Polo Forest is one of the best tourist spots near Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Himmatnagar especially in the Monsoon and Winter seasons (July to Feb). It is located north side of Gujarat near the Rajasthan border in the south most mountain range of Aravalli. Forest is located near Vijaynagar. It’s around 168km from Ahmedabad towards Idar town.
The river Harnav passing through the forest and it is considered that the habitat lived many years in ancient times.
Things to do in polo forest
- Visit Ancient Shiva temple, Jain Temples
- Bath in river/check dam near polo camp
- Enjoy Harnav river and Harnav dam
- Adventure activities like Trekking, Rock climbing, Cycling/bike rides
- If you stay at the night you can enjoy Jugnu (In Gujarati: aagiya) and lots of stars including the Milkyway galaxy (Akash Ganga)
- Visit farms and houses of villagers
- Big spiders when you look forward sky under trees
- In January month, Gujarat tourism organize bicycle races
On the map below you can see the things to do in the forest.
Please Note
One Good initiative was taken by the local government. Recently, they have banned all vehicles to go inside the Polo forest. It means you have to keep your vehicle in the parking area which is approx 3 to 4 km before the sightseeing points. From parking, you have to hire Electric Rickshaw which operated by the locals. These initiative helps to save the environment and also provide the income to the local tribal people.
What to do in Polo Forest
Request: it’s really a green forest with a clean river our duty to not make it dirty by throwing plastic/paper waste. Please avoid plastic and paper.
It is good for 1 day if you want to visit all the places. But if you want to enjoy natural relaxation + Full of oxygen and dense forest. You should stay here at least for 1 night. If you are planning for a 1-day trip, here is the way how you can spend the day.
If you are coming from Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar or nearby places. Start journey in between 6 to 7 AM in the morning. Reach here and start exploring the places which I have shown above.
Trekking & Rock Climbing at Polo Forest
Forest is best for trekking. It has a safe route and for trekking. If you are a lover of Rock climbing, it’s also the right place. If you have enough time you can do activities like rock climbing and rope climbing.
Enjoy the Nature, Village and Lifestyle
The jungle area was part of the Vijaynagar state before the independence of India (1947). The state has heritage values. Villages are untouched by modern amenities and lifestyles. So you can really enjoy the beautiful Village life in a natural environment which you can’t experience in the city or town nowadays.
River and Check Dam
All attractions are located inshore of the river. There are various check dams available too. A clean, small and shallow river is best for taking bath. Take bath in the river (Do not use soap), spend some time for relaxation. Enjoy flowing water on the check dam and cross it to reach Ruined sun temple.
Experience the Rich Heritage Arts and Structure
King of Vijaynagar and people had created a stunning Temple (15th Century) full of arts and structure. It’s now ruined, but you will love the beauty of the arts when you see it with interest. If you are a heritage lover then also it’s the best to place to go back to the 15th Century era. Shiv Mandir, Sun Temple & Jain Temples are famous places for Heritage.
Shiv Mandir Vijaynagar 
Very ol Shiv Mandir at Polo Forest 
Old Temple in Polo forest 
Art around shiv temple 
Inside dom of Shivmandir (Temple) 
Polo Forest ancient ruins
Explore Flora and Fauna of Polo forest
The jungle is dense and it’s away from commercialization. Due to that, the natural atmosphere is still there. If you are looking for Bird watching and wildlife experience go on Weekdays instead of Weekends. You can explore
- Spiders
- Giant trees
- Reptiles
- Insects
- Butterflies
- Birds
- Plants
Vanaj Dam
Vanaj Dam is a beautiful dam on the Harnav river. It’s the last point of the Forest to explore. Visit it after 5 pm to see the beautiful view of the catchment area of the dam. The road towards the dam is adventurous and fun to pass through the forest.
Food, Accommodation & Other activities
Nowadays various options/packages available to get food and stay. Many resorts, hotels and farms provide One day Package and Night packages with tents, rooms etc. If you really love nature, I suggest staying 1 night in Tent and enjoy the beautiful morning walk in nature.
One Day Packages Polo to Polo
Day Package at Our Camp:
(Polo to Polo)
(9 AM to 6 PM)
Rs. 999/Adult
Rs. 800/Child
(6 to 9 Years)
Includes :
– Veg. Breakfast
– Veg. Lunch
– High Tea
– Swimming Pool
– Adventure Activities
– Water ride
– Sightseeing (40 – 50 Rs/Person on sharing basis, 400-500 Rs/ e-rickshay charges on private basis)
– Guide
– DJ
– Campfire (Winter)
Day Package at Polo Retreat:
(Polo to Polo)
(9 AM to 6 PM)
Rs. 800/Adult
Rs. 750/Child
(5 to 12 Years)
Includes :
– Veg. Breakfast
– Veg. Lunch
– High Tea
– Swimming Pool
1 Night / 2 Days Polo forest hotel Packages
Polo has many hotels and resorts available for 1 night/2 days stays. In monsoon, most of the resorts and campsites remain full at a weekend. Depending on your choices and budget you can select a resort and camps.
In the peak season prices are remains fluctuated based on a date so unable to provide an exact rate for 1 night 2 days.
- Fern Sattva
- Polo Retreat
- Polo Tentcity
- Polo Heritage resort
- Mayur Rathod Campsite
- Chabutaro
- Ambica exotica
Tip: For 2 days, Advanced booking for at least 1 week is advisable in monsoon and winter.
If you do not prefer to go with the packages mentioned above, Still you can reach normal restaurants for the Foods.
Mayur Rathod Campsite
If you are looking for raw/natural campsite, Mayur Rathod campsite is suitable for 2 days. This may have not all facilities like a resort but this will give a real natural touch.
Inclusion
Day 1
– Check-in 3 PM
– Welcome drink
– Dinner
– Accommodation in tent or room
– Eco-guide
Day 2
– Breakfast
– Checkout from Room At 10 AM
– Lunch
– Leave from the campsite
Prices for 1 Night 2 days at Mayur Rathod campsite at Polo forest
Without Second day Lunch
950 Rs/Person
With Second Day Lunch
1,200 Rs/Person
Transportation
Forest is far from the city and town so public transport is not available. It’s advisable to reach there by own vehicle or hire a taxi to reach there.
You can Hire a car at the following rates. Including – Toll-Tax, Driver Allowance, Parking, Sightseeing and Ahmedabad to Ahmadabad travelling.
xCent AC
(Max 4 Person)
Rs. 4,000
Ertiga AC
(Max 6 Person)
Rs. 5,100
Innova Crysta AC
(Max 8 Person)
Rs. 5,850
For Traveling and packages details & Booking, please click on the below link.
Nice Video by Aditi Raval about Polo Forest
Polo Tent City and Events
The government owns the Tent City in the middle of the Forest. Also, they organize cycle races during the winter (January) You can explore more about it using this link – Click Here
To book a tour or check the schedule click here
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Polo forest is one of the most attractive tourist places near Ahmedabad. There are some places near polo forest are actually good to visit. I would like to give you one suggestion that if you could add the photo of each place under the title of the place and also would like to draw your attention that there are few grammatical mistakes in the article. Otherwise you have given good information about the polo forest and it’s temples.
Sure madam, thanks for your feedback. I will add and update it. Also will update grammar