A recent incident in Rajasthan has sparked a debate on civic sense when a big family was reportedly seen sitting on a newly inaugurated expressway in Rajasthan and enjoying a meal right in the middle of the road. The viral video shows just how quickly a harmless-looking family lunch can turn into a dangerous situation as they turned a busy highway into an unlikely picnic spot. While the visuals may look amusing, an expressway is not designed for picnics or family meals but for fast-moving traffic.What exactly did the family do?The most bizarre part of the video is the family turned the newly inaugurated expressway itself into their private picnic ground. In the viral clip, it can be seen that several family members are sitting right in the middle of the road. They have newspapers and tarpaulins spread directly over the road. Looks like they created a makeshift sitting area. Plates of food were placed in front of them, while other relatives moved around and served those seated.There are kids, elders, males and females. In other words, this was not a quick roadside tea break but a well-organised break for a proper group meal. The video shows people sitting comfortably on the road. They can be seen eating together while other relatives serve food. It appeared like a family feast rather than a quick five-minute stop.Why did it draw criticism?The video quickly went viral after being shared on social media and sparked debate around how stupid this family can get. It attracted considerable criticism on X and people made some brutally honest comments.One user commented, “Civic sense is illegal in India.”Others wrote, “Do these people not have home?”, “Next is railway track and run ways”The central issue was not the family eating together, but where they had chosen to do it. An expressway is public transport infrastructure intended for moving vehicles, not an open-air dining room or picnic lawn. Critics questioned the family’s civic sense and argued that public infrastructure should not be treated as an extension of private space.While Rajasthan is a beautiful state brimming with gardens, the Aravallis, lakes and riverside parks, the family chose to eat somewhere where they were not supposed to. Rajasthan has plenty of options for a large family group looking for a proper picnic. The Rajasthan Tourism Department itself lists places such as Chambal Garden and Kanak Vrindavan among attractions suited to relaxation and outings.So, the next time your family road trip turns into a “let’s stop and eat” moment, leave the expressway behind and choose from one of these seven popular spots.Read on:Chambal Garden, Kota
Picnic spots (Canva)
If you are someone who wishes to enjoy a riverside picnic, then Chambal Garden in Kota is your best bet. The place involves greenery, open space and water fun. It is set on the banks of the Chambal River and the garden is officially described as one of Kota’s beautiful picnic spots.Kanak Vrindavan, JaipurKanak Vrindavan in Jaipur is another perfect picnic option for large families. The garden is set at the foothills of the Nahargarh hills on the road towards Amer. Kanak Vrindavan suddenly feels a world away from the traffic of Jaipur and is often described as a popular local picnic spot, with terraces, marble columns and latticed structures.Sisodia Rani Garden, JaipurThen we have Sisodia Rani Garden which is an ideal choice for families who want their picnic to come with a little history. The sprawling garden is a perfect combination of greenery, terraces, fountains and painted pavilions. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and regarded as one of the city’s attractive garden escapes.Ramgarh Lake, near Jaipur
Jaipur
If your family loves water views, Ramgarh Lake can feel like a mini getaway. It’s an artificial lake surrounded by hills. It has historically been an important water body near Jaipur and is also known for birdwatching. But keep in mind that conditions around lakes can change every season. Families should use designated visitor areas and avoid getting too close to the water.Siliserh Lake, AlwarSiliserh Lake is a bigger road-trip experience. The lake is surrounded by the Aravallis and offers a dramatically different landscape from the Rajasthan stereotype of endless desert. The setting is particularly attractive for families wanting a relaxed outdoor break close to a waterbody. The lake is also close to Alwar’s other attractions.Peace Park, Mount Abu
Mount Abu
Peace Park in Mount Abu offers something completely different, solitude. Set between the Aravalli peaks of Guru Shikhar and Achalgarh, the park has gardens, an orchard, a rock garden and landscaped areas. Rajasthan Tourism describes it as a place for peaceful recreation and peace.Jawahar Circle, JaipurJawahar Circle in Jaipur is a beautiful circular park surrounded by greenery and walking tracks. The park is ideal for families in Jaipur and is a much more sensible place for a casual outdoor break. It is also convenient for families who don’t want to spend another two hours travelling just to find somewhere to sit down.The best family road-trip photograph should show everyone sitting together, laughing over lunch. It should never show them sitting in the path of traffic!
