Heritage
Jain Temples
The temples at Polo were built between roughly the 10th and 15th centuries. The area sat on a trade route linking Gujarat with Rajasthan. Malwa under Parmara and later Idar rulers. Several dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras survive in varying states of ruin alongside a few Shiva shrines. Abandoned as the settlement declined, the temples now stand within dense forest. Their carved doorframes and broken shikharas wrapped in roots and undergrowth. Giving the site an atmosphere closer to a lost city than a maintained monument. The ruins are one of the main draws.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
The temples at Polo were built between roughly the 10th and 15th centuries, when the area sat on a trade route linking Gujarat with Rajasthan and Malwa under Parmara and later Idar rulers, and several dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras survive in varying states of ruin alongside a few Shiva shrines. Abandoned as the settlement declined, the temples now stand within dense forest, their carved doorframes and broken shikharas wrapped in roots and undergrowth, giving the site an atmosphere closer to a lost city than a maintained monument. The ruins are one of the main draws for visitors exploring the Polo Forest on foot. Jain Temples sits at an elevation of 314 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, November, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include carved lotus medallions on the sanctum ceiling, broken torana arch with dancing apsara figures, and tirthankara statue seated in a root-wrapped niche. It falls within Sabarkantha district, India.
Highlights
- Carved lotus medallions on the sanctum ceiling
- Broken torana arch with dancing apsara figures
- Tirthankara statue seated in a root-wrapped niche
- Pillared mandapa with eroded elephant friezes
- Stone doorway framed by bamboo and teak
- Twin shrines joined by a mossy causeway
Getting There
Things To Do
Photograph the sunlit reliefs on the outer wall of the largest temple
Stand back from the eastern facade of the biggest ruined temple, where morning light casts sharp shadows on the weathered friezes depicting elephants, dancers, and mythical lions. This is the best spot to capture the blend of Jain artistry and jungle overgrowth without climbing over unstable rubble.
30 minutes
Follow the forest trail to the isolated shrine behind the main cluster
A short, root-tangled path leads you to a smaller, roofless temple that is almost fully swallowed by banyan and teak trees. Here, you can observe how the forest is literally reclaiming the structure, with a large peepal tree growing through the broken doorway.
45 minutes
Trace the ancient water channel from the temple to the stream
Follow the shallow, stone-lined channel that runs downhill from the temple's northern base, used for ritual washing centuries ago. The trail is uneven with loose stones, but it ends at a clear, shallow stream where you can see old carved steps leading into the water—likely the original bathing ghat.
1 hour
Climb the low mound to the ruined stepwell (vav) beside the temple platform
A gentle 10-minute scramble up a rocky slope brings you to a collapsed stepwell, where you can peer down into its dark, water-filled lower chambers. Look for the carved water spouts and small niches that once held idols, now home to frogs and moss.
1 hour
Explore the carved pillars and broken idols of the main temple complex
Walk through the central sanctum area, where intricate carvings of tirthankaras and celestial dancers remain visible on the pillars, even as vines and roots creep over the fallen shikharas. Pause to see the partially buried statues of Mahavira and Parshvanatha, their stone faces worn by centuries of monsoon rain.
1.5 hours
Sit for a quiet meditation inside the roofless prayer hall (mandapa)
Enter the largest surviving mandapa, where the ceiling is gone but the stone floor remains smooth and shaded by overhanging branches. Sit on the cool slabs near the central lotus carving and listen to the sounds of birds and wind—a practical way to appreciate the temple's original purpose without any modern distractions.
45 minutes
Travel Tips
Wear comfortable, slip-resistant footwear
The Jain Temples at Polo Forest involve walking on uneven stone paths and climbing a few steps. Carry sturdy, non-slip shoes with good grip, and consider bringing a walking stick for balance, especially after rains when stones can be slippery.
Carry water and light snacks, but eat outside the temple
There are no shops near the temples, so bring your own bottled water and a few energy bars or fruits. However, do not eat inside the temple premises—consume snacks only in the designated rest areas or near your vehicle to respect religious norms.
Check accessibility and use the restroom before entering
The temple complex has no modern restroom facilities, and the approach path is not wheelchair-friendly. Use the washrooms at the Polo Forest entry point or your hotel before arriving, and be prepared for a short, gentle walk with rest stops if needed.
Arrange for a local guide or group leader to explain the history
The temples are ancient and have intricate carvings, but signage is minimal. Hiring a local guide (available at the forest entry) or having a group leader read up beforehand will make the visit more meaningful, and helps the group stay together on the large site.
Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon
The temple area is exposed, with little shade, and midday heat can be intense for seniors. Start your tour by 8:30 AM or after 4 PM to avoid peak sun, and keep a hat or umbrella handy for shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal time is from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant for walking through the forest and temple ruins. Avoid the monsoon (June to September) as trails become slippery and the forest can be inaccessible.
There are no shops or restaurants within the temple complex, so you must carry your own water and snacks. The nearest proper dining options are in the village of Poles or on the way back towards Himmatnagar, so plan for a picnic lunch among the ruins.
No, there is no entry fee for the temples or the Polo Forest area itself. However, you may need to pay a small parking fee for your vehicle near the forest entrance, and it is wise to register your visit at the forest check post for safety.
The temples are spread over a large area, and you will need to walk about 1-2 kilometres on uneven, rocky paths, often with gentle uphill sections. It is manageable for fit seniors, but we recommend sturdy shoes, a walking stick, and taking frequent rests; consider hiring a local guide who knows the shortest routes.
These are ancient Jain temples, mostly dating to the 10th-12th centuries, dedicated to Tirthankaras like Adinath and Neminath. They are no longer active for regular worship, but they are protected archaeological sites, so you can explore them freely, though you should maintain respectful silence and avoid touching the carved idols.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Jain Temples
Day 1
Arrive at Polo Forest in the morning, settle into your stay, and head straight to the core attraction—the cluster of Jain temples. Spend the afternoon walking through the ruins, appreciating the intricate carvings and the peaceful forest setting. End the day with a short nature walk along the nearby riverbed to see the forest reclaiming the stone structures.
- Guided walk through the main Jain temple cluster, noting the 10th-15th century architecture, carved pillars, and broken idols partially covered in moss and roots.
- Visit the central shrine dedicated to Lord Neminath, and the smaller adjacent temples, pausing for quiet reflection and photography.
- Short nature trail along the Harnav River, observing the seasonal stream, old stone steps, and the surrounding sal and teak forest.
Day 2
Start early with a visit to the lesser-known temple groups scattered deeper in the forest, away from the main cluster. After lunch, explore the adjacent historical sites like the old stepwell and the Shiva temple ruins, which are part of the same Polo Forest heritage. Wrap up with a relaxed evening at the forest viewpoint, watching the sun set over the treetops.
- Morning hike to the second cluster of Jain temples (north-east side), featuring a larger ruined courtyard and a partially intact torana (archway), with a local guide to explain the carvings.
- Visit the ancient stepwell (vav) near the temple complex, descending carefully to see the water level and the carved niches, then walk to the nearby Shiva temple ruins with its shikhara still standing.
- Sunset stop at the Polo Forest viewpoint (near the checkpost), followed by a short birdwatching session for hornbills and drongos in the late afternoon light.
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