When summer comes at you, or when the weekend seems to be going without any fun, these picnic spots near Delhi are sure going to top your list of favourites sometime soon. It is important to go to new places when you have time and motivation at your back. And one of the best ways to enjoy when you are short on time is to go to a picnic together.
Nothing truly beats the fun that you have with everyone when you go and explore new places. And being in Delhi, there are plenty of places that you can go with your family, friends or partner and enjoy the togetherness. These well-known and some offbeat places in and near Delhi are sure going to be on your to-do list pretty soon.
To enjoy at some of the best picnic spots near Delhi, the following are the names that one should always keep in mind, and consider to be their best options for a getaway. Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, for example, is an amazing retreat into the green world of the wilderness. A mining zone once, this place is famous for the encounters with the wild that one can have here.
Or for an extreme dosage of entertainment, Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon is one of the highly coveted entertainment theme parks of the country, especially famous for their show Zangoora. But if you do not wish too far away from the city, Hauz Khas is always everyone’s favourite spot for having fun inside the city.
And if going far is your plan, then retreats like Rishikesh, Karnal, Mussoorie and many other such names that are a little far away from the city, but are a delightful and welcome distraction from life. So take your people, and get going to one of these amazing picnic spots in and around Delhi.
01 Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
An area of stunning greens and a standing example of nature being reclaimed to make way for a happier tomorrow, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise of sorts that is located near the city of Delhi. The wildlife sanctuary was once the site for heavy mining and was highly exploited and depleted.
The sanctuary is the beginning of the hill ridges in Delhi that, at one time, extended right into the city centre but has since been depleted due to modernization. The forested area is one of the last surviving remnants of the wildlife that was once intrinsic to Delhi. The stunning green areas and varied species of wildlife make this place one of the most ideal picnic spots in Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 41km
Best time to visit: June to February
02 Kingdom of Dreams
If you want to get away for a quick refresher at one of the picnic spots in Delhi, then head to the stunning and world class locales of the Kingdom of dreams or KOD as it is popularly known. Combining the elements of entertainment, leisure, tradition and thrill, Kingdom of Dreams brings forth an irrefutably ultimate destination for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. The Kingdom of Dreams is located on the outskirts of Gurgaon, resulting in it being a preferred choice for a getaway from Delhi.
The intersection of Agra, Jaipur and Delhi is where this stunning expanse sprawls. The culture, cornucopia of music, dance and drama of India melts together in this one exciting destination. Here you can explore and discover areas such as Nautanki Mahal, that showcases the cinema, theatrical and musical extravagance of our country as well as Culture Gully which is a veritable culture, crafts and food boulevard of the Indian traditions.
The Showshaa Theatre that showcases the Indian mythology in all its splendor and an Indian Talent circus, the list of what you can do at the Kingdom of dreams is endless.
You can also check out the list of other amusement parks in Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 34km
Best Time to Visit: All Year Round
03 Hauz Khas
The prominent and heritage structure of Hauz Khas derives its names from a huge water tank that is a peculiar structure on its premises. The name thus translates to mean ‘ Royal Tank’ The complex is essentially a collection of ruins, that tell a story of a rich past and illustrious history through their wreckage.
This stunning structure has since transformed into a preferred hangout and one of the most recognized picnic spots in Delhi for young and old alike. Hauz Khas is replete with a number of unique and offbeat places to eat as well as a shopping area for the populace of the city- Dilliwale! Experience the stunning beauty of this place that is an ideal combination of serenity, quietude and exuberance.
Distance from Delhi: 1km from the Hauz Khas Metro Station
Best Time to visit: All year round
04 Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
A paradise for bird watching enthusiasts, the Sultanpur Bird sanctuary is located in the midst of the Gurgaon district in Haryana, at an easy drive away from Delhi. The bird sanctuary is best visited in the months of winter when a large number of birds from lands as far as Europe, Siberia and central provinces of Asia come here to flee from the harsh months of winter.
The best time to visit therefore is in the months of September stretching up to March- April. At this bird sanctuary, it is possible to see around 250 varied species of birds in their natural habitat. This safe ground is actually located over the Sultanpur Jheel and the government of Haryana has taken adequate and necessary efforts in order to make this place beautiful and easily reachable.
One of the most amazing picnic spots in Delhi, it will reward you with a taste for wilderness and exploration. Being at a reasonable distance makes it one of the best destination for corporate day outing trip near Delhi.
Distance from Delhi: 42km
Best Time to Visit: September to March
05 Garhmukteshwar
Located in the Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh, the town of Garhmukteshwar is one of the ideal picnic spots in Delhi if you want to get a true feel of ancient civilization residing on the banks of Ganges River. Although having a primarily religious importance, Garhmukteshwar is a truly scenic and beautiful place where you can witness the co-existence of religion and livelihood at close quarters.
The bathing fair that happens here every year on full moon days in the months of Kartik month according to the Indian calendar is a major draw for tourists and holidaymakers alike.
Distance from Delhi: 100km
Best Time to Visit: October to November
06 Damdama Lake
About the place: A depression in the Aravalli Hills caused the creation of the Damdama Lake in the district of Haryana. Damdama Lake is nestled between the Aravallis and it is one of the largest natural lakes in the state of Haryana.
The lake is highly popular among tourists and many picnic convoys haunt the spot daily. People living especially in the nearby areas of Delhi and Gurgaon visit the lake for a fun day outing. The pristine lake looks magical with the backdrop of the mountain and is a perfect place for family outings and group picnics. Visitors can enjoy various boating activities like Row Boating, Paddle Boating and Motor Boating.
There are several adventure resorts around Damdama Lake which offer activities like Nature walks and Trekking around the lake terrain. Rock climbing can be attempted at a climbing wall built near Damdama Lake, making it a must visit destination for adventure freaks near Delhi. The surrounding of the lake, make for a perfect experiential setting and if combined with all the activities, the lake calls for a must visit.
Distance from Delhi : 45 Km From Dhaula Kuan Delhi
Best time to visit: October to March
07 Rishikesh
About the place: Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World comprising of an array of Yoga Ashrams and meditation classes. Highly popular among the foreign tourists, Rishikesh is a one-stop destination for all the spiritual seekers. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas with the mighty Ganges River flowing through the town, Rishikesh is picturesque and serene.
Located in the state of Uttarakhand, Rishikesh has endowed with hills and forests apart from the fast flowing river and a huge battalion of monkeys that you see around the massive Lakshman Jhula. Over the past few years, Rishikesh has grown highly popular for being a whitewater rafting centre where many adventure enthusiasts flock to experience the thrill to rafting and also to undertake many Himalayan treks that commence from this area.
Rishikesh is the most visited place among other Picnic Spots near Delhi. The major tourist attractions are Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir, Rishikund, Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and many more.
There are various packages for river rafting in Rishikesh that can be checked out as well.
Distance from Delhi: Rishikesh is 240 km away from Delhi.
Best time to visit: Rishikesh can be visited round the year though winters can be cold.
08 McLeodganj
Situated near the district of Palampur, McLeodganj is a perfect hill station sitting close to the town of Dharamshala. Amongst the most favored and popular vacation and picnic spots near Delhi, McLeodganj is also the place where the 8th Living wonder of the World: The Dalai Lama resides.
One of the greatest traveler haunts in Himachal Pradesh, it revels in the shade of the mighty mountains of the Dhauladhar Ranges. The town is likewise the spot where vacationers from all over the world come to lounge in the ethereal and nonconformist vibe. It is here that you can see the maroon-clad monks milling with the travelers who come here looking for peace, meditation, and tranquility.
Easy connectivity from Delhi by road, makes it an ideal place to forget your worries!
Tourist places in McLeodganj: Triund, Bhagsu Falls, Bhagsunath Temple
Distance from Delhi: 481km
Best time to visit: June to Early November
Must do these activities in Mcleodganj, these will surly make you visit this town again.
09 Mussoorie
About the place: The dreamy hill station of Mussoorie is often referred as the “Queen of the hills” is a pretty region roughly around 35 kms from Dehradun. Locals believe that the weather in Mussoorie changes with every hour. The intriguing hill station is well known and attracts thousands of tourists every year, mostly people flock to this scenic town to admire the majestic vistas of the Shivalik Ranges and also the Doon Valley seen from atop the town.
A major tourist hotspot in Uttarakhand, Mussoorie which is the most sought after destination among other Picnic Spots near Delhi, is also a thriving educational hub. The Mall Road at Mussoorie is another popular haunt and is always packed with tourists and shoppers and revitalizes a feeling of an old world charm when you look around to see old establishments like the Tibetan School and Municipal Garden.
One must visit the highest peak of Mussoorie called the Lal Tibba to witness the mesmerizing view of the Himalayas. Tourists can enjoy leisure activities like shopping and visiting the amazing viewpoints. The Ropeway is a popular activity around the region. The nearby attractions are Mussoorie Lake, Jharipani Falls, Kempty Falls, Mall Road, Lal Tibba and many more tourist attractions.
Distance from Delhi: Mussoorie is located 276 kms away from Delhi.
Best time to visit: From end of December to Mid-February is when it snows in Mussoorie . The ideal time is round the year avoiding the monsoons.
10 Jim Corbett National Park
About the place: Jim Corbett National Park is a popular tourist haunt in the region of Nainital in Uttarakhand. It is the oldest national park in India and its establishment dates back to 1936. The national park was established to protect the Bengal tigers and the area is widely popular for being a unique tiger territory. The region is a populace of abundant flora and fauna and in here, thrive rare species like Otters and endemic fish eating crocodiles.
Being one of the only few national parks to allow night stays, a large number of tourist visits Corbett every year. Corbett National Park is bestowed with immense greenery, surrounding mountains, beautiful scenery and a large lake.
Tourists can take a tour of the national park on open jeeps or on the elephant’s back. Wildlife lovers especially suggest visiting Dhikala which is well known for its natural beauty and its rich fauna. Tourists would enjoy jeep safaris inside the park for exploration.
Distance from Delhi: The Jim Corbett National Park is 260 Kms away from Delhi.
Best time to visit: The months of November through June are the ideal time to visit Jim Corbett National Park.
11 Lansdowne
Unlike other hill station in the northern part of India, Lansdowne is an unspoilt and serene getaway and an ideal holiday or picnic spots near Delhi. This is one of the most picturesque sights in the Land of Gods of Uttarakhand and is widely known as the home of the Garhwal Rifles.
Covered with forests of pine and oak trees, the hill station is quiet, less crowded and relatively unexploited and clean. Being the cantonment area of the Garhwal Rifles, it is also well designed, landscaped and maintained well. It is here that you will spot many colonial and military architecture.
The stunning weather and pristine environment of Lansdowne will leave the footprints of a memorable journey in your minds. Making it one of the places to have in your bucket list near Delhi within 300 Km.
Distance from Delhi: 260km
Best Time to Visit: April to September
12 Sariska
Located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Sariska is an ambitious project and a wildlife refuge. Spanning over 866 sq.km, it was initially the hunting ground of the Alwar state and was declared as a wildlife reserve in 1955. Located at around 200km from the city of Delhi and is one of the ideal and beautiful picnic spots near Delhi. Sariska Wildlife sanctuary is also a part of India’s project Tiger and is a part of the Aravalli ranges.
It is one of the places where you can spot the majestic cat in its natural environment and royalty. It is also a pioneering effort in India to have relocated tigers. Within the wildlife reserve you can also see various historical monuments such as Kankawdi Fort, Pandupol, Hanuman Temple and Sariska palace, which was then the place where the king used to stay during his hunting adventures.
Drive down to this well protected wildlife reserve and enjoys a pleasing time amongst nature.
Distance from Delhi: 200km
Best Time to visit: June to February
13 Jaipur
The Pink City of India- Jaipur is a blushing paradise of a destination that has emerged to be one of the most favoured picnic spots in Delhi. One of the most beautiful and surprisingly well planned city in the state of Rajasthan, it was built according to the ancient principles of Indian architecture:
Vastu Shastra by an architect called Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. The city has various spectacles called Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Jantar Mantar and various others, which will definitely take your breath away!
Distance from Delhi: 287km
Best time to visit: October to March
14 Agra
Sitting placidly on the banks of the Yamuna River, Agra is a heavenly destination and one of the most prominent landmarks in Delhi. A stunning picnic spot in Delhi, it is where the undisputed monument to love-The Taj Mahal stands proudly along with various other heritage structures including the Agra Fort or the Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Jama Masjid, Mahtab Bagh, Akbar’s tomb and others stand as tall and proud testimonies to the beauty of an era long gone!
Explore the rustic and quintessential charm of the old by lanes of the city and let it wow you over with its beauty, history and simplicity.
Distance from Delhi: 210km
Best Time to Visit: All year round
15 Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
About the place: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a 250 year old, protected reserve in Rajasthan and derives its name from an ancient Hindu temple devoted to lord Shiva. The bird reserve is vast and a major tourist destination in Rajasthan and is a declared world heritage site.
The forest reserve, boasts of rich fauna and houses thousands of endangered species of birds like Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc. Many migratory birds can be spotted at the bird sanctuary and rare birds like the Siberian Crane is known to visit the national park every year in winter. The sanctuary does not display contorted limbs to birds and is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.
The bird sanctuary has a vast lake in its premises which was created by extraction of soil for the construction of Ajan dam back in 1760. Tourists must avail the jeep safari to visit the park and the bird reserve.
Distance from Delhi: The national park is located 176 kms away from Delhi and is located in the state of Rajasthan.
Best time to visit: August to November are the best months to visit the National Park.
16 Nahan
A gorgeous town in state of Himachal Pradesh, Nahan is an ideal picnic spot near Delhi. Overlooking the valley, Nahan is located amongst the Shivalik ranges and is a town full of rollicking verdant fields, clean roads, and pristine streets.
The stunning expanse is full of natural beauty and a stunning romantic escape in the arms of nature. The town is rich with history and has been named after a sage named Nahar who lived in the same area where the town stands today. When in Nahan, you can commute through the town using taxis, cabs and private vehicles.
There are a number of tourist attractions in Nahar that are famous for being ideal picnic spots in Delhi such as, Renuka Lake, Churdhar Peak, Rani Tal, Suketi fossil park and many more. You can also take on trekking at the nearby peaks or fishing over the various lakes that surround the town.
Distance from Delhi: 249km
Best time to visit: April to September
17 Morni Hills
With its cool climate and stunning locales, Morni is one of the most picturesque and pleasing picnic spots near Delhi. Cossetted in the lower reaches of the Shivalik ranges, it is a perfect stopover for various activities such as trekking, rock climbing and various adventure exploits.
The hill station near Delhi is located at a distance of about 5 hours and 45km from Chandigarh in the district of Panchkula. Morni hills are located at a stunning elevation of 3,600ft and sport a diverse and stunning range of flora and fauna. In the months of spring, the hills bathe themselves in a medley of bright and vibrant colours.
Mystique surrounds this gorgeous destination as there are two lakes in the area, which seemed to be connected mysteriously by an internal tunnel as the water level in them remains the same all year round.
Distance from Delhi: 264km
Best Time to visit: April to September
18 Neemrana
An ancient and historical town in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Neemrana is one of the most perfect picnic spots around Delhi. Also known as the Ahirwal region, it is most noted for being the location of the 16th century hill fort built by the Chauhans and occupied by them until 1947.
Also close to Neemrana is the Kesroli Fort. One of the oldest and most revered heritage sites, it is best known for its ruins that tell a story. The old fort is now the site of a heritage hotel, that is among India’s oldest. Kesroli is often regarded as a stopover to visit the nearby tourist attractions of Sariska, Kankwadi Fort, Pandupol and others.
Distance from Delhi: 120km
Best Time to Visit: September to March
19 Vrindavan
About the place: Vrindavan, or as they lovingly call “Childhood home of Lord Krishna” is a holy place which is always filled with tourists. Being very close to the capital of Delhi, Vrindavan is easily accessible and every year, the town witnesses large number of devotees flocking to the sacred city Vrindavan to pay their respects.
The whole city is dotted with numerous temples devoted to Lord Krishna and Radha, each lane, each crossroads and even, every person you meet has some story to tell about Lord Krishna and his playful nature, some of which the city had the chance to witness. Vrindavan is located at the bank of the river Yamuna and is naturally scenic with groves of trees surrounding the whole region. Vrindavan is a great option to plan for one day trips near Delhi with the whole family.
The notable places to visit in Vrindavan are:
1. Banke Bihari Mandir
2. Prem Mandir
3. ISKCON Temple
4. Radha Raman Temple
5. Shahji Temple
6. Gokulananda Temple
Distance from Delhi: Vrindavan is located at 186 kms from Delhi.
Best time to visit: You can visit Vrindavan round the year though summer can be a bit sultry.
20 Kuchesar
At a very small distance from the capital is the small town of Kuchesar. Once the central seat of the princely state of Zamidari, the city is now one of Delhi’s favourite retreat away from the city life.
The royal palace of Kuchesar has now some part of it transformed into two grand heritage hotels, making it an amazing place to spend your weekend in the lap of full comfort as you look towards the city from your window. It is a brilliant place to spend some time with your family and loved ones.
Location- Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh.
Distance from Delhi- 99kms.
Best time- October to March.
21 Agrasen ki baoli
Agrasen Ki Baoli is a large step well in the city of Delhi near the famous Connaught Place and has been declared as a heritage site. This 60m long and 15m wide is one of the most popular picnic spots in Delhi and sees a large number of people visiting this place to share a quiet moment of peace with themselves or with their dear ones.
A day out here is entailed sitting on one of the 108 steps and clicking away at some of the best pictures in this architectural beauty.
Location- Hailey Road, near Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar
Distance from Delhi- 19 km
Best time- Throughout the year
22 Karnal
Popularly known as the Rice Bowl Of India, Karnal is a city located in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in the state of Haryana. Believed to have been set up by Karna of the epic Mahabharata, this place is replete with spots where you can spend an unforgettable day out.
For example, the Karnal Lake which is associated to Karna is one of the most amazing places in the city. The quiet and tranquil here somehow makes it feel like it does not belong in this city. Another equally dazzling piece of brilliance here is the Cantonment Church Tower sitting between lush gardens.
Location- Karnal District, Haryana
Distance from Delhi- 122 km
Best time to visit- October to March
23 Manesar
An industrial town in the Gurgaon District of Haryana, Manesar is a growing part of the National Capital Region (NCR) and experiences an influx of almost 200,000 people coming to work in the city every day.
But where people expect it to be a noisy affair, Manesar is lined with green gardens and spots of ultimate tranquillity. One of the best picnic spots near Delhi, Manesar will for sure prove you wrong on many fronts and will leave you with a sense of liveliness and a spring in your step.
Location- Gurgaon district, Haryana
Distance from Delhi- 56kms
Best time- January to April and October to November
24 Lodhi Gardens
Named after the famed rulers of Delhi, the history of this place dictates a lot about the history of Delhi as well. A favourite getaway for the Delhi Citizenry and for tourists pouring in from around the world, these gardens spread in 90 acres are home to some of the most striking features of Architecture that you will find in the city.
Containing the tombs of Mohammed Shah and Sikandar Lodhi which are very different from each other, the main attraction of the gardens is the Bara Gumbad, which makes it not just a one of the best picnic spot in Delhi, but also a great sightseeing location.
Location- New Delhi
Distance from Delhi- 26 km
Best time- Throughout the year
25 Millennium Park Delhi
Considered to be one of the longest parks in the capital, it is surely one of the best picnic spots in Delhi and it shows as soon as you set foot in this amazing place. The Millennium Park or the Indraprastha park is a popular place for friends and family to hang out away from the fast pace and loud life of the city.
The main feature here are the lines after lines of carefully and tastefully manicured gardens, this place behind the tomb of Humayun is a must visit for anyone looking to escape the bustling city in its gardens of around 20 acres.
Location- Ring Road, Sarai Kale Khan, South Delhi, New Delhi
Distance from Delhi- 33 km
Best time- Throughout the year