Also read: Top 10 Old Bollywood Heroines In 2025
- Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary (Mehsana-Ahmedabad border)
A Ramsar-certified wetland, abounds with migratory birds, tranquil water vistas, and plenty of green area. Ideal for bird-watching, photography, and languid afternoons. Awesome sunrise/sunset atmosphere. - Indroda Nature Park, Gandhinagar
Named a sort of natural history park, boasting botanical gardens, wildlife enclosures, dinosaur fossils exhibitions, and shaded walking paths. An ideal destination for families and children, marrying learning and lounging. - Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad
Urban picnic favourite: well-manicured promenades, benches, river views, evening lighting, bazaars, and often cooling breezes. Nature elements + city comfort. Very convenient. - Zarwani Waterfall (Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary)
For those who like forest, water, and a less crowded, offbeat environment. Zarwani is less popular compared to big waterfalls, has trekking through forest canopy, and a pretty rain-filled stream in monsoon. - Polo Forest, Vijaynagar (Sabarkantha district)
Ruins, forest paths, tribal settlements, streams — it is a mix of history and nature. Wonderful for trekking + riverbank picnics + wildlife/bird watching. - Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj
Although a heritage point more than pure nature, the serenity of the stepwell and intricately designed architecture allow it to be a relaxing oasis. Good shade, interesting location, and photogenic corners. - Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar
A combination of mangroves, salt and fresh water marshes, and migratory birds. If you don’t mind a bit of traveling, this sanctuary provides wild scenery and a feeling of getaway. - Lakhota Lake & Lakhota Fort, Jamnagar
Located centrally, this is more laid back—lake walks, boating close to the fort, view points especially early morning or close to sunset. Suitable for shorter picnics without going too far away. - Pavagadh Hill / Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Climbing up the hill or riding, temple and ruin exploration, with green around (especially post/pre rains). Also good viewpoint and cool breeze. A more action-packed picnic. - Kalo Dungar, Kutch
For more adventurous picnics, especially if you like dramatic landscapes. Black Hill (Kalo Dungar) gives sweeping views of the salt desert, especially at sunrise or sunset. A different vibe entirely.
Tips to Pick the Best Spot & Plan Well
- Season is important: Monsoon (July-September) makes green appear in forest tracts and waterfalls (Zarwani, Polo Forest), but roads can be slippery. Winter season is ideal for bird sanctuaries and hill stations. Evening/morning summer is fine; noon in plains can be hot.
- Facilities: Not everywhere are there toilets, sunshade, food stalls, and chairs. Bring your own mat, sunshade/parasol, water, food, etc.
- Crowd-factor: Sabarmati Riverfront, Adalaj Stepwell are well toured. Off-the-beaten-track destinations like Zarwani, Khijadiya and Polo Forest will be less crowded (if visited off-season).
- Access & travel: Some are extremely accessible from cities (Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot), others require drives on smaller roads. Road conditions, particularly during rains, should be checked.
- Permits / entry fees: Some sanctuaries or protected areas have entry fees or timed entries. Check in advance.
Also read: https://neutralnewsreport.com/top-5-inspiring-women-entrepreneurs-from-kerala-in-2025/
