Whether you’re based in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara or traveling across the state, here’s a curated list of 15 best one day picnic places for Raksha Bandhan in Gujarat, with details on how to get there, visitor costs, and key highlights. Rakshabandhan, the festival celebrating sibling bonds, is made more memorable when turned into a one-day outing. Gujarat – gifted with lakes, forests, heritage sites, waterfalls, and wildlife reserves – is perfect for siblings and families seeking good weather, scenic spots, and fun-filled memories.
Table of Contents
1. Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad
📍 ~5 km from the city center
Highlights: Artificial lakefront with toy train, zoo, water rides, balloon ride, kids’ city, food stalls. A festive vibe especially appealing to families.
Timings & Entry:
- Entry ₹10 (adults), ₹5 (children)
- Open from early morning to 10 pm.
Estimated Cost: ₹200–500 per person for rides, zoo, balloon, food.
Why Rakhi-Ready: Enjoy rides, shared snacks, and peaceful lake views at sunset.
2. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
📍 ~64 km west of Ahmedabad
Highlights: India’s largest wetland bird sanctuary; over 210 species including flamingos, pelicans, storks. Boating and bird-watching on crisp winter mornings.
Entry & Activities:
- Entry ₹60–75 (weekdays), ₹85 (weekend). Camera ₹100.
- Boating ₹220 per person or ₹1,320 for full boat.
Cost Estimate: ₹400–600 per person including entry, boat, light snacks.
Sun-sibling Time: Watch birds take flight at sunrise over misty waters.
3. Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary
📍 ~28–31 km from Ahmedabad
Highlights: Artificial reservoir now a WAR BIRD habitat with flamingos, sarus cranes, herons. Excellent for bird lovers and light trekking.
Timings & Entry:
- Entry ₹40 (₹50 weekend), camera ₹200.
- Open 6 AM to 5:30 PM.
Cost Estimate: ₹200–300 per person including entry and local snacks.
Rakhi Idea: Tie Rakhi under fluttering wings and enjoy a nature walk.
4. Indroda Nature Park (Gandhinagar)
📍 ~25 km from Ahmedabad
Highlights: GEER-run dinosaur and fossil park, wildlife section, botanical garden, reptile & fossil exhibits. Ideal for learning and leisurely walking.
Entry & Timings:
- Entry ₹30 (adults), ₹15 (children).
- 8 AM to 6 PM.
Cost Estimate: ₹100–200 per person including entry and picnic supplies.
Special Rakhi Moment: Dino-themed memories and shared fossil hunt adventures.
5. Polo Forest (Vijaynagar, Sabarkantha)
📍 ~150 km (~2½ hrs) from Ahmedabad
Highlights: Aravalli forest with heritage ruins, trekking, riverside picnic, birdlife. A peaceful wooded escape.
Cost Estimate: ₹400–600 per person including transport, small donation or forest fees, packed lunch.
Why It Works for Raksha Bandhan: Celebrate amidst ruins and nature with trekking and storytelling.
6. Zanzari Waterfalls
📍 ~74 km from Ahmedabad
Highlights: 25-ft cascade over Vatrak River, trekking, rocky beds ideal for wading. Best visited during monsoon or post-monsoon.
Cost Estimate: ₹300–400 per person (light refreshment and local fare).
Rakhi by Waterfall: Tie Rakhi near gushing falls or swim in natural pools. If you have longer holiday then you can book a stay nearby for a night to enjoy fully!
7. Splash Water Park & Resort (Sanand)
📍 ~20 km south-west of Ahmedabad
Highlights: Water rides, wave pools, gardens, cottages, meals included in package.
Package Cost: ₹1,000–1,500 per person inclusive of entry and lunch.
Ideal for Raksha Bandhan: Water fun, cool splashes, kid-friendly rides and meals.
8. Amusement & Snow Park: Tirupati Rushivan Adventure Park
📍 ~74 km near Vijapur
Highlights: Waterpark, snow park, paragliding, go‑karting, helicopter ride, selfie spots, adventure ride zones.
Charges: Entry ₹100; water park ₹300; ride charges ₹20–₹100 each.
Estimated Cost: ₹500–800 per person with a few rides and snacks.
Festive Fun: Perfect for thrill-seeking siblings, immersive attractions, and adventure selfies.
9. Palm Green Club (Kheda)
📍 ~28 km from Ahmedabad
Highlights: Pool, garden, indoor games, private cinema, weekly events.
Entry Cost: ₹799 per person.
Rakhi Retreat: Chill day with family, poolside fun and an eventful hammock day.
10. Maniar’s Wonderland (Ahmedabad outskirts)
📍 ~10 km
Highlights: Amusement park with rides, snow attractions, water slides, games for all ages.
Entry Fees: Amusement ₹220 adult, ₹180 child; Snow park ₹450 adult, ₹400 child.
Estimated Cost: ₹400–600 per person.
Why Choose It for Rakhi: Joy rides, laughter, souvenir photos, thrill moments.
11. Adalaj Stepwell (Adalaj ni Vav)
📍 ~20 km from Ahmedabad
Highlights: 15th-century stepwell with ornate carvings, built to manage water in village; peaceful shaded spot.
Entry: Free. Timing: ~6 AM to 6 PM.
Estimated Cost: ₹100 per person (transport, snacks).
Rakhi Reverence: Historical and scenic conversations in cool carved shade.
12. Sabarmati Riverfront
📍 Within Ahmedabad
Highlights: Urban promenade with gardens, boating, cycling, sunset views, cultural activities.
Entry: Free. Boating ~₹100–200.
Estimated Cost: ₹150–300 per person (boating + snacks).
Urban Rakhi: Tying Rakhi by the riverbank with evening breeze and chaat stalls nearby.
13. Lothal Archaeological Site (Bhavnagar District)
📍 ~110 km
Highlights: Indus Valley Civilisation ruins, museum, excavated docks—historical picnic ideal for curious minds.
Entry: ~₹35; Guide extra.
Estimated Cost: ₹300–400 per person with transport.
Celebrating Rakhi: Ancient heritage and quiet reflection with sibling dialogue.
14. Ektavan Mota Village (Near Surat/Bardoli)
📍 ~40 km from Surat
Highlights: Scenic garden, postcard-perfect village, BAPS temple nearby; calm, photogenic spot.
Entry: Likely free; small local donation.
Estimated Cost: ₹200–300 per person with travel.
Peaceful Rakhi: Quiet garden bonding and temple visit for blessings.
15. Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar
📍 ~153 km from Ahmedabad (~3 hrs drive)
Highlights: Grassland sanctuary for blackbuck, Indian wolf, lesser florican; jeep safari, birding.
Timings: Closed mid-June to mid-October; visits recommended December to March.
Entry & Safari Fees:
- Forest entry plus jeep ~₹500–1,000 per person.
Estimated Cost: ₹1,200–1,500 per person including safari, lunch, transport share.
Raksha Adventure: Wildlife safari memories and sibling photos with grazing blackbuck backdrop.
Planning Tips for Picnic Places for Raksha Bandhan in Gujarat
- Pack essentials: water bottles, packed snacks, rashkis, portable blanket/mat, hats, sunscreen.
- Best season: August (post-monsson) to February – ideal weather.
- Early starts: Plan trips to sanctuaries or falls early morning to enjoy wildlife or cool weather.
- Group size logistics: Carpool saves cost. Many venues allow box-lunch or local catering.
- Tickets & bookings: Pre-book water park entries or boating. Carry cash for sanctuary entries or local stalls.
- Etiquette: Respect wildlife spots – no litter, no loud music, no plucking plants.
- Transport: For farther spots (Polo Forest, Velavadar, Lothal), consider sharing cabs or hiring tempo-travellers.
Summary Table
| No. | Picnic Spot | Distance from Ahmedabad | Entry/Approx Cost per Person | Unique Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kankaria Lake | ~5 km | ₹200–500 | Urban fun-packed lakefront |
| 2 | Nal Sarovar | ~64 km | ₹400–600 | Migratory birds & boats |
| 3 | Thol Lake | ~30 km | ₹200–300 | Birdwatching & marsh serenity |
| 4 | Indroda Nature Park | ~25 km | ₹100–200 | Fossils, dinosaurs, green park |
| 5 | Polo Forest | ~150 km | ₹400–600 | Forest ruins & trekking |
| 6 | Zanzari Falls | ~74 km | ₹300–400 | Waterfall and rocky pools |
| 7 | Splash Water Park | ~20 km | ₹1,000–1,500 | Rides, pool, meals included |
| 8 | Rushivan Adventure Park | ~74 km | ₹500–800 | Thrilling rides and snow fun |
| 9 | Palm Green Club | ~28 km | ₹799 | Pool, cinema, curated events |
| 10 | Maniar’s Wonderland | ~10 km | ₹400–600 | Rides, snow, amusement park |
| 11 | Adalaj Stepwell | ~20 km | ₹100 | Historic cool spot |
| 12 | Sabarmati Riverfront | In-city seal | ₹150–300 | Boating, gardens, sunset vibes |
| 13 | Lothal Site | ~110 km | ₹300–400 | Indus heritage ruin visit |
| 14 | Ektavan Mota Village | ~40 km from Surat | ₹200–300 | Garden serenity & cultural temple |
| 15 | Velavadar Blackbuck Park | ~153 km | ₹1,200–1,500 | Grassland safari & wildlife viewing |
Conclusion
Rakshabandhan is an ideal excuse to step outside, tie the sacred thread amid fresh air, laughter, and meaningful time. Gujarat’s diverse landscapes – lakes, bird sanctuaries, forests, heritage, waterfalls, and wildlife zones – offer perfect backdrops for sibling bonding and festive moments.
Each of these 15 picnic destinations delivers a distinct flavor: from Kankaria’s fun-filled crowd to Polo Forest’s rustic tranquility; from Indroda’s learning walk to Velavadar’s majestic wildlife. Combined with handy cost details, best timing, and sibling‑friendly activities, this guide ensures that families can pick the spot that fits their mood and budget—creating shared memories that outlast a single day.
Wishing you and your siblings a joyful, scenic, and memorable Rakshabandhan—one picnic at a time!
