As we all get tired and jaded of hustling every day, sometimes a small break over the weekend helps us to rejuvenate our minds and perform our jobs with enhanced productivity. Going on quick weekend getaways and picnics are perfect for this purpose. You should try out these places near Pune which are eye-catchy and convenient for the locals to squeeze in a few picnic trips in their busy schedules. As times are tough, we should keep ourselves joyful with rejuvenated spirits, and make the most of the time with family and loved ones. Your kids will surely enjoy the picnic and have a time full of thrill, laughter, and enjoyment. Here are some of the cool picnic spots near Pune which you must visit as you head out for a fun time with friends and family.
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1. Shaniwar Wada
The history buffs must have heard about this excellent piece of architecture that dates back to 1732. This is the perfect spot for you to have a seat on the sprawling lawn and unpack your picnic basket for a day spent in merriment. Peshwa Bajirao was behind the construction of Shaniwar Wada which served as the residence for thousands of occupants. The sculpture of the Bajirao constructed at the gateway is a fine example of the Maratha kingdom art and architecture. It seems like the Peshwa himself is greeting the visitors to the fort. The tourists and the locals are charged 25 INR if they wish to watch the light and sound show. Taking a walk in the garden and having a look around the place is the best thing you can do on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
2. Okayama Friendship Garden
As the name suggests, the aura of the garden is extremely affable and gentle for the tourists to plan a picnic day out with their family. The locals are spotted all the time in this lawn spending time with their loved ones and hanging out with friends. The Okayama Friendship Garden was built three decades ago which has drawn inspiration from the Japanese style of designing. It resembles the three popular Japanese gardens and places of must-visit for everyone who desires to spend a leisure day.
The expanse of the garden is about ten acres and a canal flows through the garden area. This provides an opportunity for the visitors to take a boat ride and spend a day ignoring the bustle of a hectic life. If you are lucky you might spot a couple of fishes merrily swimming in the water. Recently another model section was added to the lawn where you shall find replica buildings of some of the famous monuments in the country.
3. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
The most famous tourist spot in Pune, the locals are always thrilled to conduct a picnic during a lazy weekend. The mesmerising flora and the beautiful greenery that surrounds you will leave you feeling extremely relaxed and peaceful in the ambience. Originally built in 1986, the Park was again renamed and modified in the year 1999. The white tiger found in this park and another Bengal Tiger named Tanaji is the main attraction of the spot. Animal enthusiasts love to spend time amidst the natural beauty of the place and snack from their picnic baskets.
Indian Rock Python, Tortoise, and sloth bears are also spotted in the Park. The snake park that is constructed within the Zoological Park attracts a massive section of tourists because of the King Cobra. The adults are charged 40 INR and 25 INR for the kids to have a look around the place. If you are planning for a picnic trip in Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, then do not miss out on seeing the Asian Lions moving about in their glory.
4. Empress Botanical Garden
Here is another brilliant picnic spot for the people who love to spend time amidst the comfort of nature and enjoy the serenity. Horse riding is encouraged in this region and the kids shall find enough space to play around the region. The toy train ride and the trampoline jump are payable for the kids and you must let them have a ride on each for the thrill and excitement. The canal that flows through the Botanical Garden adds to the beauty of the location and if you are lucky you might spot some exotic birds at the banks of the canal.
The annual flower show is another perfect time for you to pay a visit to the Botanical Garden and enjoy the beauty and calmness of the spot. The plant stores on the premises sell seeds and exotic saplings of different varieties of flora. The visitors are charged 15 INR for entering the garden and spending a memorable picnic day. The Park operates between nine to six every day.