16 Best Picnic Places Near Ahmedabad for One / Two Days Trip [Weekend Getaways]

Being a moderator at Ahmedabad’s most popular Facebook groups “Travelaholics of Ahmedabad” & “TheIndia”, we are receiving hundreds of queries about best picnic places near Ahmedabad for one / two days tour with families and friends. We did a detailed analysis about the common questions we are receiving and shortlisted them to understand the exact queries which are listed below:

• Which are the best picnic places near Ahmadabad?
• Which are the best places to visit near Ahmedabad for one day picnic with family, friends, or office staff?
• Any picnic places near Ahmedabad having games & other fun activities where we can spend whole day?
• Which is the best weekend getaway from Ahmadabad?
• Suggest the best places near Ahmedabad for school picnics etc..

And the list is very long, but We tried to include the most common questions we received so far.

Note – If you are living in Gandhinagar, you can consider all these places to visit for day one or two as majority of the places are also considered as a best picnic places near Ganadhinagar as well.

Ahmedabad being the seventh largest city in India and the biggest in Gujarat is a major base of occupation, business and trade for industrial and financial growth of the state. Being unknown from the nearby city’s wealth of picnic spots, Amdavadis complaint about finding no nearby picnic spot to spend the weekend with family and friends in complete peace and have fun all together. If you are in Pune or Mumbai, you can easily find plenty of weekend getaway but when it comes to Ahmedabad, you will have limited options to explore.

Same as applies to people who are staying in Gandhinagar as it is also located at just 20KM from Ahmedabad.

As there are many places available, single article is not enough to list the places which are located near Ahmadabad and easily accessible by road which includes Amusement parks, historical monuments and public places. This is the reason, we have decided to create separate article categorized by the theme and relevancy of the places and activities.

In our series, the articles are decided in to 3 below parts:

• Picnic Places – Public places where you can directly visit without prior booking or with due permission from the government. The current article will cover those places and detailed information.
• Picnic / Weekend Resorts – Private places like resorts / hotels or fun parks you can directly visit or can book your trip in advance. We have created dedicated article to cover private properties and resorts located near Ahmedabad for day trip or weekend stay.
• Places to Visit in Ahmedabad – This article / section is covering tourist places like temple, river front, picnic spots or any public places which are located in Ahmedabad.

You can visit respective article depending upon your requirement. It will save your time and can easily choose the place to plan your day trip or tour within or near by Ahmedabad.

Lets start this article with our recommended picnic places near Ahmedabad for a weekend or day trip.

List of Picnic Places Near Ahmedabad:

If you are looking for public places you can visit for a day trip, there are limited options available. In this section of the article, we tried to cover 14 most popular and easy to access public places near Ahmedabad. The most common type are historical monuments, temple, public parks, forest area or bird sanctuaries for a best experience.

Please note that, the summer is very hot in Ahmedabad and I strongly recommend checking for weather as few places are only open / recommended during monsoon or winter season. Our list will start with one of my favorite places I have explored many times from Ahmedabad.

1. Polo Forest:

Polo forest is my favorite picnic place to spend quality time in nature and I strongly recommend spending one night here to reveal its natural beauty. I recommend this place to visit during monsoon season where you can also go for trekking. Popped between sanctified hills on the east and west, polo forest holds the stories from past. It sounds horrifying but there are ancient temples, several still carrying out their pujas deep inside this thick jungle. This forest itself is one big temple and the trees themselves are the gods. Polo forest is considered as one of the most popular weekend getaway near Ahmedabad where the government of Gujarat organizes Polo utsav every year.

You can easily find places to stay and food in Polo forest but you need to make prior booking, especially during weekends by considering rush. If you are planning for a day trip, you can easily conduct road trip to Polo forest where you can start early in the morning from Ahmedabad and can return by late evening. Please note that, there is no entry fees to visit Polo forest as it is open and public place.

Activities to Do:

Traveler can do trekking and photography of ancient temples and go on a forest trail at Polo forest. During polo utsav, you can also participate in cycling and enjoy the various cultural activities at Polo forest. You can hire guide from polo campsite who can help you to plan trekking activities around. Please note that, don’t go inside forest without experience guide.

Distance from Ahmadabad: 156 Km

Here is the video from my recent trip to Polo forest from Ahmedabad:

Resorts in Polo Forest:

If you really want to experience the nature, book your stay (If you are lucky to receive reply) at Polo campsite operated by forest department and the most economical place to stay in Polo forest. As explained, Polo forest is surrounded by nature and the only activity is touristy. You will find few luxury resorts in Polo forest but most of them are located bit far (1 to 5 KM) from Polo camp site and they are bit expensive too.

If you are looking for luxury stay in Polo forest, you can check Fern Sattva Resort.

Best Season:

The best season to visit Polo forest is monsoon and winter. Avoid summer as you will hardly find any water body during this season.

2. Adalaj Stepwell:

Set in the noiseless village of Adalaj, Adalaj Stepwell aka Adalaj ni vav has worked as a relaxing place for hundreds of years for numerous travellers and convoys during their trade ways. There is an opening in the ceilings which permits the light and air to come in the octagonal well. Though, straight sunshine does not touch the flight of steps or quays excluding a short-term in noon. Therefore it is believed that the atmosphere inside the well is 6⁰ cooler than the outside. Another extraordinary feature of this step-well is that out of the several stepwells in Gujarat, it is the only one with three entering steps.

Activities to Do:

Clicking pictures of walls engraved for embellishment, with epic scenes with everyday extracts of women whipping buttermilk, dancers amidst musicians, women prettifying themselves and a king sitting on a stool. There is a garden outside the step-well where you can seat and relax with the friends and family.

Other Important Notes:

• Distance from Ahmedabad – Around 19K from Kalupur Railway Station. If you are staying near S G Highway, it is well connected from highway towards Gandhinagar.
• Entry is free or Paid? – There is small entry fees to visit this place
• How long will it take to explore the place – It will require atleast 2-3 hours to explore the beautiful carving inside the well. Plan half day trip!

3. Indroda Nature Park:

Indroda Nature Park is a valuable paragon extent over an area of around 400 hectares on the bank of Sabarmati River in Gandhinagar. It is deliberated to be the 2^nd biggest hatchery of dinosaur eggs in the world. Considered as India’s Jurassic Park, it is managed by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation and is the only dinosaur gallery in India.

Other Important Notes:

• Distance from Ahmedabad – Around 25 Km. If you are staying near S G Highway, it is well connected from highway towards Gandhinagar.
• Entry is free or Paid? – There is small entry fees to visit this place
• How long will it take to explore the place – You will require full day if you want to cover all attraction here. Please make sure you take baby stroller with you if you are traveling with small baby as you will have to walk a lot around.

Activities to Do:

Visiting zoo, enormous carcasses of sea mammals like the blue whale, in addition to a huge botanic garden, auditorium, elucidation center and camp out facilities.

4. Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar:

Image Credit – Akshar Dham

Be spiritual and spent your weekend at Akshardham In Gandhinagar. A place of teaching, amusement and enlightenment where you can witness the customary stone architecture, prehistoric astuteness, and the best of contemporary technology to make the most influential experience of Indian Culture ever to exist. Devoted to Lord Swaminarayan, it is a wonder worked by the detriment of thousands of candy striper. You can have food inside the temple premises in Food Hall.

Other Important Notes:

• Distance from Ahmedabad – Around 30 Km.
• Entry is free or Paid? – Entry to temple is FREE but if you want to visit exhibition, there is a fees for it.
• How long will it take to explore the place – You will require full day if you want to visit exhibition there. Please make sure you take baby stroller with you if you are traveling with small baby as you will have to walk a lot around.

Activities to Do:

Watching short movies in Hall 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 with the Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show, the Sahajanand Van, and much more.

5. Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary:

It is a narrow lake enclosed by swampland’s on the verge and thin forest boarding the sides. Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 7 kms² and a paradise for bird watcher. You can see flocks of bird winging together and making arrays in the sky whereas long-legged stretched necked cranes keep pestering for fishes and small bugs. The environment gets harmoniously pleasant with the resonating of several birds.

Activities to Do:

Natural beauty, click pictures of birds like cranes, geese, flamingos, egrets, herons, spoonbills, ducks, whistling teals and self. You can go for a long walk surrounding the lake and enjoy the beautiful sound of birds. Please note that, the entry fees for the camera and your vehicle will be charged at Thol Lake.

Distance from Ahmedabad: Around 28 Km

6. Nalsarovar:

Before you plan to visit Nal Sarovar, please note down the time as it remains open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It holds an area of 120.82 kms² with a lake and ambient swampland.  It is mostly populated by nomadic birdies in winter and spring. Being the biggest marshland bird nature reserve in Gujarat, and one among the largest in India, it is worth visiting. You can capture ducks, geese, pelicans and flamingos during morning and evening hours. Vehicles are obtainable from parking to the lake site for around 1km. Lake Water is almost 4 feet deep. You can also take a horse ride along lake.

Activities to Do:

Tourist can enjoy the beauty of nature and also click pictures of birds and self. The best attraction of Nal sarovar is boating operated by the locals who can take you to the deep in sarovar where you can spot the migratory birds.

Distance from Ahmedabad: Around 64 Km

Important Note – We have published dedicated article guide for Nalsarovar visit from Ahmedabad. Here we have covered everything you should know about this place.

7. Phulwari Ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary

Located at just 200KM from Ahmedabad, it will hardly take 4 hours to reach at Phulwari Ki Nal from Ahmedabad. This is a lesser known place located amidst Aravalli range at Gujarat – Rajasthan border will give great experience to the people who love exploring nature.

Best weekend getaway for the people in Ahmedabad

I strongly recommend planning 2 days and 1 night trip to experience the place at fullest where you can do:

• Experience river crossing at Sabarmati River
• Short trek to forest area
• Star gaging during night
• Staying in forest rest house
• Experience local food
• Staying in tent amidst forest

Plan your next visit to this place and thank me later.

8. Sant Sarovar Dam:

Sant sarovar dam is a picnic place near Gandhinagar where you can enjoy with your family and friends. Located at just 26KM from Ahmedabad and 4KM from Gandhinagar, you can explore this place within half day. Monsoon is the best season to visit San sarovar dam where you can experience the spectacular view of the water flowing from the dam.

Distance from Ahmedabad: Around 36 km.

Activities to do:

As this is a dam site, you can have bath but make sure to follow safety instructions. You can also visit Sarita udhyan and Indroda park nearby and can spend entire day within state capital Gandhinagar.

9. Zanzari Waterfalls:

Zanzari waterfalls is located on Vatrak River with a series of cascades. The definite fall is around 25 feet high with numerous rocks, stones and basins. The water throughout and instantly after the monsoons is perfidious as the current will be hasty.  It is only then the sound of water splashing down the falls can be overheard from far away. In summer, the river is condensed to a rivulet and there are spots to take a seat and appreciate the scenery. Visit the Zanzari falls from September to February. Be attentive while enjoying at Zanzari falls.

Activities to Do:

You can do hiking, camel ride and photography at Zanzari waterfalls.

Distance from Ahmedabad: Around 74 Km

10. Statue of Unity:

Statue of Unity is world’s tallest statue with the height of 182 meters which was inaugurated by PM Shri Narendra Modi ji in October 2018. It is Sardar patel statue located at Sardar Sarovar Dam, Kevadiya village, Gujarat. Statue of unity can be your best destination if you are planning for a long day trip from Ahmedabad. If you are having 2 days, you can also explore Champaner a UNESCO heritage site located near Pavagadh and Poicha swaminarayan temple.

Activities to Do at Statue of Unity:

We have already provided detailed information about statue of unity place page (Link above) where all the information about activities to do, timing and ticket price are provided with great details. You can also visit our detailed blog post about places to visit near Statue of unity to plan your detailed itinerary accordingly.

Distance from Ahmedabad: Around 197 Km

11. Aatapi Wonderland in Vadodara:

Aatapi Wonderland is considered as one of the largest theme parks in Asia located at outskirt of Vadodara. The theme park was inaugurated by Gujarat CM Mr. Vijay Rupani in December 2018. If you are looking for a day trip from Ahmedabad, this can be the best choice for family. The park is having over 40 high thrill adventure rides and attractions.

Activities to Do at Aatapi Wonderland:

You can enjoy all different adventure rides and activities with family that includes but not limited to:

• Flying Carousel
• Sky drop
• Thrilling Engine
• Water Splash Mountain
• Feeling Flight

There are many other mind-blowing rides available here as well.

Entry Fees and Timing of Aatapi Wonderland:

• Aatapi Wonderland is generally operate from Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 7 PM.
• There are different packages are available

Distance from Ahmedabad: Around 124 Km

12. Lothal:

Lothal is an archeological site which is having a museum divided in three galleries. The front gallery portrays an artist’s imaginary idea of Harappan town of Lothal. The gallery at left side displays beads, terracotta ornaments, replicas of seal and sealing, shell and ivory objects, copper and bronze objects, tools and potteries yielded from excavations. The gallery at right shows objects animal and human figurines, weights, painted potteries, objects recovered from burials and ritual objects, miniature potteries, bricks. It is closed on Fridays.

Activities to Do:

Cherishing the memories from past and click the museum galleries.

Distance from Ahmedabad: Around 76 Km

13. Rani Ki Vav Patan:

If you love heritage, you should also include Rani ki vav in your list and can plan a day trip from Ahmedabad. Located at just 127KM from Ahmedabad, you can make plan to visit Patan, Modhera sun temple and other nearby places in a day.

If you are in Gujarat around December, make sure you check about the music festival being organized every year. It can have great experience must say.

Activities to do at Rani Ki Vav

It is located in Patan village which is also famous for hand crafted patola which you can explore in the market. Do some photography and explore modhera sun temple located at just 35KM from Rani ki vav.

14. Modhera Sun Temple:

If you are planning for a day trip from Ahmedabad, this can be best option if you want to explore historical places and best architecture from 1026-1027 CE era. This temple is dedicated to god Sun which was built by Bhima I from the Chaulukya Dynasty.

Modhera Sun Temple is located around 100KM from Ahmedabad and can be reached in around 2 hours. You can plan a trip to this place along with Patan (Rani Ki Vav) in a single day.

Modhera Sun Temple Timings: Temple open regually 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

15. Sarkhej Roza:

Sarkhej Roza is an architectural masterpiece that is famous for its stunning mosque and tomb complex. This largest Roza in Gujarat and a magnificent example of the Mughal and Indian architectural styles. If you’re a visit for a cultural heritage place, Sarkhej Roza is perfect for you, as it offers a glimpse into the rich past of the region. The complex is built around the serene Sarkhej Lake, adding to the overall beauty of the location. Here magnificent halls and pillars are prominent Islamic elements that have been seamlessly incorporated into the design. A visit to Sarkhej Roza is a must for anyone who appreciates architectural beauty and a rich cultural history.

Sarkhej Roza Timings and Ticket Price:

• Sarkhej Roza is regularly open from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M.
• No charge for Entry.

Distance from Ahmedabad: Around 7 Km

16. Varnindra Dham Patdi (Mini Poicha):

The Varnindra Dham Swaminarayan Temple in Patdi is famous as one of the best tourist places near Ahmedabad for one-day trip, dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. The temple is decorated with thousands of colorful lights that make it appear incredibly beautiful in the evening.

The exhibition is the main tourist attraction of this temple. It has a Lotus form at the bottom. Because of its similarity to Poicha, people used to call it “Mini Poicha“.

Ticket Prices	Free
Temple Timings	05:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.
Pradarshani Timings	11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location	Varnindra Dham Patdi, Viramgam, Di : Surendranagar
Distance From Ahmedabad	90 km

Conclusion:

There are many picnic places around Ahmedabad but I have included those which are easily accessible and suitable for groups, couple and family. Here I recommend visiting these picnic spots during day time as most of the destinations are public places and will be open during day time only. If you want to chill and relax by spending night as well? Check out some of the luxurious resorts near Ahmedabad where you can enjoy your weekends with family or friends.

Disclaimer:

I have tried my best to compile the list by doing research and by studying the information provided on official resources. Still I do not claim the authenticity of information and it may change periodically. Please note that the all listed places in this article are shared for your reference only. Kindly make your own research before you plan a trip as the information is provided “as is”, and without warranties.

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