One of the most popular cities in Uttar Pradesh, the capital city of Lucknow has always been a favorite with travelers. For its legends, architecture and glorious past, the multi-cultural city is a delight to explore. The warm hospitality of Lucknow is famous across the world as is its irresistible food and cultural nuances. With this list, discover the city through its popular picnic spots in and near Lucknow.
Picnic Spots in Lucknow
1. Kukrail Picnic Spot, Lucknow
Kukrail Picnic Spot | #1 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Lucknow
Kukrail picnic spot is part of the Kukrail Reserve Forest. A beautiful place to see animals in their natural habitat, it has been aptly conserved by the UP Government. An important gharial rehabilitation center, the forest is home to quite a few endangered species. Exploring the crocodile sanctuary is an interesting experience and gives one an opportunity to learn about these silent creatures. Besides the crocodiles, the sanctuary is a haven for many species of deer including sambar and the black-brown spotted deer.
To explore the area, you can rent a cycle. Kukrail also has a well-stocked canteen as well as a separate play area for kids complete with swings.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
2. Anandi Water Park, Lucknow
Anandi Water Park | #2 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Lucknow
What’s the best way to escape rising temperatures and have a great time? For locals and tourists in Lucknow, it’s the Anandi Water Park. One of the first waterparks in the city, it’s a regular haunt for families to enjoy the many water rides available. With a big wave pool, numerous water slides and water cascades – there is tons to keep you busy here. The water park is surrounded by greenery, making the experience a tad bit more refreshing.
- Location: Beside Indra Canal, Faizabad Road, Lucknow
- Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry fee: INR 700 onwards
3. Botanical Gardens, Lucknow
Botanical Gardens | #3 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Lucknow
A huge part of Lucknow’s history, the Botanical Gardens is a wonderful option for a day-long picnic. Situated in Sikanderbagh, it is said to be the place where a pitched battle was fought in 1857. Today, the gardens are popular for sharing space with the esteemed National Botanical Research Institute. One of the most visited spots in Lucknow for its sheer beauty, there are several flower shows hosted here to raise awareness about the unique flora. A favorite among families to enjoy a relaxed day, the park is busy throughout the week with picnickers.
- Location: Rana Pratap Marg, Prem Nagar, Hazratganj, Lucknow
- Timings: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
4. Lucknow Zoo, Lucknow
Lucknow Zoo | #4 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Lucknow
Also known as the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoo, Lucknow Zoo was also once referred to as ‘Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens’ owing to its history. The zoo is home to over 1000 animals spanning more than 100 species; from lions, bears to a wide species of snakes – the zoo surprises visitors! The Bal Rail is one of the prime attractions of the zoo attracting children of all ages, as is the butterfly park!
- Location: Hazratganj Road, Opp. Civil Hospital, Lucknow
- Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (Monday closed)
- Entry fee:
INR 54 (Adults)
INR 27 (Kids)
5. Kala Gaon, Lucknow
A one-of-its-kind picnic spot in Lucknow, Kala Gaon offers a glimpse into traditional village life. It is a great place for a picnic with children where they can learn about the local culture, art, and craft. The hospitality at Kala Gaon is amazing as the staff goes out of their way to make visitors feel comfortable. You must try horse riding, storytelling sessions and other fun activities here. Also, the packages available are quite reasonable and definitely worth it.
- Location: Anaura, Indira Naher, Faizabad Road, Lucknow
- Timings: 10:30 am to 8:00 pm
- Entry fee:
NR 500 (Adults)
INR 300 (Kids)
6. Dream World Water Park, Lucknow
Dream World Water Park | #6 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Lucknow
Dream World Water Park is a perfect place for families and friends to have a fun day out. With numerous water rides, it’s a smart way to beat the summer sun. The water park organizes a number of events to keep visitors entertained, besides offering karting track, lawns for parties and multi-cuisine restaurants. If you are looking for a fun picnic spot in Lucknow, the park is definitely a great option!
- Location: Kanpur-Lucknow Road, LDA Colony, Lucknow
- Timings: 9:30 am to 10:00 pm
- Entry fee: INR 200 onwards
7. Janeshwar Mishra Park, Lucknow
Janeshwar Mishra Park | #7 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Lucknow
Under the green belt area of Lucknow, Janeshwar Mishra Park was inaugurated in 2014 and is a great addition to the city! Considered to be one of the 10 largest parks in Asia, it overlooks a beautiful lake and is dotted with umpteen trees, water fountains and walking paths. A great place for picnics, the park is among the most visited places in Lucknow.
- Location: Gomti Nagar, Lucknow
- Timings: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Entry fee: INR 10 per person
8. Gomti Riverfront Park, Lucknow
Gomti Riverfront Park | #8 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Lucknow
Away from the hustle bustle of the main city lies Gomti Riverfront Park, offering breathtaking views of the river. Designed in an effort to present the city with more recreational spots, the best time to visit the park is the evening when the park is lit up. There are musical fountains, a huge amphitheater and cycling path to keep visitors busy.
- Location: Jiamau, Lucknow
- Timings: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Entry fee: INR 10
9. Gautam Buddha Park, Lucknow
A favorite among children, Gautam Buddha Park is Lucknow’s most visited picnic spot! With paddle boating, a dedicated play area for children and small rides – the park doesn’t disappoint. Situated between Martyr’s Memorial and Bada Imambara, it can be easily combined with a day of sightseeing and exploring the city. Head here during the evening to enjoy the cool breeze and unwind from a long week.
- Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Iradat Nagar, Hasanganj, Lucknow
- Timing: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Entry fee: INR 5
10. Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, Lucknow
Begum Hazrat Mahal Park | #10 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Lucknow
Begum Hazrat Mahal Park can be counted among the most popular parks in Lucknow. Dedicated to the brave Begum Hazrat Mahal, who was the wife of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the park is a beauty. Nestled in the heart of the city, the landscaped gardens offer visitors a moment of peace and stunning views. The garden also has a marble tablet which has four round brass plaques which bear the coat of arms of the royal family of Awadh. As is with most parks, the beauty of the park really comes out during the evening when the ponds light up.
- Location: Rani Lakshmibai Marg, Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow
- Timing: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Entry fee: INR 5
11. Ram Manohar Lohiya Park, Lucknow
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya Park is one of the biggest parks in Lucknow and sees a significant number of visitors every day. Owing to the abundant greenery in the park, the boating facility and the musical fountains, the park is quite busy all through the day. It is quite well maintained with a separate play area for children and walking paths for adults hence a good option for picnic.
- Location: Gomti Nagar
- Timing: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Entry fee: INR 5
12. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Lucknow
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary | #12 of 12 Best Picnic Spots in Lucknow
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary or Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary is a wonderful picnic spot offering you a chance to spend ample time amidst nature while admiring over 250 species of birds. The sanctuary is a haven for Indian as well as migratory birds including the King Crow, Sarus Crane and Peafowl.
What’s amazing is that this sanctuary in Unnao is also a dwelling for snakes such as Cobra, Vipers and Rattlesnakes. With a deer park, an interpretation center which studies the behavior of aerial creatures and a pond – it is the ideal place to take a break from the mundane life.
- Distance from Lucknow: 46 km
- Timing: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Entry fee:
INR 30 (Indians)
INR 350 (Foreigners)
Read Also: Things to Do in Lucknow
