looking to unwind in nature and indulge in some recreational activities, there are quite a few different destinations to explore.
10 Picnic Place Near Rajkot
Rajkot is surrounded by a plethora of picnic spots that offer an ideal retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
1. Aji Dam Garden
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To start off, Aji Dam Garden is one of the nearest picnic destinations to Rajkot. Located around the outskirts of the city, the garden is located adjacent to the Aji River Dam. Visiting this garden offers a break from the urban environment. The garden is well-maintained with a variety of flowering plants, manicured lawns, and tall trees providing ample shade. There is a dedicated children’s play area, which comes in handy to let your children roam free and enjoy. For nature lovers, the garden offers picturesque views of the dam and the surrounding landscape.
Distance From Rajkot: 6.2 km
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
2. Lal Pari Lake
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Another charming, laidback and beautiful destination near Rajkot for a picnic is the Lal Pari Lake. It is a fairly hidden gem, so you can expect less crowds and stunning beauty around. The calm and quiet atmosphere of the lake provides an ideal setting for a relaxing day with family or friends. Beyond that, the lake also attracts a lot of bird species from around, so birdwatching is a fairly popular activity in this area. The surrounding area offers plenty of shaded spots, perfect for laying down a blanket and enjoying a picnic.
Distance From Rajkot: 5.4 km
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: Free
3. Ishwariya Park
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Ishwariya Park is one of the most popular recreational spots near Rajkot. It is an urban park cum garden area that blends the beauty of nature with all the modern amenities that you’d need for a comfortable time hosting a picnic. The park is well-maintained with landscaped gardens, fountains, and walking paths, providing an ideal setting for a family picnic. Also, there is a boating facility in the lake inside the park, which adds to the overall experience.
Distance From Rajkot: 8.4 km
Timings: 7:30 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fees: Free
4. Khambhalida Caves
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For those who love to mix history with their nature outings, Khambhalida Caves is an excellent choice. These Buddhist archaeological caves are located near Gondal and they reportedly date back to the 4th and 5th century AD. The main highlight of these caves is that every single one of them is carved out of single rocks. The main attractions of Khambhalida Caves are the three caves, with the central one housing a chaitya, or prayer hall. While you can’t have a picnic inside the cave, the surrounding area makes for a perfect spot.
Distance From Rajkot: 66 km
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
5. Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary
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This is a perfect spot near Rajkot for a day hike and a picnic experience amidst the arid vegetation. The sanctuary is particularly famous for its population of chinkara, nilgai, and various species of birds, which you might spot in the passing. The blend of grassy haven in the dry tableland of Saurashtra is truly a contrasting experience that you wouldn’t know until you are there. The entire area of the forest stretches across an area of 650 sq.km, which is insane. However, you do have to explore the area around the nature education sanctuary where you can relax, unwind and even enjoy a picnic experience.
Distance From Rajkot: 78.1 km
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹40 per person
6. Nyari Dam
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Another popular tourist attraction around Rajkot that is also a great picnic spot is Nyari Dam. The area surrounding the dam has a small reservoir-like area, which makes for a great site for you to enjoy your picnic experience in. The dam itself is located around Kalawad Road and spread across the entrance is a 4.5-acre garden where you can lay down a blanket and enjoy a family picnic. You must get all the basic picnic supplies though because there are no stalls or shops around. You can indulge in bird-watching around there too.
Distance From Rajkot: 13 km
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: Free
7. Gondal
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Located to the south of Rajkot, Gondal is a laidback tourist attraction that you can visit to explore the sightseeing spots and enjoy a picnic too. One of the main attractions there is the efficient road network and automobiles but beyond that, the city is also renowned for its lush greenery. Some of the popular spots like Riverside Palace and the Darbargadh are a few of the destinations that make for great picnic spots. In the forest reserve area of Darbargadh, you might have the luck to spot a few wild animals too, adding to the excitement of the picnic too.
Distance From Rajkot: 40 km
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free
8. Chorwad Beach
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Chorwad Beach is located around 2-3 hours drive from Rajkot but worth every minute of the drive. The tranquillity of this beach, surrounded by the lush green explains why this makes for such an amazing picnic spot. It previously served as the palace of the rulers of Nawab and has now become a tourist attraction for individuals who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The beach doesn’t allow for a lot of activities but you can host a picnic, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastline and enjoy the views of the sunrise and sunset too.
Distance From Rajkot: 179 km
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free
9. Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden
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Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, located in Junagadh, is one of the oldest zoos in India and is primarily known for its population of Asiatic lions. There are other animals in the zoo as well, including leopards and a variety of avian populations. The zoo’s vast area provides plenty of spots for a picnic, with shaded areas and benches available throughout the park. After exploring the zoo, you can relax and enjoy your meal amidst the greenery. The nearby Uperkot Fort and Mahabat Maqbara are also worth a visit, adding historical and cultural elements to the trip.
Distance From Rajkot: 100 km
Timings: 9 AM – 12:15 PM and 3 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20 for adults and ₹5 for children
10. Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary
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Last but not least is the Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary, which hosts a treasure of experiences for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including species like blue bulls, antelopes, and numerous birds. But, beyond that, the seated areas and the lush green vegetation of this sanctuary make it a great spot for you to enjoy a picnic with your family. The sanctuary also offers walking trails, making it a great place for a nature walk or a quiet retreat. The best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon when animals are more active.
Distance From Rajkot: 62 km
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Finding picnic place near Rajkot isn’t as complicated as you may think. What’s important is to decide what kind of backdrop you’d want for your picnic and then shortlist the spots that best align with your interests. There are laid-back nature exploration or hectic adventure stints, all catering to the varying interests of every visitor. So, why wait? Secure your bookings for your next trip to Gujarat with TripXL for the ultimate vacation experience.
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