Gulmohar Greens, Shanku’s Water Park, Boulevard9, and a handful of other resorts within a two hour drive of Ahmedabad give families and corporate groups a full day of pools, games, buffets, and greenery for roughly ₹1000 to ₹2500 per guest. This guide shows what each place offers, how far it is, and what to expect so you can pick the right spot without scrolling through dozens of reviews.
What Makes a Resort Ideal for a One Day Picnic
Most people from Ahmedabad want to spend more time relaxing than driving. Anything beyond a two hour ride feels tiring when you still need to get back home that night. Resorts that succeed in the one day category usually tick five boxes. They sit within ninety to one hundred twenty minutes of the city, welcome outside visitors without mandatory overnight booking, bundle meals and activities in a single price, offer enough shade during peak summer, and maintain separate zones for children and adults so nobody feels cramped.
The Gujarat Tourism Visitor Survey 2023 reported that weekend leisure trips from Ahmedabad rose by 28 percent year on year, with water based attractions and green spaces ranking as the top two demands. Resorts that invested in covered sport courts, splash pads, and tree plantations saw the sharpest rise in footfall.
Quick Comparison of Popular Resorts
| Resort | Distance from SG Highway | Day Package Price (₹) | Star Attractions | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulmohar Greens Golf and Country Club | 22 km | 1600 to 2100 | Nine hole golf course, zip line, pottery workshop | Families that love outdoor sport |
| Shanku’s Water Park and Resort | 60 km | 1200 weekdays 1400 weekends | Wave pool, thirteen slides, rain disco | Thrill seekers, birthday groups |
| Boulevard9 Luxury Resort and Spa | 55 km | 2000 to 2500 | Lagoon style pool, spa credit, high tea | Couples, office retreats |
| Radhe Upavan Resort | 15 km | 1000 to 1400 | Boating lake, cottage style dining | Budget conscious large groups |
| Greenwoods Lake Resort | 25 km | 1100 to 1500 | Fisherman’s wharf theme, cycling trail | Nature lovers, school picnics |
Gulmohar Greens Golf and Country Club
Spread across seventy five acres on Sanand Road, Gulmohar Greens feels like you slipped into the countryside even though it is only forty minutes from the city. The management sells a day pass that covers breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, all indoor games, and one major activity token. Parents appreciate the shaded kids’ zone while golfers can book a quick nine hole round at a discounted rate during weekdays.
Highlights you should not miss
- A one kilometre tree lined jogging path beside the cottages
- The adventure tower that packs in rappelling, wall climbing, and a seventy metre zip line
- A pottery corner where a local artisan helps beginners finish a small vase they can carry home
A 2022 internal customer survey shared by the club showed that ninety two percent of day visitors rated cleanliness as excellent, something few suburban resorts can claim during peak season. That alone explains why repeat bookings are common, especially among schools that need strict hygiene checks.
Shanku’s Water Park and Resort
If beating the heat tops your wish list, Shanku’s in Mehsana district answers the call. The park opens at ten in the morning and, according to its ticket counter records, pulls more than two thousand guests on an average summer Saturday. Yet the layout feels airy because rides are spread around a central lake. Apart from the standard slides, the wave pool and the lazy river stay popular with elder guests who prefer gentle fun.
Families often combine the aqua experience with a late lunch in the pure vegetarian restaurant that serves unlimited Gujarati thali. Life jackets in all sizes, qualified lifeguards at every pool, and a cashless wristband payment system make it easy to roam without worrying about wallets.
Tips to make the most of your day
- Arrive fifteen minutes before gates open to grab shaded lockers close to the changing rooms
- Carry nylon swimwear because cotton clothing is not allowed on any slide
- Keep an eye on the timing of the rain disco, usually between twelve thirty and one, since capacity is capped for safety
Boulevard9 Luxury Resort and Spa
Nadiad may not grab headlines, yet Boulevard9 keeps attracting city dwellers looking for a calmer ambience than water parks can deliver. The day picnic plan begins with a welcome drink, includes a lavish buffet lunch that rotates through Continental, Mughlai, and Gujarati menus, then wraps up with high tea by the lagoon pool. Guests also receive a four hundred rupee spa credit that can be used for a foot massage or head massage, perfect after a game of tennis.
The emerald lawn here hosts corporate team building exercises. In fact, HR managers from several IT firms in GIFT City routinely book the spot every quarter because the resort provides both in house trainers and audio equipment. A case study published by the Indian Society for Training and Development cited Boulevard9 as a model venue where a single day offsite improved team engagement scores by sixteen percent for one participating firm.
Budget Friendly Choices: Radhe Upavan and Greenwoods Lake Resort
Not everyone wants to pay luxury rates. Radhe Upavan on the Kheda highway delivers a charming lakeside setting at nearly half the price of premium properties. The boating dock, cricket ground, and glass walled restaurant overlook water lilies that bloom most months except February and March. Menu options are straightforward, think poha for breakfast, dal makhni with jeera rice at lunch, and masala chai with pakoda by five in the evening. The lack of fancy rides keeps noise low, which many senior citizens value.
Greenwoods Lake Resort on Koba Adalaj Road combines an artificial beach with bamboo groves that soften the city buzz. Cycling trails loop around the perimeter and cycles are included in the entry fee. This resort also runs catch and release fishing under supervision, a rare activity that draws biology teachers planning educational outings. A small open air amphitheater often hosts folk music on Sunday afternoons, adding a regional touch that visitors from outside Gujarat remember fondly.
Why these two stand out for value
- Both sit inside thirty minutes of most western Ahmedabad neighborhoods, saving fuel and time
- Meals are cooked in house rather than outsourced, which keeps quality dependable
- Packages allow children under five to enter free, cutting costs for young families
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a day pass?
Weekends sell out fast during March to June, so call seven to ten days ahead. Weekdays usually have slots until one day before arrival.
Are pets allowed in these resorts?
Only Greenwoods Lake Resort permits pets and even there you must carry vaccination proof. Others have a strict no pet policy.
Can I bring outside food?
Most resorts forbid outside meals due to hygiene rules, except baby food and medically prescribed diets.
Which resort suits senior citizens the most?
Boulevard9 and Radhe Upavan have golf cart transfers and plenty of seating, making them easier on knees and hips.
Do any of these resorts serve alcohol?
Gujarat has prohibition rules. Alcohol service is limited to guests holding a valid liquor permit at Boulevard9. Others do not serve alcohol at all.
Is photography allowed everywhere?
Personal photography is fine. Commercial shoots need prior written permission, especially at Gulmohar Greens and Boulevard9.
What is the best time of year for a picnic near Ahmedabad?
November to February offers pleasant weather around twenty three degrees Celsius, which means you can enjoy both outdoor sport and pool time without extreme heat.
Conclusion
Ahmedabad sits close to a surprising range of resorts that turn a single day into a genuine break from routine. Pick the vibe you want, book early, and let the city stress stay behind for at least eight happy hours. Share this guide with friends and drop your own experience in the comments, it helps future picnic planners.
