Polo Forest

Important Notice: Polo Forest will be closed due to heavy rains from September 3rd to September 15th, as per the district collector’s notice in Gujarat. Please plan your visit accordingly.

Polo Forest – Green Lush Forest Area Near Ahmedabad

Polo forest is a beautiful forest area spread across 400 square KM located near Abhapur village in Vijay Nagar taluka of Gujarat. This place is a famous weekend destination near Ahmedabad located at just 150KM from this mega city. You can also plan one day picnic from Ahmedabad and can explore the green lush of Polo forest. Day by day, the place got very good tourist attraction thanks to Gujarat tourism who celebrate Monsoon Festival every year. If you are also planning to visit this place, do plan in monsoon season and winter (from September to January) to enjoy the lush green forest of this area.

We are receiving many emails asking about polo forest entry fees and entry permission. You don't really need any permission or need to pay any fees; you can directly go to this place via Idar and can enjoy it with your family, friends or even with your child. The villagers in Abhapur are very humble and supportive and fluent in Gujarati and Hindi languages.

History

History of Polo forest is also very interesting, it is believed that the Polo city was established in around 10th century by King Parihar of Idar which was conquered by Rathod Rajputs of Mewar in 15th century. The meaning of Pol is the gate which signify the importance of this place which was considered as a gateway between Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Important Note for The Tourist Visiting Polo Forest

Polo forest is a protected area which is open for all but place be sensible tourist and follow forest department rule while visiting this protected area.

• Timing - Recommended Entry / Exit time is 6AM to 5PM. As far as the information we have, there is no restriction to pass the polo forest area as it connect few villages but we strongly recommend leaving the forest area before sunset for safety reason.
• Entry Fees - No Entry Fees to visit Polo Forest

Places to Visit in Polo Forest:

Polo forest is surrounded by beautiful hills from where the Harnav River is crossing and spread across the forest. You can also visit Harnav Dam, ancient Shiv temple, Jain temple and other heritage site located in nearby areas. If you can spend one more day, you can also get a guide and do trekking in the polo forest mountains. There are many trekking routes which are being explored by the tourist. Here we recommend hiring guide before you plan trek in polo forest mountain. It takes only 4 to 5 hours.

1. Shiv Panchayatan Temple:

The Shiv Shakti Temple is also known as Shiv panchayatan temple is one of the famous piece of architecture located in the polo forest. This temple is built around the 15th century, though the temple is in ruins, but its three-dimensional figurines are rarely seen in other temples built in this period. 

2. Vanaj Dam:

Vanaj Dam is one of the central Tourist Attractions in Sabarkantha. The Villages close to Vanaj Dam, Polo forest are untouched from the modern-day amenities and lifestyles. So you could definitely experience the raw lifestyles in a natural environment which you can’t experience in the city or town nowadays. You can witness the water falling from Dam if you are visiting this area during monsoon.

3. Polo Jain Temple Ruins

The Polo Jain Temples are ancient temples in the Polo forest, Vijayanagar, Gujarat. These temples are the melting pot of 4 different religions - Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Islam. The 14th-century Jain temple complex was constructed by the Parihar dynasty. It is situated in the Aravalli range's foothills.

4. Sarneshwar Temple - Where Nandi is greater than Shiva

This is unique temple where you will see Nandi is placed on a pillar which is above the Shiva linga. You will hardly find such arrangement in any Shiva temple. It is believed that the temple was build in 4th century by Parihar king from Idar.

Things To Do at Polo Forest

It is depending upon where are you staying and which season are you travelling to polo forest. Here are few activities you can do at Polo forest during peak season.

1. Rappelling at Polo Forest

Rappelling and Rock Climbing are some of the famous Adventure Activities which you can enjoy near Polo Forest. Rock climbing also helps you in testing you physical and mental ability as you climb up, down and across rocks. Here you can discover the joy of climbing as you travel to incredible natural rock formations in Gujarat. 

2. Chimney Climbing /Caving at Polo Forest

Chimney Climbing is another famous sports and adventurous activity that you can do while being in the polo forest. The forest is known for its beautiful eco-tourist place situated near Ahmedabad. The place is blessed with abundance of natural resources, historical places, dam, and river surrounded by mountain ranges.

3. Forest Trekking at Polo Forest

Polo Forest is one of the impeccable place where as a tourist you can enjoy Hiking & Trekking Camp, living in the lap of Nature. Jungle trek is all times favorite adventure. If you love to walk through nature then this Polo Forest is a good place to visit. The perfect place for one day trekking and picnic!

4. Site Seeing at Polo Forest

Polo forest is an amazing pure natural and scenic tourist place situated in Gujarat. The forest has many thing to explore in and around it. While driving or trekking in Polo forest you can get a chance to see the beauty of the remains of Jain and Hindu temples constructed during the 16thCentury. The temples are really attractive during the monsoon months.

5. Campfire at Polo Forest

Polo Forest is known for its own beauty and charm. This lush green stretch of the hilly forest has the ability to attract anybody. An area is a fantastic place for Camping & Adventure Activities like Bouldering & Rappelling. It’s one of the tops and the best places for Hiking & Trekking Camp.

6. Cycling

During Polo utsav, you can enjoy cycling around forest area where you can explore nature and local villages.

Polo forest accommodation options:

Polo forest is now having various accommodation options in private properties which are located in outskirt of the protected areas. But if you are looking to stay in forest area of Polo Forest, there is only one option is available:

Polo campsite

Polo campsite is operated by the Gujarat state forest department. To stay at Polo Campsite, you will have to book your accommodation through the Himmatnagar forest department in advance. You need to send them emails with dates, number of people, and types of rooms (AC or Non AC). Based on the availability of the rooms, they will confirm your booking at the Polo campsite.

Apart from this, there are couple of private hotel / resorts offers accommodation at very higher rate ranging from 2500/- to 7000/- per night depending upon the season you are traveling. Here are those private properties you can check for accommodation in (outer side) Polo forest.

1. Fern Sattva Resort
2. Polo tent city & resort
3. Polo forest eco lodge (Home stay)
4. Ambika exotica
5. Vijay villas Vijaynagar

And many more.

Food:

You can have a food at above mentioned properties but if you are looking for just lunch or dinner at some restaurant, there are very limited options. Polo campsite has its own kitchen but it is limited to their guest and serve basic food. If you are planning single day picnic, we recommend carry food from your home with plenty of water too.

Polo Festival:

Every year, the Gujarat government celebrates the Polo festival by organizing well-planned travel events which include adventure activities, cycling, camping, and many more things. There is a polo camp city is set up at the polo forest where you can stay and enjoy the Polo Utsav.