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Ahmedabad is a bustling city that stands out for its local markets, historical landmarks and a wide range of sightseeing spots. However, if you are a traveller looking for a laidback experience, hosting a picnic by the lake or in a park is one of the most serene activities that you can indulge in. There are numerous picnic places in Ahmedabad, each offering access to a unique experience. You can enjoy a toy train ride around Kankaria Lake or immerse in the beauty of the landscaped gardens around the Sabarmati Riverfront.
10 Top Picnic Places In Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad boasts several serene and scenic spots perfect for a leisurely picnic, despite the constant urbanisation that the city is undergoing.
1. Kankaria Lake
Photo: Harsh Mangukiya / Unsplash
Among the most popular picnic spots is Kankaria Lake, which has a separate “Picnic House” spot, making it an ideal picnic spot for families and children too. This man-made lake was built in the 15th century by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din. Today, it is surrounded by well-maintained promenades, gardens, and amusement parks, making it a perfect destination for a day out. If you are visiting during December, there is a week-long Kankaria Carnival, which you can immerse yourself in.
Timings: 10:30 AM – 6 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children
2. Sabarmati Riverfront
Photo: Kashyap2102 / Wikimedia Commons
The Sabarmati Riverfront is a modern urban development along the banks of the Sabarmati River, offering a blend of nature, leisure, and entertainment. The park stretches across a length of 11 km, providing ample space for picnics, leisurely walks, and cycling. Also, the front of the riverfront has well-maintained parks, gardens, and plazas, making it a preferred spot for families that want to unwind with a view. The Riverfront Park is one of the main attractions there. There are lush green lawns, fountains and dedicated seating areas, so all you need to do is carry the food to enjoy a picnic.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free
3. Law Garden
Photo: Maulik Joshi / WIkimedia Commons
Although more popular for its night market scene, Law Garden is a popular picnic spot that has picnic tables and chairs set up around too. Among the hustle and bustle of the city, Law Garden offers respite from the chaos of the city. There are dedicated seating areas or shady trees, where you can lay down the blanket for a comfortable time. Perfect for families, the lush green grass makes for a great spot for children to play around. One of the unique aspects of Law Garden is its proximity to the Law Garden Night Market, a vibrant bazaar that comes alive in the evening. The market is famous for its traditional Gujarati handicrafts, clothing, and accessories, offering a delightful shopping experience.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 2 PM – 10 PM
Entry Fees: Free
4. Vastrapur Lake
Photo: Rahilarious / WIkimedia Commons
Located around the central point of Ahmedabad, Vastrapur Lake is another popular site for hosting a picnic in Ahmedabad. This lake, surrounded by a well-maintained park, is a popular spot for morning walks, jogging, and picnics. Compared to the other picnic spots and parks in the city, this one is quite less talked about and explored. However, beyond the picnic experiences, the lake is also a hub for multiple cultural activities and events, which are hosted throughout the year. The open-air theatre near the lake often features performances, music concerts, and community gatherings, adding to the experience of hosting a picnic there.
Timings: 8 AM, 10 PM
Entry Fees: Free
5. Indroda Nature Park
Photo: FabSubeject / Wikimedia Commons
A little farther out from Ahmedabad, Indroda Nature Park is located in Gandhinagar but still a spot worth driving to for your picnic experience. It is often called the Jurassic Park of India. You do have to plan your visit during the early morning to secure a good spot for the picnic. The entire park is spread across an area of 400 acres and enables you to unwind amidst nature. The park is home to a vast collection of fossils, including dinosaur eggs, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and history buffs. Inside the nature park, there are different sections including the zoo, botanical garden, and a dinosaur museum. So, you can explore those after you are done with the picnic.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM (Monday closed)
Entry Fees: ₹30 for adults, ₹15 for children
6. Maniar’s Wonderland
Photo: E v Schoonhoven / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A blend of amusement parks and a laidback picnic experience, Maniar’s Wonderland is the perfect destination for it all. It is located on the Sarkhej Sanand Highway and is a haven for children, especially ones who have always wanted to explore an ice-skating experience. This is primarily an amusement park but that doesn’t take away from the fact that there are dedicated picnic set-up areas available too. There are numerous rides inside the park including Aqua Roller, Aqua Splash, and Zip Line. Also, if you don’t want to carry your picnic food, there is a cafeteria available inside the amusement park.
Timings: 10 AM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹220 for adults, ₹180 for children
7. Thol Lake
Photo: Swarnarekha Pandey / Unsplash
Located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, Thol Lake is another one of the must-visit spots for experiencing a laidback picnic experience. The site is predominantly known for the Thol Bird Sanctuary where you can spot native and migratory birds throughout the year. You can witness a variety of bird species including flamingos, pelicans, and herons. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and open fields, providing ample space for picnics and outdoor activities. You can enjoy a meal by the lakeside while immersing yourself in the beauty of the sunset as well.
Timings: 6 AM – 05:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50
8. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Rahilarious / Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for an idyllic picnic spot in Ahmedabad, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is the perfect option to consider. It is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the country and is spread across an area of 120 sq.km. Inside the sanctuary lies a vast lake and surrounding marshlands, which become home to thousands of migratory birds during the peak season. You can enjoy a boat ride experience or sit by the side of the lakes to have an immersive picnic experience. The sanctuary also has several small islands that serve as ideal spots for a picnic as well.
Timings: 6 AM – 05:30 PM
Entry Fees: ₹75 per person (on weekdays); ₹85 per person (on weekends)
9. Parimal Garden
Photo: Rahilarious / Wikimedia Commons
Another laidback and well-maintained garden in Ahmedabad that’s perfect for hosting a picnic experience is the Parimal Garden. The park is mainly known for its lawns, beautiful flower beds, and peaceful ambience. Not just for tourists, the park is frequented by locals who go for morning walks, yoga sessions, and family picnics. The pathways are well-maintained and there are secluded parks and children’s play areas to keep them entertained. Inside the park, you can also find small ponds, fountains, and seating areas, which make for great backdrops for photographs.
Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: Free
10. Zanzari Waterfall
Photo: Jeffrey Workman / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For some adventure, swimming and a laidback picnic experience, Zanzari Waterfall is undoubtedly one of the best picnic spots in the area. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the waterfall is located on the banks of the Vatrak River and is a cascading waterfall through rocky terrains, adding to the charm of it. The journey to Zanzari Waterfall is an adventure in itself, with a short trek through rugged terrain leading to the falls.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free
There are numerous picnic places in Ahmedabad. Some are by the lakeside, some inside the wildlife sanctuaries and a few others around the natural waterfalls. If you are looking for a getaway with your family and want to unwind surrounded by nature, you can plan ahead and secure your spot in one of the many picnic spots around the city. You can book all the details of your next Gujarat vacation with TripXL to have an immersive picnic experience, away from the city.
Cover Photo: Deval Parikh / Pexels / image For Representation Only
