Paniyari Waterfall near Palanpur Banaskantha – Perfect One Day Picnic Location near Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ask anyone living in Ahmedabad or nearby cities – weekends mean hunting for a place where you can breathe fresh air, sit in peace, and enjoy nature. Malls, cafes, and parks are fine, but once in a while, you want something more real. Something that feels untouched.
That’s exactly what Paniyari Waterfall near Palanpur in Banaskantha gives you. Imagine a clean stream of white water rushing down the rocks, surrounded by greenery, with nothing but the sound of flowing water and birds. No city noise, no honking, no pollution. Just nature.
For years, only locals from villages nearby knew about it. But now, slowly, people from Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, and even Rajasthan have started coming here for one-day trips. And trust me, once you see it, you’ll know why.
In this blog, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about visiting Paniyari Waterfall – how to reach, when to go, what to carry, nearby places, and some tips from people who’ve been there.
Where Exactly is Paniyari Waterfall?
The waterfall is in Banaskantha district, around 30 km away from Palanpur town.
- From Ahmedabad, it’s about 150 km. That means a comfortable 3.5 to 4-hour drive.
- From Gandhinagar, it’s slightly shorter, around 3 hours.
- If you’re coming by train, get down at Palanpur Junction. From there, you can take a local auto or taxi.
- The nearest airport is Ahmedabad International Airport, but for a picnic, road travel is the easiest option.
The best part is, after reaching the base point, you need to walk or trek a little – just 10–15 minutes – through trees and natural trails before you see the waterfall. This makes the whole thing feel more adventurous.
Best Time to Visit
Here’s the honest truth: not every season is good.
- Monsoon (July to September) – The water looks like milk flowing down the rocks, and the surrounding area turns green.
- Post-Monsoon (October to November) – The water slows down but is still beautiful. Safe for families with kids.
- Winter (December to February) – Pleasant weather, but the water may reduce a lot. Good for a calm picnic.
- Summer (March to June) – Avoid. The waterfall almost dries up, and the heat will make the trip uncomfortable.
So, if you are planning, mark the monsoon months on your calendar.
Why People Love Paniyari Waterfall
- It’s Natural and Pure
No commercial shops, no loud music – just the sound of water. You won’t find that peace in city life. - Perfect for a Day Picnic
Carry home-cooked food, a mat, and some outdoor games. Sit with your family or friends, eat, laugh, and relax. - Short Adventure
That little trek before reaching adds excitement, especially for kids and youngsters. - Great Photos
If you love photography, this is heaven. Long shots, close shots, or even selfies – everything looks beautiful here. - Close Yet Away
It’s just 3–4 hours from Ahmedabad. So, you leave in the morning, spend the whole day, and return by night. No hotel bookings needed if you’re on a budget.
Things to Do at Paniyari Waterfall
- Picnic – Spread a sheet, open your tiffin, and enjoy eating with the sound of the waterfall.
- Photography – Nature photography lovers will have a field day here.
- Trekking/Walking – The short walk itself feels refreshing.
- Relax by the Water – Just sit, dip your feet, and enjoy.
- Play Games – Frisbee, cricket with kids, or even just antakshari with friends.
Safety
- Don’t go very close to the waterfall in heavy rains. The current can be strong.
- Wear comfortable shoes – the stones can be slippery.
- Carry drinking water and snacks because you won’t find proper shops here.
- And most importantly – don’t litter. Carry your waste back.
Facilities You Should Know About
- No big restaurants or cafes. Small stalls may be there during peak time, but it’s best to bring your own food.
- No fancy hotels at the waterfall itself. For stay, you can book in Palanpur – there are decent budget hotels and guesthouses.
- Parking is available, but limited. On weekends, it can get a little crowded.
Nearby Places to Visit
If you are making a weekend out of it, there are some good options nearby:
- Balaram Palace – Just 30 km away, this royal palace-turned-resort is beautiful.
- Ambaji Temple – One of Gujarat’s famous pilgrimage sites, about 50 km.
- Taranga Hills – Jain temples with a peaceful hilltop view, about 60 km.
- Dantiwada Dam – A calm water body, great for evenings.
Sample Itinerary for One-Day Trip
If you’re going from Ahmedabad:
- 6:00 AM – Start early from Ahmedabad.
- 10:00 AM – Reach Paniyari Waterfall. Explore, take photos, relax.
- 12:30 PM – Open your picnic basket for lunch.
- 2:00 PM – Rest or go for a short walk nearby.
- 3:00 PM – Head to Balaram Palace or Dantiwada Dam.
- 5:30 PM – Evening tea/snacks in Palanpur.
- 6:00 PM – Start back.
- 10:00 PM – Reach Ahmedabad.
Travel Tips (From Visitors Who’ve Been There)
- Carry an extra set of clothes, because kids (and even adults) often end up playing in water.
- Take umbrella/raincoat in monsoon.
- Mobile network can be weak in some areas, so plan accordingly.
- Carry cash – not all places nearby accept digital payments.
- If you’re with elderly people, avoid going in heavy rains.
A Note on Keeping it Clean 🌿
- Carry your own dustbin bag.
- Don’t play loud DJ songs – nature’s sound is enough.
- Respect villagers around.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Paniyari Waterfall near Palanpur Banaskantha is a gift of nature that’s still not commercialized. It’s raw, pure, and peaceful. For people in Ahmedabad or nearby cities, it’s the perfect one-day picnic spot.
It’s not just about water falling from rocks – it’s about that feeling of calmness you get when you sit by it, the laughter when kids play around, the joy of sharing food outdoors, and the relief of being away from the busy city.
If you’re planning your next weekend outing, skip the usual restaurants and resorts. Pack your bags, pick your gang or family, and drive down to Paniyari Waterfall. You’ll come back with tired legs but a refreshed mind.
