Bhubaneswar is a commercial town in Odisha, flocked by both business and leisure travelers. There are quite a few fascinating places to see in this capital city but during weekends, the best option is to travel around the city and indulge in day picnics and excursions. The picnic spots near Bhubaneswar are scenic, beautiful and apt for relaxing and invigorating. Look at these places listed below and plan an interesting weekend.
8 Best Picnic Spots Near Bhubaneswar
Read below to know about the places that feature in the list of best picnic spots near Bhubaneswar. Each of them is located at a comfortable and convenient distance from Bhubaneshwar and offers both fun and peace to families, couples, and solo trippers. So, which exciting picnic spot near Bhubaneswar will you check out first?
- Nandankanan Zoological Park: Have A Fun Jungle Safari
- Deras Dam: Greet Adorable Elephants
- Dhaulagiri: Find Tranquility & Solace
- Barabati Fort: Explore A Vintage Locale
- Ratnagiri: Go Trekking
- Mangalajodi: Spot Migratory Birds
- Chandrabhaga Beach: Witness Colorful Sunsets
- Simlipal National Park: Discover Serene Waterfalls
1. Nandankanan Zoological Park
Sprawling over 473 hectares of land, this is the largest zoo in Odisha. Presenting varieties of wildlife, reptiles, and fishes; this zoological park is located close to Bhubaneswar and counted as one of the most popular picnic spots near Bhubaneswar. Enjoy a fun-filled day with family and create the best of memories as you indulge in forest safari and spot wildlife here.
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 14 km
Things to do: Wildlife safari, toy train ride, boating facilities, and ropeway.
Best time to visit: October to March
Places to stay nearby: Countryside Resort, Elite Stay and Stone Place
Best restaurants nearby: Wacky, Shohala Ana, Mayfair Lagoon
Must Read: Visit These 7 Museums In Bhubaneswar For A Trip Down Memory Lane
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2. Deras Dam
Featuring sprawling lake and verdant forests all around, Deras Dam is the aptest location for picnicking near Bhubaneswar. Located in the Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary, this place also allures wildlife enthusiasts where they can spot elephants in large numbers. There are also a number of good restaurants around where you can enjoy the local food of Odisha.
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 21 km
Things to do: Elephant watching, elephant ride, and guided safari
Best time to visit: December to February
Places to stay nearby: Hotel Emerald, Hotel Cinnamon, and Hotel Green Space
Best restaurants nearby: MDC Restaurant, Hot Chilly Fast Food, and Adda
Suggested Read: 5 Best Homestays In Bhubaneswar To Keep Your Homesickness At Bay!
3. Dhaulagiri
Nestled on the banks of River Daya, this is an ideal picnic spot for those who seek tranquillity, peace, and solace. Constructed in 1972 on the Dhauli Hill, this Shanti Stupa and monastery attracts locals and tourists alike with its beautiful surroundings and stunning view from the top. And while that makes it one of the most stunning picnic spots near Bhubaneswar, it also makes it one of the best hill stations in Odisha.
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 24 km
Things to do: Trekking and nature trails
Best time to visit: September to November and March to May
Places to stay nearby: Hotel Surya Garden, Hotel Shakti Continental, and The Presidency.
Best restaurants nearby: Jungle View, Barbeque Nation and Malva Restaurant
Suggested Read: Nightlife In Bhubaneswar: 4 Best Places To Forget All Your Woes In 2024
4. Barabati Fort
How about spending an interesting day in a historical place? If you are in, then plan a visit to Barabati Fort for a day picnic near Bhubaneswar. This vintage fort was built in the 14th century and is known for astounding views of Cuttack city and River Mahanadi from the top.
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 31 km
Things to do: Hiking
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Places to stay nearby: Panthanivas Cuttack, Hotel Sagarshree and Shree Jagannath Inn
Best restaurants nearby: Golden Spoon, Aditya Restaurant and Barabati Restaurant
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5. Ratnagiri
If you are searching for peace and solace, look no further and come to Ratnagiri. This Shanti Stupa and the relics of the age-old monastery is located on the hill in between two rivers, namely Brahmani and Birupa. Along with enjoying some tranquil moments, one can even indulge in trekking and nature trails, which is why travelers consider it to be the best picnic spot near Bhubaneswar for a mix of offbeat serenity, peace, and adventure.
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 96 km
Things to do: Hiking
Best time to visit: November to February
Places to stay nearby: Toshali Ratnagiri Resort, Hotel Pushkpak, and Omm Residency
Best restaurants nearby: Vasanta Villas, Vithal Kamat’s Restaurant and Hotel Swosti
Suggested Read: 15 Things To Do In Bhubaneswar Which You Shouldn’t Miss
6. Mangalajodi
The pristine village of Mangalajodi is located on the northern banks of Chilika Lake and is home to plenty of native and migratory birds. The place is scenic, serene and offers ultimate natural beauty. Especially the sunset view over the lake is breath-taking and makes it a perfect retreat and one of the best picnic spots near Bhubaneswar for a relaxing weekend. There’s also a local market here which is not as opular as other palces for shopping in Odisha but will surely offer some unique handmade goods that you can take home.
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 71 km
Things to do: Bird watching, boating, and photography.
Best time to visit: Mid December to February
Places to stay nearby: Swosti Premium Hotel, Empire Hotel, and La Franklin
Best restaurants nearby: Bata Sweet and Tiffin Stall and Appetite
Suggested Read: Top 8 Hotels In Bhubaneswar For An Exotic Vacation In 2024
7. Chandrabhaga Beach
For unlimited beach fun, sunbathing, building sandcastles, collecting seashells and witnessing most photogenic sunset views; no one can beat the charm of Chandrabhaga Beach, one of the perfect options for beach picnics near Bhubaneswar. It is not as touristy as Puri, but it does make up for one of the best picnic spots near Puri, so one can enjoy a peaceful time, exclusively, with family and friends.
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 76 km
Things to do: Beach walks, watching the sunrise and swimming
Best time to visit: October to February
Places to stay nearby: Surya Inn, Lotus Eco Resort and OTDC Yatrinivas
Best restaurants nearby: Shri Krishna Restaurant, OTDC Wooden Restaurant, and Hotel Chandrabhaga and Restaurant
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8. Simlipal National Park
Spread over 2750 sq km, Simlipal National Park is a popular name in the group of picnic spots near Bhubaneswar. Offering views of lush green forests, gorgeous waterfalls, and wildlife; Simlipal National Park not only entices animal lovers but also nature admirers. Plan to visit this place over a weekend and you will surely come back with a bag full of memories.
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 195 km
Things to do: Guided wildlife safari and trekking to Barehipani falls
Best time to visit: October to May
Places to stay nearby: Aranya Nivas Resort and Barehipani Guest House
Best restaurants nearby: Restaurant at Kumari Eco-Tourism Complex, Viku Hotel and
Further Read: 7 Relaxing Resorts In Bhubaneswar For That Laid-Back Vacay To The South!
If you are wondering where to spend a fabulous weekend while in Bhubaneswar, here is the list of recommended picnic spots near Bhubaneswar which can be visited with family and friends. Book a trip to Bhubaneshwar with Traveltriangle and have an amazing time at these places apt for day excursions!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Picnic Spots Near Bhubaneswar
Which are the places to see near Bhubaneswar?
Some popular places to see near Bhubaneswar are Lingaraj temple, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Udayagiri, Khandagiri, Konark, Puri, and Rajarani Temple
Which are the most scenic waterfalls in Odisha?
The most scenic waterfalls in Odisha are Khandadhar, Barehipani, Duduma, Joranda, Sanaghagara, Koilighugar, and Devkund.
Which are the scenic lakes in Odisha?
Some of the scenic lakes in Odisha are Chilika, Hirakud, Kangia, Anshupa, and Balimela.
Which are the most popular beaches in Odisha?
The popular beaches in Odisha are Puri, Chandipur, Chandrabhaga, Konark, Gopalpur, Astaranga, Bhitarkanika and Araypalli.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
