Heritage
Himmatnagar
Founded in the early 20th century by the Idar state. Originally named Ahmednagar before independence, Himmatnagar sits on the Sabarmati river. Serves today as the headquarters of Sabarkantha district. It functions primarily as a regional market and administrative centre. Little in the way of standalone sightseeing. Its position on the highway makes it the usual stop for fuel. Food and supplies for travellers continuing on to the Polo Forest or Idar. Himmatnagar sits at an elevation of 143 m.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Founded in the early 20th century by the Idar state and originally named Ahmednagar before independence, Himmatnagar sits on the Sabarmati river and serves today as the headquarters of Sabarkantha district. It functions primarily as a regional market and administrative centre, with little in the way of standalone sightseeing, but its position on the highway makes it the usual stop for fuel, food and supplies for travellers continuing on to the Polo Forest or Idar. Himmatnagar sits at an elevation of 143 m. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, November, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include sabarmati riverfront ghats for morning walks, rajmahal palace’s carved stone jharokha balconies, and old bazaar’s silver filigree and brassware stalls. It falls within Gujarat, India.
Highlights
- Sabarmati riverfront ghats for morning walks
- Rajmahal palace’s carved stone jharokha balconies
- Old bazaar’s silver filigree and brassware stalls
- Bhankhroi hill temple with valley views
- District museum’s Harappan-era pottery collection
- Anjana village’s traditional Rabari embroidery workshops
Getting There
Things To Do
Visit the Himmatnagar Fort (Juna Kila) ruins
Explore the remnants of the old fortified structure that once guarded the town, located on a low hill near the centre. The stone walls and broken bastions offer a quiet spot to imagine the region’s Rajput-era history, with a short climb for a view of the surrounding rooftops.
1 hour
See the Jain temple complex near the old town
Two beautifully carved white marble Jain temples, dedicated to Tirthankaras, stand in the older part of Himmatnagar. The intricate stonework and calm courtyard are worth a quiet visit, and the priests are usually happy to explain the local history.
45 minutes
Picnic at the Sabarmati riverside garden (Gandhi Bagh)
A small, well-shaded park right along the river, popular with local families, with benches and a walking path. It’s an easy spot to sit, have a simple snack, and watch the water flow before heading into the forest.
1 hour
Shop for local brass and copper ware at the old market lane
Himmatnagar is known for its traditional metalware, and the narrow bazaar lanes near the clock tower have a few family-run shops selling polished brass pots, lamps, and utensils. It’s a good place to pick a small souvenir and chat with the artisans about their craft.
1 hour
Visit the Himmatnagar town museum (District Science Centre)
A modest but interesting museum run by the district, with exhibits on local geology, wildlife of the Polo Forest region, and historical artefacts from the area. It’s a good pre-forest stop to learn about the flora, fauna, and tribal culture you’ll see nearby.
1 hour
Walk along the Sabarmati river ghats near the old bridge
Stroll down to the riverbank where the Sabarmati flows gently past Himmatnagar, especially in the winter months. You can watch local fishermen cast nets and see the historic bridge that connects the town, a peaceful spot for a morning or evening walk.
1.5 hours
Travel Tips
Start early — before 8 am — and finish by noon
The forest gets hot and humid by midday, and paths can be slippery after morning dew. An early start lets you enjoy the waterfalls and ancient temples in cooler weather, and avoids tiring the group during peak heat.
Plan for a lunch stop in Himmatnagar town, not inside the forest
There are no proper restaurants inside Polo Forest, only small tea stalls. Have your driver drop you at a known pure-veg restaurant in Himmatnagar for a hot, hygienic meal — book ahead for a group of 10 or more to avoid long waits.
Book a guided safari or local vehicle for the forest core
The last stretch into Polo Forest is rough and unpaved, so hire a sturdy SUV with a local driver who knows the terrain. This avoids strain on knees and backs, and keeps your group together without long walks.
Carry your own water and light snacks in a backpack
Inside the forest, there are few shops and no reliable drinking water points. Pack at least one litre per person, plus electrolyte sachets and easy-to-digest items like biscuits or fruit, especially for seniors who may need frequent hydration.
Wear non-slip, closed-toe shoes with ankle support
Many trails have loose stones, wet rocks near streams, and uneven steps at the temples. Good grip shoes reduce fall risk, and closed toes protect against insect bites. Avoid flip-flops or floaters for anyone with balance concerns.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to Himmatnagar — handy for senior and group travellers.
Hospitals
- Shri Padmavathi Eye Hospital0.3 km
- Aashay Eye Hospital0.3 km
- Aayush Heart and Medicare Hospital0.4 km
- Pranam Hospital0.4 km
- Aavkar Hospital0.5 km
Pharmacies
- Getwell Medical Store0.3 km
Frequently Asked Questions
There are no permanent restaurants or medical clinics inside the forest; only a few seasonal tea and snack stalls near the entrance. Toilets are basic pit-type toilets at the main parking area, and they may not be clean or accessible for disabled travellers. Carry your own packed lunch, drinking water, and a small first-aid kit, and know that the nearest proper hospital is in Himmatnagar town, about 40 minutes away.
The main temple complex (like the Sharneshwar Mahadev and Jain temples) is relatively flat, but the paths are uneven with loose stones and some short steep steps near the riverbank. Walking sticks are recommended, and you should allow extra time to rest at shaded spots. For those who cannot walk long distances, you can still see the key temples from the car park area, but a wheelchair is not practical due to the terrain.
Polo Forest is about 35 to 40 kilometres from Himmatnagar, and the drive takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by private car or taxi. The last stretch includes a mix of paved and rough gravel roads, so hire a sturdy SUV or a comfortable tempo traveller with a local driver who knows the terrain. There is no public bus directly into the forest, so pre-arranged transport is essential.
The ideal time is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 28 degrees Celsius. Avoid the monsoon months (June to September) as the forest trails become slippery and many internal roads are closed due to waterlogging. Summers (April to May) are extremely hot, making outdoor walks difficult for senior travellers.
Yes, a day trip is very safe and common, but you must start early (around 8 am) to avoid the afternoon heat and return before sunset, as the forest has no streetlights and wildlife is more active at dusk. Carry sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and at least 2 litres of water per person. Also, keep your mobile phone fully charged, but note that network signals are patchy inside the forest, so inform your driver or hotel about your planned return time.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Himmatnagar
Day 1
Begin your journey in Himmatnagar, a quiet town on the banks of the Sabarmati river. After settling in, take a leisurely walk along the riverfront and explore the town’s colonial-era buildings and local markets. In the afternoon, visit the nearby ancient temples and stepwells that hint at the region’s rich history, before returning for a relaxed evening.
- Morning walk along the Sabarmati river ghats, observing local life and birdlife
- Visit the historic Himmatnagar Fort and the old Bazaar area with its traditional havelis
- Explore the 11th-century Shamlaji Temple complex (about 30 km away) if time permits, or the smaller Balaji temple within town
Day 2
Dedicate the full day to exploring the serene Polo Forest, a dense teak and bamboo forest about 15 km from Himmatnagar. The forest is dotted with ancient Shiva temples, seasonal waterfalls, and a large dam. Enjoy gentle walks on flat trails, a picnic near the river, and birdwatching, keeping the pace easy for senior travellers. Return to Himmatnagar by late afternoon.
- Visit the ruined Jain and Hindu temples at Polo Forest, including the famous Sharmishtha Lake and the Nilkanth Mahadev Temple
- Short nature walk along the Harnav river bed (dry in summer, but lush after monsoon) with stops for photography
- Relaxed picnic lunch near the Polo Dam, followed by birdwatching for peacocks, kingfishers, and hornbills
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