✨ Why Polo Forest is the Perfect Escape?
Imagine walking through moss-covered ruins, listening to birds chirping, with fresh mountain breeze brushing past your face. Welcome to Polo Forest, where history, nature, and peace live together — untouched and unexplored.
Whether you’re a stressed-out city dweller or an adventure lover seeking weekend thrill — Polo Forest is your dream come true!
📍 Where Is Polo Forest?
Tucked in the Aravalli Hills in Sabarkantha district, Polo Forest is just a 3.5-hour drive from Ahmedabad. It’s a perfect one-night-two-day trip for:
- Families 👨👩👧👦
- Nature photographers 📸
- College groups 🎒
- Solo wanderers 💚
📌 Nearest Town: Vijaynagar
📌 Route: Ahmedabad → Himmatnagar → Idar → Vijaynagar → Polo Forest
🏛️ Dive into History – Ruins That Whisper Tales
Once a thriving kingdom, the Polo Forest region has ancient temples dating back to the 10th–15th century. Here’s what you can explore:
🔸 Jain Temples of Parshwanath & Neminath
🔸 Sharneshwar Shiva Temple
🔸 Old stepwells and ruins covered in vines
Every stone here speaks of forgotten dynasties and sacred rituals — it’s like walking through a living history museum!
🌳 Top 6 Things to Do at Polo Forest
1️⃣ Walk Amongst Ancient Temples
Get Insta-worthy shots of mossy walls, carvings, and pillars. Don’t forget to touch the carvings — they’re 900 years old!
2️⃣ Go on a Jungle Trek
Trek to Kalaliyo Hill or Bhim-ni-Ghanti. Ideal for sunrise or sunset. Bonus: Foggy mornings feel straight out of a movie!
3️⃣ Bird Watching & Wildlife Spotting
Bring your binoculars!
- 275+ bird species 🦉
- Wild animals like leopards, jackals 🐆
- Medicinal plants and butterflies 🌼
4️⃣ Enjoy Forest Camping
Set up a tent or stay in eco-resorts. The silence of the forest at night is magical — perfect for stargazing. 🌌
5️⃣ Attend Polo Utsav (Festival Time Only)
If you visit during Polo Utsav (Oct–Feb), enjoy:
- Folk music & dance 🎶
- Local handicrafts 🪔
- Adventure activities like rock climbing, zipline, and more!
6️⃣ Connect with Your Soul
This is your digital detox zone. No noise, no traffic — just you and nature. A perfect spot for meditation and self-reflection.
📅 Best Time to Visit Polo Forest
| Season | Why Visit? |
|---|---|
| Monsoon (July–Sep) | Forest turns lush green, rivers flow |
| Winter (Oct–Feb) | Ideal weather for trekking/camping |
| Avoid Summer | Too hot and dry 🥵 |
🌿 Pro tip: Go just after the first monsoon rain — everything turns emerald green.
🚗 How to Reach Polo Forest
- 🛣️ By Road: Ahmedabad to Polo – 150 km
- 🚉 By Train: Nearest station – Idar
- 🚌 By Bus: Local buses from Himmatnagar
- 🚘 By Car: Self-drive is best for flexibility
🛏️ Where to Stay?
Here are some popular stay options:
🏕️ Forest Eco-Camp (Govt-run) – Budget friendly
🏨 Polo Retreat Resort – Private rooms with scenic views
🛖 Local Homestays – Real village experience
⛺ Camping – Bring your own tents or use camp operators
🍲 What to Eat?
There are no fancy restaurants inside the forest, but nearby stalls serve mouthwatering Gujarati food:
✅ Fafda-Jalebi
✅ Thepla & Achar
✅ Khichdi-Kadhi
✅ Tea in clay kulhads ☕
Pack snacks if you’re going for a long trek!
✅ Essential Travel Tips
- 📶 Network is weak – download offline maps
- 🦟 Carry mosquito repellent
- 🥾 Wear comfortable shoes
- 🧢 Carry cap & water bottle
- 🚯 Don’t litter – respect nature 🙏
💚 Why People Love Polo Forest?
✔️ Offbeat & crowd-free
✔️ Historical + natural combo
✔️ Budget-friendly trip
✔️ Perfect weekend escape
✔️ Amazing Instagrammable spots
Whether you’re traveling with friends or alone — Polo Forest refreshes your mind, body, and soul.
🏁 Final Words
Polo Forest isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling.
The peace you feel here, the mystery in the ruins, the music in bird calls — it’s Gujarat like you’ve never seen before.
So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and head to this magical forest before the world discovers it.
