Our Latest Blog

Polo Forest, also known as "Vijayanagar Forest" in the vernacular, is a beautiful natural forest area located in the Aravalli district of Gujarat. Located about 150 km from Ahmedabad, this place is very popular for a day trip. Here you can experience the peace of nature, dense ghat forest, historical temple ruins and cool weather.

History of Polo Forest

Foundation of Vijayanagar Kingdom: Vijayanagar city was founded in 1288 AD by a Rajput ruler, Virajdev. Polo area was important as the capital of Vijayanagar kingdom. Many temples, palaces and wooden buildings are still visible here.

Temples here: Today, the remains of more than 15 temples are found in Polo Forest, the most famous of which is the Sharaneshwar Mahadev Temple. These temples reflect the historical architecture of the Solanki style. The carvings on the stones here are a testament to the rich culture that once existed.

Natural beauty of Polo Forest

Dense forest: Polo Forest is spread over an area of ​​about 400 square km. It is mainly dry deciduous forest in which trees like teak, sal, mango, timru, mahudo, kher are found. Especially during the monsoon season, this entire area becomes lush and adorned with the colors of nature.

Flora and fauna: There are more than 275 species of plants here and more than 160 species of birds are found. Bear, leopard, wild cat, sable, chital, saber, nilgai, chosinga and many species of snakes are also found here. This is a paradise for bird lovers where various types of colorful birds are seen.

Polo Forest as a tourist destination

Best for a day picnic: People from Ahmedabad, Himmatnagar, Udaipur and surrounding areas come here for a trip, especially on weekends. This place is also unique for cycling, trekking, camping and photography. The combination of natural beauty and historical remains gives a unique experience to everyone who comes here.

Polo Festival: The Polo Festival is organized by Gujarat Tourism in the month of January every year. During this festival, special programs are organized here for folk culture, handicrafts, natural guided tours and visits to ancient temples. This festival is a great opportunity to enjoy the culture and natural beauty of Polo.

Main attractions

• Sharaneshwar Mahadev Temple: The architecture of this temple located in the middle of Polo Forest is miraculous. The river flowing around and the dense forest enhance the peaceful atmosphere of the temple. The natural scenery around the temple gives a feeling of peace and freshness to the mind.
• Jain Temples: The remains of many old Jain temples are found here. The carvings and sculptures on the stones in these temples are amazing. These ancient Jain temples are excellent examples of the art and architecture of that time.
• Vijaynagar Fort and Royal Palace: The palace of the kings of Vijaynagar and their fort are still popular with their grandeur and architecture. Although in a ruined state, this fort and palace give a glimpse of the royal pomp of that time.
• Rivers and Waterfalls: Polo Forest has many small rivers and beautiful waterfalls during monsoon. These natural places attract tourists and make them feel close to nature.

How to plan a trip?

Best time to visit Polo Forest: The best time to visit Polo Forest is after monsoon – September to February. The weather is cool and pleasant during this time. During monsoon, nature is covered with complete greenery, but the roads can be slippery. The heat here is high in summer.

How to reach here:

• By road: The Sabarmati-Bijapur-Himmatnagar route is the best to reach Polo Forest from Ahmedabad. Apart from this, you can also reach Polo via Prantij. Private vehicles and bus services are also available.
• By train: The nearest railway station is Himmatnagar, which is about 60 km away. Taxis or buses can be available from Himmatnagar to Polo.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Ahmedabad. Taxi or bus facilities are available to reach Polo Forest from Ahmedabad.

Camping and Adventure Activities

There are several private campsites and camping sites available in Polo Forest. Here, tent accommodation is available for overnight stays, where you can enjoy the starry sky at night and the sounds of wild animals. Some of the popular activities include:

• Nature Walks and Trekking: Trekking and nature walks are very popular to enjoy the natural beauty of Polo's dense forests. Trekking routes of various lengths are available here.
• River Crossing and Boat Riding: One can also experience crossing small rivers and boating at certain places.
• Night Camp Fire: Enjoying a camp fire at night is an unforgettable experience.
• Cycle Tour: One can also enjoy cycling in the surrounding areas of the forest.

Photography and Wildlife Observation

Polo Forest is a golden opportunity for photography enthusiasts. In the morning light, the ruins of temples, misty forest and colorful spectrum of birds offer wonderful views. The environment here is also very conducive for wildlife photography, although the wildlife should be observed without disturbing their natural environment.

Local People and Culture

The people living here are mainly Bhil, Gamiti, Rabari and other tribal tribes. Their life is connected with nature. The lifestyle, dress and culture of the local people are very interesting to those who come here.