Himachal To Kerala: 8 Family Picnic Spots in India That Feel Like a Holiday & a Hug

There is something timeless about a picnic with simple food, a cosy blanket and the gentle warmth of the sun. But what if your next picnic was not just a brief pause but the very heart of your adventure? All across India, there are places where a picnic isn’t just about the food. It is about where you are, what you do, and who you’re with.

Imagine sitting by a wild river instead of a city park, or picking your own lunch before spreading out your mat. Maybe you’re floating on a boat through the backwaters, or taking in the breeze on a hilltop blooming with flowers; it’s these little details that turn a simple picnic into a slow, beautiful adventure.

And if you’re travelling with kids? Even better. These spots aren’t just scenic, they’re full of stories, space to run, and moments that connect food, nature, and culture in ways screens never can.

So if you’re ready to swap soggy sandwiches and crowded parks for something a little more memorable, here are eight picnic spots across India where the experience is the destination.

1. Trout fishing in Barot, Himachal

Located in a peaceful corner of Himachal Pradesh, the village of Barot sits alongside the Uhl River, a glassy stretch of water that is as calming as it is picturesque. This is trout country, and your picnic starts with a fishing rod.

You can rent basic gear and try your hand at angling in the clear river, or visit the trout farm if you prefer your catch without the wait. Once you have got your fish, local cooks will grill it for you right there on the riverbank. Pair it with sidu (a Himachali steamed bread), rhododendron juice, and jams made from wild berries. 

For children, it is a chance to understand where food comes from, and for parents, a moment of rare peace under the pine trees.

2. Pineapple picking in Thayong Village, Manipur

In the dense hills of Manipur lies Thayong village, where pineapples grow in abundance across neat and green ridges. During harvest season, especially in August and September, the village bursts into a sweet and tropical rhythm.

Here, you can walk among the fields, pick your own pineapples, and enjoy them sliced and spiced with salt and chilli, the local way. If you visit during the Pineapple Festival, the entire village turns into a celebration of flavour and community, with performances, food stalls and traditional music. 

Children will love the interactive nature of the experience and the excitement of tasting fruit fresh from the plant.

3. Cave trek and forest picnic in Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

If your family craves a bit of adventure with your afternoon snack, Araku Valley delivers. Begin your day at the Borra Caves, which are majestic limestone chambers filled with natural rock formations that feel like scenes from a fantasy novel.

After the underground adventure, make your way to the forested slopes nearby and set up your picnic in a clearing with sweeping valley views. Pick up local bamboo chicken, roasted corn, or tribal coffee from small vendors along the way. 

For kids, it is a pulse-racing mix of exploration and nature, and for adults, it is a retreat into calm, fresh air and earthy food.

4. Cherry blossom picnic in Shillong, Meghalaya

When the cherry blossoms bloom in Shillong, the entire landscape takes on a dreamlike glow. By November, Wards Lake and its surrounding gardens become a wonderland of soft pink petals and crisp mountain air.

It is the perfect spot for a family picnic, there are paddle boats for children, shady walkways for a gentle stroll, and benches under trees just waiting for someone to unpack a tiffin. 

Make it a memorable childhood experience with your child and visit during the Cherry Blossom Festival, where you will find cultural performances, street food, and local art adding colour to the already scenic view.

5. Beachside picnic at Mandarmani, West Bengal

Just about four hours from Kolkata, Mandarmani is a calm and uncrowded seaside escape — a beach that still feels like a secret. The wide, clean shoreline is ideal for a no-fuss picnic with the sea breeze for company.

Spread out your mat on the soft sand and tuck into fresh prawns, fried fish, or homemade snacks. Small beachside stalls serve up simple coastal fare that’s big on flavour and light on the wallet. As the day winds down, the sky puts on a show, with peach and lavender hues painting the horizon as the sun dips into the sea.

The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the humidity is low.

For kids, it is a natural playground. They can build sandcastles, collect shells, fly kites, or spot tiny crabs skittering across the shore while the grown-ups burn off energy.

6. Hilltop picnic at Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra

From late August to October, the Kaas Plateau in Maharashtra turns into a riot of colour, with over 850 species of wildflowers carpeting the hilltop. Known as the ‘Valley of Flowers of the Western Ghats’, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a botanical paradise.

Families can walk along marked trails, learning about rare plants and spotting butterflies. Pack a light picnic and settle in among the blooms, but be mindful to stay off the delicate patches. 

With its cool breeze and kaleidoscope of colours, Kaas makes for an unforgettable nature-themed outing with plenty to fascinate curious young minds.

7. Stargazing and riverside picnic in Nainital, Uttarakhand

A picnic does not need to end when the sun goes down, especially not in Nainital’s Maheskhan Hills. Start your day with a peaceful riverside lunch under oak and deodar trees, then stay back as evening falls.

Owing to low light pollution, the night sky here is brilliantly clear. Bring a telescope or join a local stargazing tour and you will spot constellations, planets and even the Milky Way. 

Wrap your kids in blankets, hand them a mug of warm cocoa, and watch their eyes light up as they trace the stars. 

8. Shikara ride picnic in Alleppey, Kerala

In the backwaters of Kerala, your picnic mat isn’t on the ground; it floats. Hop onto a colourful shikara in Alleppey, as you boat through the maze of palm-lined canals, sleepy villages, and emerald-green paddy fields.

Pick up crispy banana chips, jackfruit fritters, spicy fried prawns, and soft coconut sweets wrapped in leaves, local snacks, before you board.  Every now and then, you’ll spot a kingfisher diving into the water, a fisherman casting his net, or a boatman singing a quiet tune.

The best time to visit is from November to February, when the skies are clear, the air is cool, and the water glistens under the winter sun.

The boat ride is pure joy for kids, filled with activities like spotting birds, waving to other boats, or even steering for a bit under supervision! 

A picnic does not need to be elaborate to be memorable. But in the right place, with a little thought and an open mind, it can become an experience of a lifetime. Whether you are fishing for trout in Himachal, walking through a field of flowers in Maharashtra, or watching stars fall over Uttarakhand, these moments stay with you long after the basket is packed away.

Edited by Saumya Singh

News