Ahmedabad comes with a magnificent past of being a renowned commercial and trading center. Gradually on its way to becoming a metropolis, the city has made consistent efforts to preserve its beauty, history, and tradition. Home to a large number of cultural attractions, the city also nestles a variety of picnic and recreational spots for different experiences. Let’s take a look at 11 of Ahmedabad’s best picnic spots.
Picnic Spots in Ahmedabad
1. Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad
Sabarmati Riverfront was an initiative of the Gujarat Government to turn the land into a recreational and eco-friendly asset for the city. The two-level promenade here serves as a walking path and a cycling track while the landscaped gardens offer a peaceful respite. Besides enjoying a luxurious picnic in the gardens, you can also indulge in a fun boating ride here.
Read Also: Places to Visit in Ahmedabad
2. Law Garden, Ahmedabad
Law Garden in Ahmedabad is a lovely garden by day and a busy shopping street by night! A great picnic spot in the city, it is thronged by tourists and locals alike to relax and rejuvenate! If you head here during the evenings, you’ll be in for a surprise. After sunset, the boundary walls of the gardens are transformed into a vibrant night market selling Gujarat’s famous art and craft at economical prices.
- Timings: 5:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Entry fee: Free
Read Also: Things to Do in Ahmedabad
3. Parimal Garden, Ahmedabad
A local favorite, Parimal Garden is one of the most popular picnic spots in Ahmedabad. Complete with a majestic pond and a small bridge, swings for children, landscaped lawns and vibrant flower beds – it’s a retreat from mundane schedules. The well-maintained garden is also a safe abode for a varied bird population, especially during winters.
- Timings: 5:30 am – 12:00; 2:00 pm to 10 pm
- Entry fee: Free
Read Also: Historical Places in Ahmedabad
4. Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad
Among the oldest recreational places in Ahmedabad, Kankaria Lake is a favorite among locals. Sharing its periphery with Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden, Balvatika, a museum and a butterfly garden – the lake offers an action-packed day. The area underwent re-development a few years ago and today it proudly stands out as one of Ahmedabad’s thriving tourist spots. With multi-cuisine restaurants, boating facility and activities such as mini train ride, balloon ride and archery, it’s a go-to place for family picnics.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry fee: INR 10 (Adults), INR 5 (Child)
- Did you know? The lakefront hosts a week-long festival in December.
Read Also: Lakes in Ahemdabad
Picnic spots near Ahmedabad
5. Maniar’s Wonderland
Maniar’s Wonderland is a first-of-its-kind waterpark-cum-snow and amusement park in the city. A favorite among families with children, it is a perfect option for a day picnic complete with exhilarating rides, a chance to experience snow in Gujarat and a sprawling water park. Among the rides to watch out for, you must try aqua roller, wooden sledges in the snow, wonder chair and aqua splash!
- Location: Highway, Sanand – Sarkhej Rd, Sarkhej (10.5 km from Ahmedabad)
- Timings:
10:00 am to 8:00 pm (peak season)
10:00 am to 7:00 pm (off season) - Entry fee:
Amusement park: INR 220 (Adults), INR 180 (Child)
Snow Park: INR 450 (Adults), INR 400 (Child)
6. Adalaj Ni Vav
Adalaj Ni Vav offers a remarkable combination of history, architecture and beauty and is a perfect picnic destination. Constructed to tackle the water shortage in Adalaj Village, the stepwell is a fine example of engineering and architectural skills. The walls of the stepwell have carvings of various deities and the over-all structure speaks volumes of the art influences of that time. After exploring the stepwell, you can head to the verdant gardens to bask in the tranquility of nature.
- Location: Adalaj Road (18.9 km from Ahmedabad)
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (everyday)
- Entry fee: Free
Read Also: Forts near Ahmedabad
7. Indroda Nature Park
Spans over 400 hectares, Indroda Nature Park is an ideal picnic spot near Ahmedabad. A treasure for children to explore, the park is divided into two parts – Indodra Nature Park and the Wilderness Park. Considered to be the second largest dinosaur egg hatchery, the park is run by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation. Housing a massive botanical garden, an amphitheater and a zoo, the park is most famous for its exhibit of blue whale skeleton and other sea mammals. After an insightful experience at the nature park, you can head to Sant Sarovar Dam which is about 2 km away for a fun picnic.
- Location: GEER Foundation, Deer Park, J road, Gandhinagar (24.8 km from Ahmedabad)
- Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Entry Fee:
INR 20 (Adults)
INR 10 (Child – 5 to 12 years)
8. Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary
Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary is situated around a man-made, freshwater lake and makes for an ideal picnic destination. The marshland on the edge of the lake and the forest surrounding is home to a wide variety of bird population including Sarus Crane – the world’s tallest flying bird. Enjoy a rejuvenating day filled with the sweet chirping of birds and the serenity the sanctuary offers.
- Location: Thol Road, (30 km from Ahmedabad)
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Timings: 6:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Entry fee: INR 40 (weekdays), INR 50 (weekends)
Also Read: Ahmedabad – The Manchester of India
9. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Offering visitors a tryst with nature, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is quite popular among families as a refreshing picnic spot. Home to over 200 species of birds including migratory birds from as far as Central Europe, it is definitely a paradise for ornithologists and wildlife photographers.
- Location: Bagodara Nalsarovar Link Rd, Nalsarovar (63 km from Ahmedabad)
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry fee: INR 75 (weekdays), INR 85 (weekends)
Travel tip: Don’t miss boating to Dhrabla Island – it’s a beautiful experience.
10. Tirupati Rushivan Adventure Park
A mix of adventure, excitement and unbound fun come together at Tirupati Rushivan Adventure Park. One of the largest themed parks in Gujarat, it offers water as well as adventure rides for an all-round experience. Columbus, Bull ride, Watershoot ride, Jungle safari and Frisbee are some of the rides that you can’t miss.
- Location: Bank of Sabarmati River, Vijapur – Himatnagar Road, Derol (74 km from Ahmedabad)
- Timings: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
- Waterpark Timing: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Entry fee: INR 100 + GST (per person)
- Water park: INR 300 (per person)
Did you know? The amusement park is one of the only few that allow visitors to bring home-cooked food.
11. Zanzari Waterfalls
Waterfalls make for the best picnic spots and Zanzari is no exception! Offering an experience amidst beauty and serenity, Zanzari falls are situated on the River Vatrak with the main waterfall reaching about 25 feet. A 3-km trek from the main entrance will bring you to the waterfall or you can choose to hop on a camel. You can also visit the Shiva temple before proceeding to the waterfalls.
- Distance from Ahmedabad: 75 km
- Best time to visit: September to February
Read Also: Waterfalls near Ahmedabad