A good day trip doesn’t need a packed suitcase or a hotel booking. It needs a place with room to move, food worth sitting down for, and enough to do that nobody in the group asks “what now?” by noon. Gujarat has a handful of resorts that welcome day visitors and do it well, from green retreats near Ahmedabad to a nature stay in the far north.
We picked five that suit different moods: sporty, scenic, photogenic, quiet and all-in-one. Here’s how they compare.
1. Neonz Resort & Club, Anand
If you want a one-day picnic resort in Gujarat that takes care of the whole day, from the welcome drink to the takeaway gift, Neonz is a strong first choice. It sits on the Dabhou-Malataj Road near Sojitra in Anand district, and the day picnic runs from 9 am to 9 pm, so you get a proper full day.
There are two packages. One covers a welcome drink, lunch, hi-tea and sports. The other adds extra games on top. Adults and children are priced separately, toddlers under three aren’t charged, and customised group plans are available.
The activity list is long. Indoors, you can play table tennis, pool, snooker, foosball and darts. Outdoors, there’s a swimming pool, a children’s play park, a trampoline, tennis, basketball, volleyball, football and horseshoe. The higher package adds paintball, miniature golf, archery and box cricket. Lunch is vegetarian and served at the Shamiyana restaurant.
Best for: families with kids, friend groups and office outings.
2. Vatrika Galaxy Resort and Film City, Punadra (Dehgam)
Vatrika is the most photogenic pick on this list. About 55 km from Ahmedabad and 50 km from Gandhinagar, it is built around a film city of themed sets, including a European-style street, a village scene, a Greek corner, a Bali swing and a white-sand “rann” area. Couples and Instagram-minded friend groups tend to spend half the day just moving between backdrops.
Beyond the sets, the day picnic includes a swimming pool, a kids’ pool, a mini theatre, indoor and outdoor games, and a riverside area. Some visitors have noted that upkeep can be uneven in places, so go with realistic expectations and treat it as a fun, budget-friendly outing rather than a luxury stay.
3. Aarohi Starz Club, Sanand
Aarohi Starz Club is on the Sanand-Kadi Road inside Aarohi Greens, a short drive from Ahmedabad. It is a green, relaxed property with palm trees, a pond, a garden and a terrace, plus a designated picnic area. The setting works well for a slow day of walking, chatting and a long lunch.
A bonus is its location. Thol Bird Sanctuary is only about a 15-minute drive away, so you can pair the resort with a short birdwatching stop, particularly in the cooler months when migratory birds arrive. Before you go, call to confirm which facilities, such as the pool and the kids’ area, are open for day visitors.
4. Araavali Trails, Palanpur
If you live in north Gujarat, Araavali Trails is a refreshing change from the usual city-edge resorts. Located on the Pedagada-Hathidra Road near Malan in Banaskantha district, it has a rural, farm-like feel with open lawns, a garden, an outdoor pool and a children’s playground.
Guests have mentioned activities like horse riding and camel-cart rides, which children usually love. The picnic space is also good for birthday parties and small celebrations. Two practical notes: outside food is reportedly not allowed, and some listings suggest card payments may not be accepted, so carry some cash and confirm both rules when you book.
5. Radhe Upvan Resort, Hathijan
Radhe Upvan sits on the highway near Hathijan on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, which makes it one of the easiest escapes for city residents. It has separate pools for adults and children, a garden, a playground and a billiards table. Guests often single out the restaurant, saying the menu is a notch more interesting than typical resort fare.
It is compact, so it suits small to mid-sized groups better than big crowds. Think birthdays, kitty parties, cousins’ get-togethers or a quick weekend splash.
Tips for a Smoother Picnic Day
- Book ahead for weekends and holidays, when popular resorts fill quickly.
- Ask what’s included. Meals, snacks, pool access and games are packaged differently at every place.
- Check swimming rules. Many resorts require proper swimwear and have age limits for certain rides or games.
- Confirm the food policy. Some resorts serve only vegetarian meals or don’t allow outside food.
- Arrive by mid-morning so you can make the most of the day.
- Pack a small kit: spare clothes, towels, sunscreen, a cap and basic first aid.
Final Thoughts
The best resort is the one that matches your group’s energy. Choose Vatrika for photos, Aarohi Starz Club for a calm green break, Araavali Trails for a rural escape, and Radhe Upvan for a quick splash near Ahmedabad. If you want food, sports and activities all in one compound, Neonz is hard to beat. Whichever you choose, call ahead to confirm current rates, timings and available facilities before you set off.