Saharanpur, a district in Uttar Pradesh known mainly for its wood carving and commercial activity, is fast turning into a sought after weekend getaway. Tucked along the foothills of the Shivalik range, the district offers families a rare mix of hill views and calm that is otherwise hard to find so close to the plains. If you are planning a family outing and want a peaceful spot without travelling too far, several locations in and around Saharanpur make for excellent picnic destinations.
Shakumbhari Dham: faith meets the hills
The Shakumbhari area of Saharanpur holds deep religious significance for followers of Hinduism. The temple of Maa Shakumbhari sits at the foothills of the Shivalik range, and devotees from several states travel here for darshan. Beyond its religious importance, the Shakumbhari region is also considered an ideal spot for families looking to spend time close to nature and enjoy a scenic picnic.
Wildlife safari at the Mohand range of Rajaji National Park
About 55 kilometres from Saharanpur lies the Mohand range of Rajaji National Park, a major wildlife sanctuary spread across the Shivalik hills. The park is known chiefly for its elephants, tigers and a wide variety of wild animals, and it remains open to visitors for jungle safaris.
Entry to this wildlife corridor comes with a fee, and the charges differ for Indian and foreign visitors. Indian nationals pay an entry fee of ₹150, while foreign tourists are charged ₹600. Students and senior citizens get a special concession, with their entry fee set at just ₹75. Children up to the age of 12 are allowed in free of cost. Visitors who wish to explore the park in their own vehicle are charged ₹250 if they are Indian, and ₹500 if they are foreign nationals.
Badshahi Bagh, Saharanpur's 'Mini Goa'
Located in the Mirzapur area about 75 kilometres from Saharanpur city, Badshahi Bagh has come to be known as the district's 'Mini Goa'. Surrounded by the foothills of the Shivalik range and the calm banks of the Yamuna river, the area is popular for its picturesque islands and natural scenery, and it has emerged as an excellent picnic spot. Large numbers of visitors are heading here during the summer season.
As the Yamuna descends from the high Shivalik hills onto the plains, the stretch around Badshahi Bagh offers views worth seeing. Once it leaves the mountains, the river's flow turns calm and gentle here. Towering hills, the greenery of dense forests and the cool waves of the water draw tourists to the spot. Sitting by the banks of the Yamuna for a picnic gives visitors a wonderful chance to connect with nature.
Hathinikund Barrage: free picnicking and boating
Built on the border of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the Hathinikund Barrage is a major water source and is counted among the best places to visit near Saharanpur. Notably, there is no charge for picnicking at this spot. Visitors also get access to boating facilities, and camel rides are available for children. Nestled quietly at the foothills of the hills, this location is particularly popular with people from both Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Visitors arrive from across the region
All of these spots in Saharanpur are located at the foothills of the hills, which is why they attract large numbers of visitors from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. If you are looking for a good destination around Saharanpur, Shakumbhari Dham, the Mohand range of Rajaji National Park, Badshahi Bagh and the Hathinikund Barrage can all prove to be excellent choices for a family outing and picnic.
