Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: Come winter and picnics are on the mind. Somehow, despite the host of new attractions available nowadays, picnics have never gone out of fashion. The joy of packing food, drinks and mats and setting off somewhere to spend a languid afternoon with friends and family was and is incomparable. The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack offer a host of options, especially for the winter months. Here are some:
Jaydev Vatika: Man-made waterfalls, fountains, stone carvings, and a children’s park with swings make this an interesting spot for children. You can choose and reserve a location for a picnic at minimal charges here from 8 am to 5 pm. There are around 10 ‘Pindis’ with tin, country tile, and straw thatched roofs and at least 100 picnic spots with water supply.
Below are the charges for parking and carrying cameras inside:
- SLR/DSLR Camera – Rs 300
- Photo & Videoshoot- Rs 3000
- Photoshoot – Rs 1000
- Cycle – Rs 5
- Two Wheeler- Rs 30
- Mini Van – Rs 100
- Three-wheeler- Rs 50
- Four-wheeler- Rs 100
Deras Dam: This dam, about 15-20 km from Bhubaneswar, is situated in Chandaka and has a huge lake you can sit beside. The sprawling lake and verdant forests all around make it the best bet for a picnic. Bamboo houses and an elephant sanctuary add to the aura of the place, especially for wildlife enthusiasts.
A person has to pay Rs 40 for entry and Rs 20 for parking charges for two-wheelers. People can visit this picnic spot from 10 am to 5 pm.
Barunei: About 20 km from Odisha capital, Barunei is famous for Maa Barunei temple, the hot water spring at Atri, and Khurda Fort. A day trip to Barunei will definitely be one of your most memorable ones.
People can visit from Monday to Sunday between 6.30 am to 8 pm.
The hill is among the much-enjoyed picnic spots of Odisha, with the temple of Goddess Barunei situated atop the hill at a height of 150 ft. Apart from the temple, there are many caves nearby which make the place quite picturesque.
It is claimed that Lord Rama had resided there during his exile, which perks up an interest in the history of the place.
Foothills of Dhauligiri: Nestled on the banks of the Daya, Dhauligiri hills, en route Puri, is about 8 km from Bhubaneswar and a must-visit for history lovers. Foothills of Dhauli is an unmatched picnic spot. Daya river, Bhaskerashwar temple, Shiva temple, and Dhauli garden are major attractions here. Besides, there is Shanti Stupa and a monastery constructed in 1972 on Dhauli Hill. It attracts locals and tourists alike with its beautiful surroundings and stunning view from the top.
Sikharchandi: Located in the hills near Chandaka Industrial Estate, this spot provides a lot of space for you to play, cook, and spend time. You can also spend some time at the Sikharchandi temple.
Botanical Garden: This beautiful garden not only offers you a place to unwind but also allows you to learn about various types of plants. It has a holiday cottage and rest houses inside as well if you decide on spending a night there by paying Rs 2500 (Service charge Rs 100). It lies adjacent to the Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Exclusively designated place for picnic having mineral water supply & toilet facility. The pindis can be booked at the time of entrance by paying requisite fees according to members participating or by visiting the official website of Botanical Garden.
Entry Fee:
- Adult (Above twelve years)- Rs 20
- Two Wheeler – Rs 30
- Three Wheeler- Rs 30
- Four Wheeler- Rs (Light Vehicle)- Rs 100
- Heavy Vehicle (Buses/MiniBuses/Trucks)- Rs 200
- Handy-Cam- Rs 100
- High-end Video Camera- Rs 500
Charges for pindis:
- Picnic Pindi Smaller- Rs 250 (Service charge Rs.50)
- Bigger- Rs 500 (Service charge Rs.50)
- Sheds- Rs 1200 (Service charge Rs.50)
- Special Picnic- Rs Sheds 1500 (Service charge Rs.100)
People can visit the botanical garden between 8 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
Peacock Valley:
The Peacock valley, located in Cuttack, was set up by Pannu Behera in the year 1999. During those days he used to work as Home Guard with Odisha Police. He continued to feed the peacocks throughout his life and passed away in 2017. Currently, more than 100 peacocks are being taken care of by his grandson Kanhu Charan Behera.
Distance from Bhubaneswar to peacock valley:-
from railway station- 32.8km
From airport- 34.3km
From baramunda bus stand- 35.9km
Distance from Cuttack to peacock valley:-
from bus stand- 17 km
from railway station- 19.8 km
It is advised not to throw anything at them and keep a safe distance from them so that you can watch them without disturbing them.
Siddheshwar Temple: Located near Naraj Barrage, this Shiva temple is 17 km from Cuttack and one of the peaceful places where you can spend time with your family and friends.
Naraj Barrage: The newly built barrage on the Kathjodi river in Cuttack is a beautiful spot to spend your time. Sunsets can be best spotted here!
Pramod Udyan: This lush green public garden at Tangi in Cuttack is the perfect spot if you need some time out with nature. It is the best place for a picnic with family and friends. The tranquillity attracts the urban people of Cuttack to have their weekend here. The best time is winter.
Biju Patnaik Park: Located in CDA Sector 10, Cuttack, this is another serene place you can spend a day at. An ideal recreational spot for the residents of Bhubaneswar, it is a go-to place for groups of friends and families who love coming to the park in the evenings to relax and indulge in different fun activities.
Mangalajodi: Located on the northern banks of Chilika Lake, the pristine village of Manglajodi is home to plenty of native and migratory birds. The natural beauty of the place is complete with a breathtaking view of the sunset view over the lake. You can also find handmade goods at the local market here.
Chandrabhaga Beach: No matter the number of options available, a visit to the beach is always complete in itself. Indulge in sunbathing, building sandcastles, collecting seashells, and watching the sunset here.
Nandankanan Zoological Park: Of course, nothing beats this sprawling zoological park with over 473 hectares of land. With a variety of wildlife, reptiles, and fishes, it is considered one of the most popular picnic spots near Bhubaneswar. The forest safari here is a big attraction.
Charges for picnic and parking:
Ansupa Lake:
Ansupa is located 50 km from Cuttack and situated in the middle of the state highway connecting Athagarh and Banki block of Cuttack district. Spread across 382 km, Ansupa is the largest freshwater lake in Odisha.
The presence of migratory birds during winter adds to the vibrancy of the lake. Boating facilities available at the lake are an added attraction.
Ramchandi Beach:
Ramchandi is reckoned to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Odisha as well as in India. It is situated on Marine Drive, which is 7 km away from Konark where one can witness the most incredible sunrise and sunsets on this pristine beach.
Ramchandi Beach is known for the fair amount of water sports that it offers to its visitors such as scuba diving, boating, swimming, jet skiing, parasailing and surfing.
Attractions to Visit Near Ramchandi Beach:
1. Ramachandi Temple- The ancient temple situated at the merging point of the Kushabhadra River and Bay of Bengal located at a stone’s throw distance from Ramchandi Beach.
Opening Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free for all
Ideal Duration: 1 hour (approx.)
2. Chandrabhaga Beach/Konark Sun Beach
3. Konark Sun Temple
- Opening Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs 30 for Indians, Rs 500 for Foreigners
- Ideal Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
