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.
State: Gujarat
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Days
January, December, November, February
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).