Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Gujarat is a lot more than its historical forts, smart cities and bustling night market. This family-friendly state in India is the perfect place for you to host a picnic experience with your friends or family, especially if you want a break from the chaos of city life. Given the diverse number of picnic places in Gujarat, you can choose to unwind by the lake, riverfront or even inside the bird sanctuary. The options are extensive and allow you to catch a break from the otherwise mundane routine of life.
10 Picnic Places In Gujarat
Be it the lush green parks and serene lakes to historic sites and coastal retreats, picnic places in Gujarat provide an array of choices for a perfect day out with family and friends.
1. Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad
Photo: Spicydilip / Wikimedia Commons
When it comes to picnic spots in Gujarat, nothing beats the beauty of the Kankaria Lake. It’s not just the views and the serenity of the lake but also the activities that further enrich your experience. This circular lake, built in the 15th century, is surrounded by a well-maintained park and various attractions, making it a favourite destination for families. Also, the lakefront is a hub for activities, including toy trains, balloon rides, and water sports. You can pick and choose the activities depending on your convenience.
Timings: 10:30 AM – 6 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children
2. Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj
Photo: Shivajidesai29 / WIkimedia Commons
Although a historical site primarily, it also doubles as a spot for family picnics. This intricately carved stepwell was built in the 15th century and is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The serene, peaceful and expansive area of the stepwell makes it an amazing spot for you to lay down your blanket and enjoy some snacks while unwinding. You can explore the surroundings of the stepwell, click pictures and enjoy a peaceful afternoon away from the constant honking of the cars in the city.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
3. Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary, Mehsana
Photo: Sapha Bouamara / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The blend of watching migratory birds flocking around while you nibble on your snacks sitting by the Thol Lake sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? That’s exactly why a visit down to the Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is a must for a family picnic. This shallow freshwater lake is surrounded by marshes and serves as a nesting ground for numerous migratory and resident birds as well, so you might be lucky enough to witness migratory birds in extensive numbers. Some of the commonly spotted birds around the lake include flamingos, pelicans, and herons.
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50
4. Polo Forest, Vijayanagar
Photo: Nia1kavya2 / Wikimedia Commons
Another must-visit destination for hosting a picnic experience in Gujarat is Polo Forest. It is located in Sabarkantha in Vijaynagar and features a dry mixed deciduous forest, especially between September and December. There are ruined landmarks inside the forest, which you can explore. There is wildlife that you might encounter during your picnic. Also, the view of the Harnav River is quite enchanting as well. The beauty of nature and the greenery around also make this a great spot for photography.
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: Free
5. Ektavan Mota Village, Surat
Photo: Ashok modhvadia / Wikimedia commons / Image For Representation Only
Ektavan Mota Village is located in Surat, away from the chaos and the honking of the city. The spot makes for a great spot for a day trip or you can even host a picnic experience inside as well. The main attraction in the village is their well-maintained garden, which is often frequented by friend groups and families to find some respite from their daily routine life. This recreational park is also close to the renowned Shri Swaminarayan temple, so you can stop there to seek blessings from the deity as well.
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: Free
6. Zanzari Waterfall, Jodhpur
Photo: Christian Joudrey / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Among the unique picnic spots in Gujarat, Zanzari Waterfall takes the first spot without fail. Getting to enjoy a picnic right beside a waterfall is truly an eclectic experience. The waterfall is situated on the Vatrak River and cascades down a series of rocky steps, creating a picturesque setting. There is lush greenery around and dense forests in close vicinity, which adds to the charm and the picnic experience too. Usually, the best time to visit the waterfall is during monsoon but hosting a picnic might be difficult during that period.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free
7. Victoria Park, Bhavnagar
Photo: Pradhumansinh R Basia / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Bhavnagar, Victoria Park is another popular urban park that offers a break from the otherwise concrete jungle of the city. You can unwind beside the small lakes that are located around, all while enjoying your picnic experience. The park is particularly beautiful during the early morning and late evening and the crowd is pretty manageable during those periods. You can also take a stroll along the garden and click pictures too.
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM, 4 PM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: Free
8. Indroda Nature Park, Gandhinagar
Photo: FabSubeject / Wikimedia Commons
Filled with dinosaur exhibits, tall statues and other prehistoric creature models, Indroda Nature Park is another one of the must-visit spots around Gujarat if you want to indulge in a picnic experience. This sprawling park is home to a variety of flora and fauna and features a unique dinosaur park with life-size models of these prehistoric creatures. The park also includes a zoo, botanical garden, and several walking trails, making it a perfect destination for a family picnic. There are educational exhibits available around the nature park, making it a great spot for children to explore.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹30 for adults, ₹15 for children
9. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Ahmedabad
Photo: Sreenivas / Unspalsh / Image For Representation Only
Another natural site that also doubles as a picnic spot is the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. It is located around 64 km from Ahmedabad and is one of the largest wetland bird sanctuaries in India. The combination of the expansive lake and marshland makes it a hub for native and migratory birds that flock in from the surrounding regions. Hosting a picnic experience inside this bird sanctuary enables you to relax, unwind and truly enjoy a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The early morning hours are particularly magical, with the mist rising from the water and the birds taking flight.
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹75 on weekdays, ₹85 on weekends
10. Wilson Hill, Surat
Photo: Chirag1745 / WIkimedia Commons
Located in Surat, Wilson Hill is another one of the popular hill stations that you can consider visiting when in Gujarat. This offers a refreshing break from the daily monotone of life and you can spend a day or a weekend exploring the laid-back charm of this place. Surrounded by lush green and dense forests and steep hills, you can host your picnic experience at the viewpoints, by the lakes or the waterfalls in the hill station. There are numerous picnic spots around popular tourist attractions like Barumal Temple, Marble Chatri, and Shankar waterfalls.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free
Spending your time hosting a picnic with your friends or family in Gujarat is truly an exhilarating experience. The laid-back charm of the different picnic places in Gujarat allows you to unwind, relax and truly soak in the peace and tranquillity that exists around in nature. So, if you are done exploring the common historical and commercial sightseeing spots in Gujarat, go for an offbeat experience next. To finalise the details of your next trip, plan everything with TripXL for the best deals.
Cover Photo: chickenbunny / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
