Also read: Top 10 Old Bollywood Heroines In 2025
- Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary (Mehsana-Ahmedabad border)
A Ramsar-certified wetland, teems with migratory birds, peaceful water views, and lots of green space. Great place for bird-watching, photography, and languid afternoons. Stunning sunrise/sunset vibes. - Indroda Nature Park, Gandhinagar
Called a kind of natural history park, featuring botanical gardens, wildlife enclosures, dinosaur fossils exhibit, and shaded walking trails. The perfect place for families and kids, combining learning and lounging. - Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad
Urban picnic favorite: neatly manicured promenades, benches, river views, evening lighting, bazaars, and frequently cooling breezes. Nature elements + city comfort. Extremely convenient. - Zarwani Waterfall (Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary)
For those who prefer forest, water, and less crowded, offbeat surroundings. Zarwani is lesser-known compared to large waterfalls, has forest canopy trekking, and a quite rain-filled stream during monsoon. - Polo Forest, Vijaynagar (Sabarkantha district)
Ruins, forest trails, tribal hamlets, streams — a combination of nature and history. Great for trekking + riverbank picnics + wildlife/bird watching. - Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj
Though a heritage spot rather than sheer nature, the calmness of the stepwell and intricately carved architecture make it a soothing oasis. Good shade, interesting site, and photogenic corners. - Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar
A mix of mangroves, salt and fresh water marshes and migratory birds. If you can bear with some traveling, this sanctuary offers wild landscapes and a sense of getaway. - Lakhota Lake & Lakhota Fort, Jamnagar
Central located, this is more relaxed—lake walks, boating near the fort, view points particularly early morning or near sunset. Good for shorter picnics without venturing too far away. - Pavagadh Hill / Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Trekking up the hill or biking, temple and ruin exploration, with greenery around (particularly post/pre rains). Also good view and pleasant breeze. A more exciting picnic. - Kalo Dungar, Kutch
For more adventurous picnics, particularly if you enjoy dramatic scenery. Black Hill (Kalo Dungar) offers sweeping vistas of the salt desert, particularly at sunrise or sunset. A totally different atmosphere.
Tips to Pick the Best Spot & Plan Well
- Season matters: Monsoon (July-September) provides green to forest areas and waterfalls (Zarwani, Polo Forest), but roads are slippery. Winter is the best time for bird sanctuaries and hill stations. Evening/morning summer is okay; noon in plains is too hot.
- Amenities: Not all places have toilets, sunshade, food stalls, and chairs. Carry your own mat, sunshade/parasol, water, food, etc.
- Crowd-factor: Sabarmati Riverfront, Adalaj Stepwell are heavily visited. Off-the-beaten-path places like Zarwani, Khijadiya and Polo Forest will be less populated (if visited during off-season).
- Access & travel: Some are very close to cities (Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot), others involve drives on smaller roads. Road conditions, especially during rains, must be verified.
- Permits / entry fees: Entry fees or time slots for entry at some sanctuaries or protected areas. Verify in advance.
Also read: https://neutralnewsreport.com/top-5-inspiring-women-entrepreneurs-from-kerala-in-2025/
