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Karnataka has a diverse combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and peaceful getaways, which make it an excellent place for an enjoyable outing. Picnic places in Karnataka are one of its treasures and provide an awesome opportunity to relax and have some cheerful moments with your family or friends. From the majestic green hills and lovely waterfalls to beautiful, serene lakes, the most delightful atmosphere for fun, amusement and bliss is possible! If you have a quick and easy getaway planned for a weekend or an entire day out, we provide an amazing number of choices which will fit every person’s mood.
Top 10 Picnic Places In Karnataka For A Fun-Filled Day
Karnataka is the land of beautiful landscapes, serene lakes, and green foliage, making it one of the best picnic places in Karnataka for leisure, bonding, and fun.
1. Cubbon Park
Photo: Quantumtunneling / Wikimedia Commons
Cubbon Park is one of the most lively picnic spots in Karnataka, at 300 acres (121 ha), right in the centre of Bangalore. The park is well known for its lush bamboo forests, towering trees a hundred years old and serene lawn spaces providing families with a relaxed picnic environment. The key feature in the area is the State Central Library, which is a beautifully striking, bright red building tucked up in the greenery and draws the attention of many architecture lovers. Also, a prominent feature is Bal Bhavan, which has a mini amusement park with a toy train ride for children to enjoy.
Location: Kasturba Road, Bangalore
Top Highlights: Large green space in Bangalore with a historic library and a kids’ amusement park.
Suggested Read: A Day At Karanji Lake Nature Park
2. Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Photo: CreativoCamaal (Lens Naayak Photography) / Wikimedia Commons
Lalbagh Botanical Garden is among the best-known picnic spots in Karnataka with immense horticultural significance. The largest attraction is the Glass House, which is modelled on London’s Crystal Palace and holds seasonal flower shows that draw hordes of people to the park. Another key piece is the approximately 3 billion-year-old Lalbagh Rock, an ancient geological formation on the planet, showing a nice natural wonder in the middle of the city. The gigantic lake attracts migratory birds, which gives birders an exciting place to bird.
Location: Mavalli, Bangalore
Top Highlights: Famous for its Glass House, ancient rock, and migratory birds.
3. Nandi Hills
Photo: Chandan Shastri / Unsplash
Nandi Hills is one of the popular picnic places in Karnataka and is located near Bangalore. One of the attractions at Nandi Hills is Tipu’s Drop, a historic cliff with a breathtaking view, also making it a thrilling location to stand at the edge. Nandi Hills also offers Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, an ancient temple with intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere that reflects Karnataka’s history and culture. Trekking is well-liked because of the well-established trails to the top of the hills, while trekkers enjoy the chance to explore different forests and bird life.
Location: Chikkaballapur District
Top Highlights: Scenic hilltop with trekking trails, a historic temple, and panoramic views.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Hubli Perfect For A Weekend Getaway
4. Bannerghatta Biological Park
Photo: Nashad Abdu nashadabdu / Wikimedia Commons
Bannerghatta Biological Park is undoubtedly one of the best picnic places in Karnataka for you if you are a wildlife lover. The safari would perhaps be the biggest draw here, with sightings of tigers, lions, and elephants in semi-natural habitats attracting crowds. The Butterfly Park, India’s first, also attracts colourful species flying in the greenhouse as the temperature and humidity levels replicate their ecosystem. Children accompany their parents to the zoo for the reptiles, bears, and a variety of birds, making it easy to arrange an educational outing. Trekking enthusiasts will find trails inside the Bangalore National Park that offer lush green forests.
Location: Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore
Top Highlights: Wildlife safari, butterfly park, and educational zoo.
5. Shivanasamudra Falls
Photo: Guptarohit994 / Wikimedia Commons
Shivanasamudra Falls, situated on the River Cauvery, is one of the picturesque picnic spots in Karnataka. The falls branch into two cascades, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, both presenting a different experience. From Gaganachukki, your travel experience here is crowned with a sunset view of the water cascading into the gorge from the Shivanasamudra Watch Tower, while Bharachukki is really very well known for taking visitors on coracle rides at the base of the falls. Nearby, the old Ranganathaswamy Temple provides a cultural flavour to the outing. Folklore suggests that photographers will find rainbows in the mist, especially during the monsoon.
Location: Mandya District
Top Highlights: Twin waterfalls with coracle rides and sunset viewpoints.
Suggested Read: Apsarakonda Waterfalls
6. Brindavan Gardens
Photo: Joe Ravi / Wikimedia Commons
Brindavan Gardens, adjacent to the Krishnarajasagara Dam, is one of the most famous picnic places in Karnataka. It is widely known for its spectacular musical fountain, where water jets move rhythmically to musical sounds; this experience is enchanting and magical. One of the other features of the garden is the terrace gardens, with their colourful floral beds and symmetrical designs. These areas encourage them to explore. Families enjoy gathering around the illuminated paths after sunset, which provides a magical touch to the garden. Children enjoy riding on the boating facility on the garden lake, which feels like a tranquil float out through the garden.
Location: KRS Dam Road, Mysore
Top Highlights: Musical fountain, floral terraces, and boating on a serene lake.
7. Abbey Falls
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Rohithrajjc at wts wikivoyage / Wikimedia Commons
Abbey Falls is a beautiful spot on the list of all picnic places in Karnataka. It is located between coffee plantations in Coorg. The waterfall itself is the main highlight. It is a roaring waterfall that falls from about 70 feet, with a lily-white drop in front, and is encircled by a thick green cover. The hanging bridge across the waterfall provides a decent viewpoint for enjoying and capturing photos of the view. The sound of water and the lovely smell of spices in the air lend a contrast to the views that make it a magical experience. Photographers are always able to catch some lovely misty views, especially in the monsoon when the waterfall is absolutely alive
Location: Madikeri, Coorg District
Top Highlights: Stunning waterfall amidst coffee plantations with a hanging bridge.
Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Shivanasamudra Falls To Experience Serenity
8. Ulsoor Lake
Photo: Shikha Gadru / Shutterstock
Ulsoor Lake is among the most relaxing picnic places in Karnataka. It’s busy in proximity to Bangalore’s streets, but once you enter the park area adjacent to the lake, you will find it quite peaceful. The lake is primarily a boating venue; with a choice of pedal or motor boats, visitors can get out into the lake. From here, they can cruise over to the small islands in the lake, one of which has a small temple. Also close to the lake is the Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, an interesting addition to the day.
Location: Ulsoor, Bangalore
Top Highlights: Peaceful boating lake with nearby temple and relaxing park area.
9. Gokarna Beaches
The Gokarna beaches are some of the most fun picnic places in Karnataka since the area offers everything from calm relaxation to high-octane adventure. Om Beach is the primary attraction, named for its natural Om-shaped shoreline, where one can swim and play beach sports. Kudle Beach is another favourite, where one can switch to relax mode with a really good stretch of sand for long stretches, yoga or just an evening walk. Families enjoy picnicking under the palm groves on many of the beaches, where you can also buy fresh seafood from the shacks nearby.
Location: Uttara Kannada District
Top Highlights: Beautiful beaches for swimming, yoga, and fresh seafood picnics.
Suggested Read: Beaches In Karnataka
10. Jog Falls
Photo: VidyaBKumar / Shutterstock
Jog Falls is one of the grand picnic spots in Karnataka, being the second-highest plunge waterfall in India. The main attraction is Raja Falls, which is one of the four waterfalls that merge into Jog, and it is also the only waterfall that has a true vertical drop. The other must-see spot is Watkins Platform, a famous viewpoint where visitors can see the falls in their totality; they are most spectacular during the height of the monsoon. Those who are adventurous can descend approximately 1,400 steps to the base of the falls, where they can truly experience the roar of the water and the feel of the spray.
Location: Shimoga District
Top Highlights: Tall plunge waterfall with panoramic viewpoints and stairway descent.
Searching for the best picnic places in Karnataka is a great way to mix fun, culture, and nature. From waterfalls and lakes to beaches and gardens, these spots offer something for everyone—families, friends, or solo travellers. Whether you’re after peace or play, Karnataka delivers. Plan with TripXL, and your picnic may turn into a cherished memory. So pack your bags—your perfect picnic spot is just a trip away!
Cover Photo: Chandan Shastri / Unsplash
