Nature & Relaxation
Polo Forest
A little-visited Aravalli forest tract dotted with centuries-old ruined temples, now a favoured weekend camping and trekking spot for its greenery and quiet. Named for a former trade route town ("Polo" derived from a Marathi word for gateway), this forest tract along the Harnav river preserves a scattering of ruined 10th to 15th century Hindu and Jain temples, largely reclaimed by teak and bamboo growth after the area was abandoned. The forest sits between the towns of Idar, known for its own hilltop fort, and Himmatnagar, with the pilgrimage crossroads town of Shamlaji and the monsoon-season Zanzari Falls extending the district’s draw for trekkers and campers from Ahmedabad.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Named for a former trade route town ("Polo" derived from a Marathi word for gateway), this forest tract along the Harnav river preserves a scattering of ruined 10th to 15th century Hindu and Jain temples, largely reclaimed by teak and bamboo growth after the area was abandoned. The forest sits between the towns of Idar, known for its own hilltop fort, and Himmatnagar, with the pilgrimage crossroads town of Shamlaji and the monsoon-season Zanzari Falls extending the district’s draw for trekkers and campers from Ahmedabad. Polo Forest sits at an elevation of 360 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 days. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, November, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Jain Temple Complex, Sharmishtha Lake, and Kadambgiri Hill. Other notable highlights include ruined 10th-century Sun Temple carvings up close, riverside walk to the old Surya Kund stepwell, and jain temples with intricate marble pillars and idols. It falls within Gujarat, Sabarkantha district, and Gujarat, India.
Highlights
- Ruined 10th-century Sun Temple carvings up close
- Riverside walk to the old Surya Kund stepwell
- Jain temples with intricate marble pillars and idols
- View from the hilltop over the Harnav river valley
- Spotting peacocks and langurs along forest trails
- Evening campfire near the riverbed, quiet and starry
Getting There
Things To Do
Sunset Drive and Stop at the Polo Forest Viewpoint
Take a short drive (or walk 1 km) from the temple area to a rocky viewpoint overlooking the forest canopy, where you can watch the sun set behind the Aravalli hills, often with nilgai grazing in the clearing below. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset, and bring a torch for the walk back to your vehicle.
1 hour
Visit the Garba Giri Hilltop Temple Ruins
Climb a gentle, stone-stepped path to the summit of Garba Giri hill, where a small ruined Hindu temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding Aravalli ridges and the forest floor below. The climb takes about 40 minutes, and the top is a quiet spot for a picnic, but carry your own water as there are no facilities.
2.5 hours
Birdwatching Along the Harnav River Banks
Walk the dry riverbed and its sandy banks in the early morning to spot Indian pitta, crested serpent eagles, and white-breasted kingfishers, along with occasional sambar deer drinking at the water’s edge. Carry binoculars and a field guide, as the forest canopy is dense and birds are often heard before seen.
2 hours
Explore the Ancient Jain Temples Cluster
Walk through the main group of ruined Jain temples near the riverbed, featuring intricately carved pillars, broken shikharas, and idols of Tirthankaras dating back to the 12th century. A local guide can point out the distinct architectural styles and the story of the site’s abandonment.
2 hours
Hike to the Hidden Shiva Temple and Waterfall
Follow a narrow forest trail from the main parking area, crossing a seasonal stream to reach a small, roofless Shiva temple with a lingam, and continue another 500 meters to a seasonal waterfall that cascades over mossy rocks (best after monsoon). The path is shaded by teak and bamboo, but requires steady footing on uneven stones.
3 hours
Photography Walk Through the Main Courtyard Ruins
Spend time at the largest excavated complex, where a central courtyard is ringed by broken columns, carved doorways, and a collapsed mandapa, with soft morning light ideal for capturing textures of sandstone and lichen. Focus on the detailed friezes depicting dancers, elephants, and floral motifs, which are unique to this region.
1.5 hours
Nearby Destinations
Travel Tips
Book a reliable local vehicle with a driver
Polo Forest is remote with patchy mobile networks, so arrange a sturdy SUV or tempo traveller from Himmatnagar or Ahmedabad in advance. This ensures safe, unhurried travel and a driver who knows the rough forest roads.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear and use walking sticks
The terrain near the river, temples, and ruins is rocky and slippery in places. Bring comfortable grip-soled shoes and a foldable walking stick or use a sturdy branch from the forest to steady your steps.
Keep a physical map and emergency contact numbers
Since mobile signals are weak or absent, download offline maps and also carry a printed map of the forest. Write down the numbers of the forest guard office and your hotel or driver on paper, and share your itinerary with someone outside the group.
Carry your own food and water
There are no proper restaurants inside the forest, only small tea stalls. Pack a full picnic lunch, plenty of drinking water, and light snacks, especially if you have dietary restrictions or need regular meals.
Start early and leave before sunset
The forest paths are uneven and lighting is poor after dark, making walking risky for seniors. Begin your visit by 8–9 AM, finish your sightseeing by 4 PM, and drive out to the main road well before dusk.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C. Avoid the monsoon (June to September) as the forest trails become slippery and some roads may be closed due to flooding. Winters can get chilly in the mornings and evenings, so pack a light jacket.
From Ahmedabad, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive (approx. 160 km) via the Ahmedabad-Modasa highway, and from Udaipur it’s roughly 2.5 hours (approx. 110 km). The last 15-20 km are narrow but paved forest roads, with some patches of rough terrain, so a sedan is fine but an SUV or high-clearance vehicle is more comfortable. There is no direct public transport, so hiring a private cab or driving yourself is recommended.
There is a nominal entry fee per vehicle (around ₹50-100 for cars) and a small per-person fee (about ₹20-30) at the main gate, which helps with forest maintenance. No prior permit is required for day visits, but you must enter between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. For overnight camping inside the forest, you need to book through the Gujarat Forest Department or approved private operators in advance.
The key highlights are the ancient Shiva temple complex (Polo Mata and Ganesh temples) with intricately carved stone pillars, the serene Harnav River where you can sit on flat rocks, and the short, easy nature trails that are mostly flat and shaded. For senior groups, avoid the strenuous trek to the hilltop viewpoint; instead, enjoy a guided walk near the river, birdwatching, and a peaceful picnic near the old stepwell. There are also small boat rides (manual rowboats) on the river, which are gentle and suitable for most.
There are a few basic food stalls near the temple area selling local snacks (like kachori, tea, and packaged water), but options are limited and not suitable for full meals—so carry your own packed lunch and plenty of drinking water. Toilet facilities are basic pit-style public restrooms near the entry gate and temple; they are not wheelchair-friendly. There is no medical clinic inside, so carry a first-aid kit and any personal medications; the nearest town with a doctor is Khedbrahma (about 20 km away).
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Polo Forest
Day 1
Arrive in Polo Forest in the morning and spend the day walking through the dense Aravalli forest, discovering the scattered 10th-15th century Hindu and Jain temples. The afternoon is for a relaxed picnic near the river and a gentle hike to the viewpoint. Evening is for a quiet sunset walk and early rest.
- Visit the main cluster of ruined temples, including the Sun Temple and Jain temples, with a local guide to explain the intricate carvings
- Walk along the Harnav River and explore the smaller, hidden shrines nestled among the trees
- Climb the gentle hill to the Polo Forest viewpoint for panoramic views of the forest canopy and distant hills
- Breakfast
- Lunch (packed or at a local dhaba near the forest entrance)
- Dinner
Day 2
Start the day with a bird-watching walk through the forest’s open grasslands, then visit a nearby tribal village to see traditional crafts and daily life. After lunch, drive to the nearby Shamlaji Temple (about 30 km away), a popular pilgrimage site with a scenic riverside setting. Return to Polo Forest for a final evening around a campfire (if allowed) or a quiet dinner.
- Early morning nature trail along the forest edge, spotting peacocks, deer, and migratory birds (seasonal)
- Visit the tribal village of Kumbhalgarh (or similar nearby settlement) to see pottery making and buy local honey or handwoven items
- Afternoon excursion to Shamlaji Temple, a 11th-century shrine on the banks of the Meshwo River, followed by a short walk to the old stepwell nearby
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
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