Nothing feels more Delhi than the warm diluted winter sun, sitting on the grass with a cup of chai, with not a care in the world. Delhi winters and picnics are soulmates, and you cannot argue otherwise. So, this winter, head out to these best picnic spots for some scenic TLC in the capital.
Get Your Picnic Baskets Ready: Our Guide To The Best Picnic Spots In Delhi NCR
Overview
Lodhi Garden
One of the most popular picnic spots, this place boasts stunning ruins, lush grounds, and charming gazebos, making it perfect for a fun winter outing with friends and family.
Things You Can Do: The diverse trees host beautiful birds, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching or nature photography. If you're intrigued by historical monuments, Lodhi Gardens features impressive Mughal architecture that will keep you entertained.
Entry Fees: No entry fees
How To Reach: Jor Bagh on yellow line is the nearest metro station. Otherwise, get on a DTC bus dropping at the Lodhi Garden stop.
Timings: 6 AM - 7:30 PM
Nehru Park
Nehru Park, a well-maintained space nestled in the tree-shaded area of Chanakyapuri, features expansive green grounds and is a popular venue for various events and festivals.
Things You Can Do: Spanning 85 acres, this park is perfect for morning runs and jogs, thanks to its well-laid concrete paths. We recommend packing a hearty breakfast to enjoy after your refreshing run. Don't forget to keep a protein bar handy for a quick pick-me-up!
Entry Fees: There are no entry charges, however, there will be parking charges.
How To Reach: Jor Bagh and Lok Kalyan Marg metro stations are the closest to Nehru Park. You also have the option of getting off on the Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh station and grabbing an auto from there.
Timings: 5 AM - 8 PM
Sunder Nursery
One of the most beautiful and expansive gardens in Delhi, this heritage park has been transformed into a stunningly aesthetic space. Expect symmetrical sections, Mughal ruins, and numerous water channels.
Things to Do Here: There are countless activities to enjoy. You can embark on a photographic exploration of the six heritage sites or stroll through the 30 acres of the Biodiversity Zone. Just make sure to wear your walking shoes! And if you're in the mood for a break, there's a lovely FabCafe by the lake where you can stop for coffee.
Entry Fees: You'd have to pay a nominal entry charge of around INR 35 for Indian nationals and INR 100 for non-Indians. They also provide an annual pass for INR 3,000.
How To Reach: JLN Stadium metro station is the nearest and is only 1.5 kilometres far from Sunder Nursery. The nearest bus stops to Sunder Nursery in Delhi is P.T. College (Kotla).
Timings: 6 AM - 10 PM
Sanjay Lake
An artificial lake located on the eastern side of the city, this spot offers boat rides for a nominal charge. The park itself is expansive, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy sandwiches while spending your winter day.
Things to Do Here: With around 90 species of birds, including some migratory ones, this location is a birdwatcher's paradise. There's also an adventure park nearby where you can enjoy various fun activities.
Entry Fees: No entry fee
How To Reach: Qutub Minar metro station on the yellow line is the nearest however, as it's 3 kilometres far, its is ideal that you take a cab or auto from there.
Timings: 5 AM - 9 PM
Qudsia Bagh
This hidden gem of a park, located near Kashmiri Gate, features the remains of a royal mosque and other ancient structures, giving it a rustic charm and a glimpse into its glorious past. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil escape from the city's bustle, allowing you to relax and soak up the sun in peace.
Things You Can Do: Honestly, take in all the historic events that you can from this colossal (almost) ruin.
Entry Fees: No entry fee
How To Reach: The nearest metro station to get is the Kashmiri Gate Metro Station on the Yellow Line of Delhi Metro. From here, it's a five-minute drive to Qudsia Bagh so you can either take an auto or a cab.
Timings: Open 24 hours
India Gate
An iconic picnic spot year-round, a trip to India Gate isn't complete without spreading out a blanket, enjoying ice cream and popcorn, and playing outdoor games with the family. Our childhood memories are filled with buying soap bubble tools and those LED toys that stop working after a day.
Things You Can Do: Honestly, we don't need to tell you what to do here. The moment you step past those barricades, you'll instinctively know how to enjoy your time!
Entry Fees: No entry fee
How To Reach: The nearest Metro Station is the Central Secretariat Metro Station, which falls on the Yellow Line. Other metro stations are Pragati Maidan, Race Course and Barakhamba. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from outside the metro station to reach India Gate.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Garden of Five Senses
This stunning location features numerous sculptures, flower gardens, and captivating artistic pieces set amidst lush greenery and plazas. There’s also a food court, and for a delightful outdoor experience, be sure to check out Fio Country Kitchen and Bar near Gate No. 1. The venue is open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Things You Can Do: As a true flower paradise, allow this place to engage all your senses—but please remember not to pluck any flowers!
Entry Fees: INR 35 for adults
How To Reach: The nearest metro station to the Garden of Five Senses is Saket Metro, situated on the yellow line. The garden is just about 2.5 kms from the metro; you can either choose to walk or hire a local or a battery run rickshaw.
Timings: 9 AM - 6:30 PM
Okhla Bird Sanctuary
A favourite spot for Noida residents, this location is perfect for spreading out your picnic blankets and baskets. Don't forget to bring your cameras, as winter is the best time to spot numerous migratory birds.
Things You Can Do: Be sure to have your cameras ready—you won't want to miss capturing the many different bird species here. And perhaps plan a visit to your Noida friend afterward!
Entry Fees: INR 30 per person for a day's visit. You also need to pay for your cameras if you're planning to take them.
How To Reach: Get off at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary metro station and walk for around ten minutes to reach the place. TBH, metro is the most convenient mode of transport to reach the place.
Timings: 7 AM - 5:30 PM
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
With patches of grass and a large lake, this spot is perfect for those who enjoy long nature walks, guided by the Conservation Education Centre, and exploring the natural environment.
Things You Can Do: Be sure to walk the captivating nature trail along this stunning southern ridge of the Aravalli Hills.
Entry Fees: You'll have to pay INR 100 (approx.) for the tickets.
How To Reach: Qutub Minar (Yellow Line) and Tughlakabad (Violet Line) serve as the nearest metro stations to Asola Wildlife Sanctuary. However, a cab or an auto is a must to reach the sanctuary from either of the stations.
Timings: 7 AM - 3 PM
Millenium Indraprastha Park
Built atop a landfill site, this expansive park near Sarai Kale Khan is well-maintained and features a children's park, an amphitheater, and the World Peace Stupa.
Things You Can Do: The impressive World Peace Stupa is hard to miss and makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. It's also an excellent spot for a light game of cricket or football this winter, so don’t forget to bring your sports kit!
Entry Fees: No entry fee
How To Reach: Hazrat Nizamuddin is approximately 1.4 kilometres away, 19 min walk to Millenium Indraprastha Park. The Millenium Cluster Depot is 2.5 kilometres away, 34-minute walk which can be easily replaced by an auto or cab ride.
Timings: 5 AM - 8 PM
Damdama Lake
If your idea of a picnic this winter includes some boating, then this expansive natural lake in Gurgaon is the perfect spot.
Things You Can Do: You can also indulge in adventure activities like rock climbing, cycling, and trekking if you're up for it!
Entry Fees: Picnic at the lake is free, while you'll have to shell out money for boating and other activities.
How To Reach: One can reach Damdama lake only via road from Delhi. It's approximately 2 and a half hours from Delhi. Buses are also available, but car or cab are more convenient options.
Timings: 9:30 AM - 6PM
Deer Park
A variety of birds, historical monuments, and the Hauz Khas lake are all the right reasons to head to Deer Park for a winter picnic. The green cover at this park is amazing and it also has a skating rink for all your adventurous friends.
Things You Can Do: Visit Piano Man for a groovy night out filled with jazz after your day spent among the greens.
Entry Fees: No entry fee
How To Reach: Hauz Khas metro station is the closest, but you also have the option of getting off on the IIT and RK Puram metro stations. Autos are readily available from her.
Timings: 5 AM - 8 PM
Leisure Valley
Located in Gurgaon's Sector 29, Leisure Valley is one of the most underrated parks where you can sprawl out and enjoy the winter sun. The park offers plenty of spaces to jog and relax by the musical fountains.
Things You Can Do: It's ideal for jogging and lounging. If you live in Gurgaon, you don’t need to trek all the way to Delhi for some sun and picnic fun!
Entry Fees: No entry fee
How To Reach: Sukhrali metro station is 675 meters away, a 9-minute walk. Sector 29 / Sector 30 metro station is 706 meters away, a short 10-minute walk. Iffco Chowk Metro Station, Gate A is 936 meters away, approximately a12 minutes' walk.
Timings: 5 AM - 9 PM
