Founded in the early 20th century by the Idar state and originally named Ahmednagar before independence, Himmatnagar sits on the Sabarmati river and serves today as the headquarters of Sabarkantha district. It functions primarily as a regional market and administrative centre, with little in the way of standalone sightseeing, but its position on the highway makes it the usual stop for fuel, food and supplies for travellers continuing on to the Polo Forest or Idar. Himmatnagar sits at an elevation of 143 m. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, November, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include sabarmati riverfront ghats for morning walks, rajmahal palace’s carved stone jharokha balconies, and old bazaar’s silver filigree and brassware stalls. It falls within Gujarat, India.
State: Gujarat
Ideal Duration: 30-60 Minutes
January, December, November, February
There are no permanent restaurants or medical clinics inside the forest; only a few seasonal tea and snack stalls near the entrance. Toilets are basic pit-type toilets at the main parking area, and they may not be clean or accessible for disabled travellers. Carry your own packed lunch, drinking water, and a small first-aid kit, and know that the nearest proper hospital is in Himmatnagar town, about 40 minutes away.
The main temple complex (like the Sharneshwar Mahadev and Jain temples) is relatively flat, but the paths are uneven with loose stones and some short steep steps near the riverbank. Walking sticks are recommended, and you should allow extra time to rest at shaded spots. For those who cannot walk long distances, you can still see the key temples from the car park area, but a wheelchair is not practical due to the terrain.
Polo Forest is about 35 to 40 kilometres from Himmatnagar, and the drive takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by private car or taxi. The last stretch includes a mix of paved and rough gravel roads, so hire a sturdy SUV or a comfortable tempo traveller with a local driver who knows the terrain. There is no public bus directly into the forest, so pre-arranged transport is essential.
The ideal time is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 28 degrees Celsius. Avoid the monsoon months (June to September) as the forest trails become slippery and many internal roads are closed due to waterlogging. Summers (April to May) are extremely hot, making outdoor walks difficult for senior travellers.
Yes, a day trip is very safe and common, but you must start early (around 8 am) to avoid the afternoon heat and return before sunset, as the forest has no streetlights and wildlife is more active at dusk. Carry sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and at least 2 litres of water per person. Also, keep your mobile phone fully charged, but note that network signals are patchy inside the forest, so inform your driver or hotel about your planned return time.