Best Picnic Spots & Short Outings Within 200 KM of Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is surrounded by forests, hills, rivers, lakes, beaches, wildlife areas and heritage destinations, making it a convenient base for family picnics and one-day outings. Popular options include Deras Dam, Nandankanan, Puri Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, Mangalajodi, Chilika Lake, Satkosia and several nearby parks and heritage sites.

Quick Information

• Starting Point: Bhubaneswar, Odisha

• Destination Types: Picnic spots, beaches, lakes, forests, wildlife areas, parks and heritage destinations

• Suitable For: Family picnics, friends' outings, school trips, day trips and weekend drives

• Short Local Outings: Jayadev Vatika, Dhauli, Ekamra Kanan, Kuakhai Riverside and nearby attractions

• Nature Destinations: Deras Dam, Jhumka Dam, Chandaka, Barunei Hills and Ansupa Lake

• Beach Destinations: Puri Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, Ramchandi Beach and Astaranga

• Wetland Destinations: Mangalajodi and Chilika Lake

• Wildlife Destinations: Nandankanan, Chandaka, Bhitarkanika and Satkosia

• Heritage Destinations: Khandagiri-Udayagiri, Dhauli, Barabati Fort, Hirapur and Raghurajpur

• Best Outdoor Season: October to February

• Travel Range: The list includes destinations within approximately 200 km, along with some longer-trip destinations identified separately.

About Picnic Spots Within 200 KM of Bhubaneswar

There are many destinations around Bhubaneswar that work well for a family picnic, short outing, day trip or weekend drive. The choices range from landscaped city gardens and reservoirs to beaches, wetlands, forests, wildlife areas and heritage sites.

Jayadev Vatika and Ekamra Kanan are convenient options for shorter outings, while Deras Dam, Jhumka Dam and Ansupa Lake provide greener natural settings. For coastal trips, Puri, Konark, Chandrabhaga, Ramchandi and Astaranga offer different beach experiences.

Visitors interested in wildlife and wetlands can consider Nandankanan, Chandaka, Mangalajodi and Chilika. Bhitarkanika and Satkosia are better suited to longer nature trips because of their distance and the nature of the experience.

Key Attractions & Things to See

Jayadev Vatika

Jayadev Vatika near Khandagiri is an accessible green space for a short family outing. Its landscaped surroundings, lawns and walking areas make it suitable for families with children and elderly members.

Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves

Khandagiri and Udayagiri combine outdoor sightseeing with Odisha's history and heritage. The ancient rock-cut caves, surrounding hills and elevated views provide a different type of day outing.

Dhauli

Dhauli is known for the Shanti Stupa and Ashokan heritage. Its landscaped surroundings, hilltop setting and views of the Daya River make it suitable for a short family outing and evening visit.

Ekamra Kanan

Ekamra Kanan is a green space in Bhubaneswar with gardens, lawns and plant collections. It provides a convenient option for families looking for a relaxed outing within the city.

Deras Dam

Deras Dam is a nature and picnic destination around Bhubaneswar. Located in the Chandaka forest landscape, the reservoir is surrounded by green hills and trees. Visitors can enjoy family picnics, photography and the surrounding natural landscape.

Jhumka Dam

Jhumka Dam is a scenic reservoir in the Chandaka forest region. Its combination of greenery, hills and water creates a quieter setting for a picnic and nature outing. It can also be combined with a visit to Deras Dam.

Chandaka Forest and Elephant Sanctuary

Chandaka is a forested landscape close to Bhubaneswar known for its elephant habitat and biodiversity. It is suitable for visitors interested in forests, birds and wildlife. Visitors should follow applicable forest regulations and use authorised access routes.

Barunei Hills

Barunei Hills near Khordha combine hills, forested landscapes and religious significance. The green surroundings make the area attractive for a short nature outing, particularly during the cooler months.

Naraj

Naraj lies near the Mahanadi river system and provides a scenic riverside landscape. It can be included in a short drive from Bhubaneswar for visitors interested in river views and a quieter outdoor experience.

Kuakhai Riverside

The Kuakhai River surroundings provide a convenient short outing close to Bhubaneswar. The open landscape and riverside setting can offer a brief nature break. Visitors should avoid unsafe riverbanks and areas affected by high water.

Barabati Fort, Cuttack

Barabati Fort is an important historic landmark in Cuttack. Its medieval fort remains and surrounding area allow visitors to combine heritage sightseeing with a day outing.

Dhabaleswar

Dhabaleswar is a river island in the Mahanadi known for the Dhabaleswar Temple and scenic river surroundings. A visit combines religious sightseeing, river views and a change of scenery.

Ansupa Lake

Ansupa Lake near Banki is a freshwater lake surrounded by hills and greenery. Its peaceful setting makes it suitable for a lakeside outing, nature photography and a relaxed family trip.

Atri Hot Spring

Atri is known for its perennial hot sulphur spring and green surroundings. The destination provides an opportunity to experience the natural spring along with nearby religious and cultural attractions.

Nandankanan Zoological Park

Nandankanan Zoological Park is a popular family destination near Bhubaneswar. Its wildlife attractions, botanical surroundings and lake area make it particularly suitable for families with children. It is better considered a wildlife and recreation outing than a traditional picnic spot.

Nijigarh Tapang

Nijigarh Tapang, also known as Tapang, is known for its elevated landscape and scenic views. The natural surroundings make it attractive for photography and short outings. Visitors should check current access conditions and local land-status information before planning a visit.

Raghurajpur Crafts Village

Raghurajpur is a traditional crafts village known for Pattachitra and other forms of handicraft. A visit combines village sightseeing, interaction with artisans and exploration of Odisha's traditional art and culture.

Puri Beach

Puri Beach is a well-known coastal destination. Its wide sandy beach and sea breeze make it suitable for a family beach outing. The trip can also be combined with other attractions in Puri.

Konark and Chandrabhaga

Konark provides an opportunity to combine heritage sightseeing with a beach outing. Visitors can explore the Sun Temple and continue towards the nearby Chandrabhaga coast for a seaside experience.

Chandrabhaga Beach

Chandrabhaga Beach near Konark offers open sandy stretches and sea views. It is particularly suitable for enjoying the early morning atmosphere and combining a beach visit with Konark sightseeing.

Ramchandi Beach

Ramchandi is a coastal destination near the Kushabhadra River mouth. The combination of beach, river and natural surroundings makes it suitable for a family day trip and coastal outing.

Mangalajodi

Mangalajodi lies on the northern edge of Chilika Lake and is known for its wetland landscape and migratory birds. It is suitable for birdwatching, photography and a peaceful nature outing.

Chilika Lake at Balugaon

Balugaon provides access to the Chilika Lake region and its expansive lagoon landscape. Visitors can enjoy boating, birdwatching and scenic views of the wetland ecosystem.

Astaranga

Astaranga is a relatively quiet coastal destination with an expansive beach and scenic surroundings. It is suitable for visitors who prefer a less urbanised seaside experience.

Chilika Lake at Satapada

Satapada is a well-known gateway to Chilika Lake. Boat trips allow visitors to explore the lagoon and, depending on conditions, look for Irrawaddy dolphins. It is better suited to a full-day nature outing.

Paradeep

Paradeep provides a coastal experience involving river, sea and port landscapes. It works better as part of a longer coastal road trip than as a conventional picnic destination.

Bhitarkanika National Park

Bhitarkanika is a major mangrove ecosystem known for its waterways, forests, birds and wildlife. Boat-based exploration is one of the main ways to experience the landscape. Its distance makes it more suitable for a full-day or overnight trip.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Satkosia offers forests, the Mahanadi Gorge, river landscapes and biodiversity. It is suited to visitors looking for a more immersive nature experience and is better approached as a longer trip.

Chandipur Beach

Chandipur is known for its unusual shoreline, where the sea recedes considerably during low tide. The distinctive coastal landscape makes it suitable for a longer day trip or weekend outing from Bhubaneswar.

Hirapur Chausathi Yogini Temple

The Chausathi Yogini Temple at Hirapur is a compact heritage destination known for its circular temple architecture and historic sculptures. It can be combined with other nearby attractions for a short cultural outing.

Pipili

Pipili is known for traditional appliqué handicrafts. Although it is not a conventional picnic destination, it works well as a cultural stop during a family road trip towards Puri.

Sakhigopal

Sakhigopal near Puri is known for the Sakhigopinath Temple. It can be included in a cultural and religious day trip towards Puri and Konark.

Dhauli Peace Pagoda & Daya River Area

The Daya River landscape around Dhauli and nearby areas provides scenic views. It can be combined with a visit to Dhauli for a short nature and heritage outing.

Kanjia Lake

Kanjia Lake is located within the Nandankanan landscape. The lake and surrounding greenery can be combined with a visit to Nandankanan Zoological Park for a family day out.

Popular Activities & Things to Do

The destinations around Bhubaneswar provide several types of outdoor activities and sightseeing experiences.

• Family picnics: Jayadev Vatika, Ekamra Kanan, Deras Dam and Nandankanan

• Nature outings: Deras Dam, Jhumka Dam, Chandaka, Barunei Hills and Ansupa Lake

• Beach outings: Puri Beach, Chandrabhaga Beach, Ramchandi Beach and Astaranga

• Birdwatching: Mangalajodi and Chilika Lake

• Wildlife experiences: Nandankanan, Chandaka, Bhitarkanika and Satkosia

• Heritage sightseeing: Khandagiri-Udayagiri, Dhauli, Barabati Fort and Hirapur

• Photography: Reservoirs, wetlands, beaches, forests, hills and heritage locations

• Cultural experiences: Raghurajpur and Pipili

• Boating: Chilika Lake destinations such as Balugaon and Satapada

Distance Chart From Bhubaneswar

The approximate road distances from Bhubaneswar vary by destination and route.

• Jayadev Vatika: approximately 6 km

• Khandagiri and Udayagiri: approximately 7–10 km

• Dhauli: approximately 8–12 km

• Kuakhai Riverside: approximately 10–20 km

• Hirapur: approximately 15–20 km

• Nandankanan: approximately 15–20 km

• Deras Dam: approximately 20 km

• Jhumka Dam: approximately 20–30 km

• Pipili: approximately 20–30 km

• Chandaka: approximately 20–35 km

• Barunei Hills: approximately 25–30 km

• Naraj: approximately 25–35 km

• Barabati Fort: approximately 30 km

• Atri: approximately 40–50 km

• Sakhigopal: approximately 45–55 km

• Ansupa Lake: approximately 50–55 km

• Nijigarh Tapang: around 50 km

• Dhabaleswar: approximately 55–65 km

• Raghurajpur: approximately 55–65 km

• Puri Beach: approximately 60–70 km

• Konark and Chandrabhaga: approximately 65–70 km

• Chandrabhaga Beach: approximately 65–75 km

• Ramchandi Beach: approximately 65–75 km

• Mangalajodi: approximately 70–80 km

• Balugaon, Chilika: approximately 90–110 km

• Astaranga: approximately 90–110 km

• Satapada, Chilika: approximately 100–120 km

• Paradeep: approximately 100–120 km

• Bhitarkanika: approximately 160–180 km

• Satkosia: approximately 170–200 km

• Chandipur: around 200 km or slightly more, depending on the route

Best Time to Visit

The cooler months from October to February are generally comfortable for outdoor trips around Bhubaneswar. Winter is particularly attractive for forest destinations, lakes and wetlands.

The cooler season is also favourable for birdwatching at destinations such as Mangalajodi and Chilika.

Beach destinations can be visited during much of the year. Visitors should take additional care during periods of rough seas, heavy rain and strong coastal weather.

Visitor Timings & Entry Information

Specific visitor timings and entry fees are not included for the destinations in this guide. Individual attractions may have their own access arrangements and visitor rules.

Nearby Essential Facilities

Visitors planning a picnic should carry drinking water, food and basic first-aid supplies, particularly when travelling to forest, wetland and longer-distance destinations.

Drinking Water

Carry sufficient drinking water for the journey, particularly when travelling with children and elderly visitors.

Food & Medicines

Packed food and snacks are useful for picnic trips. Basic first-aid supplies should also be carried.

Toilets

The availability of toilets at individual destinations is not detailed in this guide. Please check individual detailed blog article for more details.

Fuel

Fuel availability at individual picnic destinations is not detailed in this guide. Travellers making longer road trips should plan accordingly.

Travel Tips & Visitor Advice

• Carry sufficient drinking water.

• Take packed food and snacks for outdoor trips.

• Carry sunscreen and a hat.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.

• Carry insect repellent for forest and wetland areas.

• Keep basic first-aid supplies with you.

• Carry extra drinking water when travelling with children and elderly members.

• Take waste bags so that plastic and other rubbish can be carried back.

• Carry rain protection during the monsoon season.

• Avoid littering.

• Respect wildlife and natural surroundings.

• Follow applicable rules in forests, wildlife areas, beaches and protected areas.

• At riverside locations, avoid unsafe riverbanks and areas affected by high water.

• For Nijigarh Tapang, check current access conditions and local land-status information before visiting.

• For coastal destinations, take additional care during rough seas and strong weather.

• Consider Bhitarkanika and Satkosia as longer nature trips rather than simple picnic destinations.

Bhubaneswar offers a wide choice of picnic spots and short-outing destinations, ranging from city gardens and nearby reservoirs to beaches, wetlands, forests, wildlife areas and heritage locations. Families can consider Jayadev Vatika, Ekamra Kanan, Nandankanan and Deras Dam, while nature lovers can explore Jhumka, Chandaka and Ansupa Lake. Puri, Konark and Ramchandi offer coastal outings, while Mangalajodi and Chilika provide wetland and birdwatching experiences. Longer trips to Bhitarkanika and Satkosia offer more immersive nature experiences.