Picnics are a fun way to spend a day relaxing and enjoying the company of the people amidst the natural surroundings. Ahmedabad, which is usually known for its modern amenities also offers unique destinations around it that are perfect for enjoying a picnic too. To find the one day picnic place near Ahmedabad that you can consider adding to your list of things to do in the city. Perfect for a quick day trip experience, there are several destinations, parks, sanctuaries and lakes that are great destinations for hosting a picnic.
10 One Day Picnic Place Near Ahmedabad Destination
Ahmedabad is surrounded by numerous scenic locations that make for perfect one-day picnic spots. All you must do is pick and choose the spots that best align with your interests.
1. Thol Lake
Photo: Saketh Upadhya / Unsplash
Thol Lake is a serene freshwater reservoir located about 29 km from Ahmedabad, which is an ideal destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. If you are fond of water bodies and the calmness they bring, you will undoubtedly enjoy spending time around Thol Lake, eating snacks and enjoying the views of the lake. The tranquil environment, coupled with the sight of flamingos, pelicans, and other waterfowl, makes it an ideal spot for a picnic. You can go on a walk along the perimeter of the lake or simply relax and unwind by the banks of the lake.
Distance From Ahmedabad: 28.1 km
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50
2. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Rahilarious / Wikimedia Commons
Another bird sanctuary that’s a great spot for family picnics near Ahmedabad is the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary. It is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in India and is located around 71 km from the main city of Ahmedabad. The sanctuary, spread across 120 square kilometres, is one of the most visited spots by bird species enthusiasts. The shallow lake and surrounding marshlands make it home to over 230 different bird species, including migratory birds like herons, flamingos, and pelicans.
Distance From Ahmedabad: 64.2 km
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹75 one weekdays, ₹85 on weekends
3. Polo Forest
Photo: Nia1kavya2 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most unique picnic destinations near Ahmedabad is Polo Forest, which is a lush green forest that stands out with its biodiversity and historical significance. The forest is home to ancient Jain temples and Shiva temples dating back to the 10th and 15th centuries. What further adds to the beauty of this forest is the Harnav River, which flows by it. A day trip to Polo Forest offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. You can explore the ancient ruins, trek through the forest trails, or simply relax by the river. Usually, the monsoon season is the ideal time to visit the forest but ensure that you are carrying umbrellas and raincoats with you.
Distance From Ahmedabad: 146 km
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: ₹30
4. Lothal
Photo: Radhi.pandit / Wikimedia Commons
For an adventurous backdrop dating back to the Harappan civilisation, you can consider planning a day trip to Lothal to enjoy a picnic experience. Located about 75 km from Ahmedabad, Lothal is one of the most prominent archaeological sites in India. The site features the remnants of an ancient city, including a well-planned dockyard, drainage system, and various artefacts that shed light on the life and culture of the time. You can take your time to explore these ruins one after the other. The surrounding area around Lothal is covered in lush green and dense forests, which also double as great spots for hosting a picnic.
Distance From Ahmedabad: 75.5 km
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fees: Free
5. Zanzari Waterfalls
Photo: Mehmet Ali Turan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are a nature enthusiast and want to host your picnic in one of the most picturesque destinations near Ahmedabad, Zanzari Waterfalls is your ideal spot. The waterfall, formed by the Vatrak River, cascades down a rocky cliff, creating a sight to behold. Also, the area around the water is filled with boulders, which is where most of the tourists set up their picnic experience. The best time to visit Zanzari is during the monsoon season when the waterfall is in full flow, and the surrounding landscape is lush and green.
Distance From Ahmedabad: 74.7 km
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fees: Free
6. Adalaj Stepwell
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Adalaj Stepwell is another one of the most unique destinations for enjoying a picnic near Ahmedabad. The stepwell, built in 1498, is a five-story structure intricately carved with floral and geometric designs. It is said that the engineer and architecture of the stepwell are so smart that the light permeates through the ceilings to seep inside the octagonal well. Also, compared to the outside of the stepwell, the temperature inside is around 6 degrees cooler, making it a great spot for having a picnic. While there, you can learn about the history of the stepwell, and immerse yourself in the architecture of epic scenes with everyday activities.
Distance From Ahmedabad: 19 km
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: Free
7. Akshardham Temple
Photo: NANNE9 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Gandhinagar, Akshardham Temple is another peaceful and serene destination near Ahmedabad where you can host a picnic, unwind and have a great time. The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and is renowned for its expansive temple complex and stunning architecture. Apart from being a place of worship, Akshardham Temple offers various attractions for visitors, including an exhibition on Indian culture, a light and sound show, and a vast garden where you can relax and enjoy a picnic. The place is quite peaceful, which is one of the main reasons why it attracts tourists from across the country.
Distance From Ahmedabad: 30 km
Timings: 10 AM – 7:30 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: Free
8. Indroda Nature Park
Photo: FabSubeject / Wikimedia Commons
A popular picnic destination among families, Indroda Nature Park is renowned for its dinosaur settings and sculpture. The park is spread across an area of 400 hectares, on the banks of Sabarmati River. It is located in Gandhinagar. If you are interested in exploring dinosaurs and is marked as the “2nd biggest hatchery of dinosaur eggs.” The park is currently under the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation, so visiting the park makes for an amazing educational experience. You do need an entire day to explore the park and the different exhibits while enjoying a picnic in their well-maintained gardens.
Distance From Ahmedabad: 25.5 km
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹30 for adults, ₹15 for children
9. Kankaria Lake
Photo: Spicydilip / Wikimedia Commons
No picnic experience around Ahmedabad is complete without a visit to the Kankaria Lake. While the lake has been modernised with the latest amenities now, there is a rich history associated with the lake as well. It was built in 1451 as Hauz e Qutub. At present, the lake and its surroundings have been transformed into an entertainment zone for tourists. The lakefront is surrounded by several attractions, including a zoo, a toy train, a water park, and various food stalls. You can enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the lake or take a walk along the perimeter of the lake as well.
Distance From Ahmedabad: 5 km
Timings: 4 AM – 8 AM, 9 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fees: ₹25 for adults, ₹10 for children
10. AATAPI Wonderland
Photo: Saurabh srivastava / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Amusement and theme parks are one of the most interesting places to enjoy a picnic. If you are in Ahmedabad, Aatapi Wonderland is an amazing destination for a one day picnic experience nearby. It is located in Vadodara and is one of the largest theme parks on the continent. Some of the popular ones include the flying carousel, sky drop, thrilling engine and water splash mountain. Their garden area is where you can set up and experience a fun picnic as well. They do have a cafeteria where you can get food from.
Distance From Ahmedabad: 124.6 km
Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: ₹950
Find your one day picnic place near Ahmedabad, you get ample opportunities to make the most of your time around. From relaxing and unwinding to trying amazing local snacks, you can have an enriching time exploring the beautiful nature around you. If you want to make the most out of your time in Gujarat, book your vacation ahead of time with TripXL to set out to explore these beautiful places near Ahmedabad.
Cover Photo: Brett Sayles / Pexels / Image For Representation Only