The Polo Forest Vijaynagar is a dense dry-deciduous forest in the Aravalli foothills of Sabarkantha district, Gujarat, hiding a ruined 15th-century city with Hindu and Jain temples on the banks of the Harnav river, close to the Gujarat–Rajasthan border. It draws campers, cyclists and birdwatchers in the monsoon and winter, and the state runs a Polo Festival here.
Polo Forest, also called Vijaynagar Forest, is a roughly 400 sq km protected forest near Abhapur village in Vijaynagar taluka, Sabarkantha district, Gujarat. It wraps around the ruins of the old Polo (Pol) city and its stone temples, and is about 160 km from Ahmedabad by road.
Key takeaways
- Polo Forest sits in Vijaynagar taluka, Sabarkantha district, Gujarat, in the Aravalli foothills on the Harnav river near the Rajasthan border.
- Wikipedia, citing the Gujarat State Gazetteers, dates the ruined Sharneshwar Shiva temple and the Jain Lakhena na Dera to the 15th century; the state archaeology department manages the restored temples.
- The nearest town is Vijaynagar; Vijaynagar is 160 km from Ahmedabad on National Highway 8, and the usual railhead is Himmatnagar, about 60 km away (Gujarat Tourism, as of October 2026).
- The Gujarat Tourism site records about 275 bird species, 30 mammals and 32 reptiles across the forest, with the forest at its lushest from September to December after the monsoon.
- The Government of Gujarat organises an annual Polo Festival (Polo Utsav) in the forest; confirm the 2026–27 dates with Gujarat Tourism before you plan around it.
About Polo Forest Vijaynagar and the ruined Polo city
Polo Forest is a dry mixed-deciduous forest of about 400 sq km near Abhapur village in Vijaynagar taluka, Sabarkantha district, Gujarat, set in the Aravalli foothills on the perennial Harnav river. It is sometimes called Vijaynagar Forest after the nearest town.
The name comes from “pol”, meaning a gate in Marwari and Gujarati, because the valley sat on the old route between Gujarat and Marwar (Rajasthan). According to Wikipedia, citing the Gujarat State Gazetteers, the Parihar kings of Idar probably founded a town here around the 10th century, the Rathores of Marwar took it in the 15th century, and it later came under Idar State.
The same source says the town was probably abandoned because two tall hills, Kalaliyo to the east (described as the highest peak in the area) and Mamrehchi to the west, cut off sunlight for much of the day. Today the ruins sit scattered through the forest, which the Gujarat Tourism site calls one of the few places where teak gives way to the drier Aravalli vegetation. For wider context, see our Gujarat travel guide.
Best time to visit Polo Forest
The best time to visit Polo Forest is the monsoon-to-winter window, from roughly July to February. The Gujarat Tourism site says the forest is at its lushest between September and December after the monsoon rains, while the monsoon itself (July–September) fills the rivers and waterfalls but makes trails slippery.
Winter, from October to February, brings the most comfortable walking weather and migratory birds; summer is hot and dry and best avoided. All figures below are seasonal guidance, not a forecast.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Monsoon | July–September | Green hills, full rivers and waterfalls; slippery trails, possible closures after heavy rain, leeches in damp undergrowth |
| Post-monsoon / early winter | September–December | Forest at its lushest; wetland birds thinning, migratory birds arriving; best overall for camping |
| Winter | October–February | Cool, pleasant days for temple walks and cycling; migratory birds at the reservoir |
| Summer | March–June | Hot and dry; thin foliage; least comfortable for day-long exploring |
How to reach Polo Forest
You reach Polo Forest by road via Vijaynagar, the nearest town, which the Gujarat Tourism site places 160 km from Ahmedabad and 120 km from Udaipur on National Highway 8. There is no railway or airport at the forest itself, so the last leg is always by road.
The nearest convenient railhead is Himmatnagar Junction, which Gujarat Tourism lists as about 60 km away (other guides quote 45–70 km, so treat it as approximate). The nearest airport is Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. From Vijaynagar or nearby Idar, local jeeps and taxis run to the forest and the temples. Gujarat Tourism warns that public transport “is not always reliable”, so ask locally or hire a vehicle.
| From | Approx. distance | How |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | ~160 km | Road via NH 8 and Himmatnagar–Idar–Vijaynagar; 3.5–4.5 hours by car |
| Himmatnagar (nearest railway) | ~60 km | Taxi or bus to Vijaynagar, then local jeep/taxi |
| Idar | ~30–35 km | Frequent jeeps and taxis to Vijaynagar |
| Udaipur (Rajasthan) | ~120 km | Road via NH 8 |
| Ahmedabad airport (AMD) | ~165 km | Hire car or taxi |
The ruined temples to see
The main sights inside Polo Forest are a cluster of ruined 15th-century temples, which Wikipedia, citing the Gujarat State Gazetteers (Sabarkantha, 1974), attributes to the period after the Rathore conquest. The Gujarat Tourism site says ancient temples, some still in worship, stand deep in the forest, and several travel reports note that the ruins are restored and managed by the state archaeology department.
The largest is the Sharneshwar (Sharaneshwar) Shiva temple at Abhapur, a sandstone shrine once three storeys tall with a fortified wall, now missing its shikhara (spire) and porch roofs. Nearby are the Jain temples known as Lakhena na Dera, a west-facing Shiva-Shakti temple, the Trayatan Shiva temple with its stepped kund (tank), and a large ruined Surya Mandir (Sun temple) whose main image is lost. Treat the dating as the gazetteer’s, not as settled fact for every structure.
| Temple | What it is | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sharneshwar Shiva temple | Largest shrine, once three-storeyed, fortified wall | 15th century; spire and porch roofs destroyed |
| Lakhena na Dera (Jain) | Group of Jain temples, large sandstone with enclosure | 15th century; the best-preserved complex |
| Shiva-Shakti temple | West-facing sandstone shrine | Dated 15th century |
| Trayatan Shiva temple | East-facing shrine with a stone kund | Date not recorded |
| Surya Mandir | Large ruined Sun temple | Main deity image lost |
Birdwatching, the Harnav river and Vanaj dam
Polo Forest is one of Gujarat’s richer birding patches, with the Gujarat Tourism site recording about 275 bird species alongside 30 mammals and 32 reptiles. Fig trees draw the Indian grey hornbill, which Gujarat Tourism lists as endangered, and the brown-headed barbet, along with woodpeckers, raptors and waterfowl.
Mammals here include sloth bears, leopards, panthers, hyenas and flying squirrels, though Gujarat Tourism notes most are heard rather than seen. The forest also holds more than 450 medicinal plant species, which is why it draws naturalists as well as campers.
Water adds to the draw. The Harnav river, which the Gujarat Tourism site calls an ancient water body mentioned in the Puranas, runs through the forest, and press reports from August 2026 describe the Harnav and Vanaj reservoirs and monsoon waterfalls as part of the appeal. The reservoir area is a good spot for migratory birds in winter; sources differ on whether Harnav and Vanaj are one dam or two, so confirm locally.
Camping and the Polo Festival
Camping is the headline experience at Polo Forest, centred on a designated campsite that the Gujarat Tourism site mentions near a large banyan tree where grey hornbills gather. Beyond camping, visitors come for cycling, trekking the forest trails, river walks and temple visits.
The Government of Gujarat organises an annual Polo Festival (Polo Utsav) in the forest, according to Wikipedia and the Ministry of Tourism’s Utsav portal, typically built around a tent camp with cultural programmes, cycling, guided treks and local handicrafts. As of October 2026, the exact 2026–27 festival dates were not published on the official sources I could open, so check the Gujarat Tourism website before planning a trip around it.
An August 2026 news report (ANI) notes that monsoon tourism here increasingly supports tribal communities through food stalls, guiding and homestays, with plastic checks, waste management and visitor-safety measures during the busy season. Book camping or any organised stay ahead in the monsoon and festival weeks.
A suggested two-day itinerary
A weekend is enough to see the main ruins and walk the forest without rushing. This outline assumes a car or hired vehicle from Ahmedabad.
- Day 1: Drive from Ahmedabad via Himmatnagar and Idar to Vijaynagar (3.5–4.5 hours); check in; afternoon walk to the Sharneshwar Shiva temple and nearby shrines; evening at the campsite.
- Day 2: Early birding near the banyan tree and the reservoir; visit the Jain Lakhena na Dera and the Surya Mandir; a short cycle or trek on a forest trail; drive back by evening.
- Add a day if you want to combine the forest with Idar Fort and the hill town of Idar on the way in or out.
Where to stay
Stay options range from the forest campsite to heritage palaces and one resort, spread between the forest, Vijaynagar, Idar and Himmatnagar. There is limited lodging inside the forest itself, so most visitors sleep in Vijaynagar or at a heritage property nearby and drive in.
The Gujarat Tourism trip planner lists heritage and guest stays including Vijay Villas in Vijaynagar, Darbargadh Poshina, and Dowlat Villas Palace and the Idar royal guesthouse near Himmatnagar; there is also the private Fern Sattva resort near the forest for a higher-end stay. Tribal-run homestays have grown with monsoon tourism. For broader planning across the state, see our Gujarat travel guide.
| Type | Indicative price | Examples / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Camping / homestay | ₹1,000–₹3,000 | Forest campsite and tribal-run homestays; book ahead in monsoon and festival weeks |
| Heritage / mid-range | ₹3,000–₹7,000 | Vijay Villas, Darbargadh Poshina, Dowlat Villas Palace (Gujarat Tourism listings) |
| Resort / upper | ₹7,000–₹14,000+ | Private resort near the forest; peaks in winter and festival season |
Budget for a weekend trip
A two-day Polo Forest trip for two from Ahmedabad is modest by Gujarat standards because the forest has no entry ticket and most costs are transport and a room. The figures below are planning estimates, not quoted tariffs, and should be reconfirmed before you travel.
| Item | Indicative cost | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Return car / taxi | ₹5,000–₹8,000 | Ahmedabad round trip, ~320 km plus local running |
| Stay (1 night) | ₹1,500–₹7,000 | Campsite/homestay to heritage room |
| Food | ₹1,200–₹2,500 | Local stalls and simple meals |
| Local jeep / guide / cycle hire | ₹800–₹2,500 | Forest trails, temple circuit |
| Approx. total | ₹8,500–₹20,000 | Lower on camping, higher on a heritage stay |
Entry, rules and safety
There is no stated entry fee for Polo Forest: the Gujarat Tourism site lists visiting hours as sunrise to sunset and records no ticket, though forest activities, camping and parking may carry charges collected locally (treat any figure as indicative and reconfirm). The forest is open ground, not a gated park, so carry your own water and leave no litter.
Monsoon is the main safety concern. Outlook Traveller and the Gujarat Tourism site both note that heavy rain can make trails slippery and may close parts of the forest; check with local authorities before a monsoon visit. Leeches are common in the damp undergrowth from July to September, so wear closed shoes and long socks and carry salt or an antiseptic. Mobile signal is patchy, so download offline maps.
Keep to marked trails, do not approach wildlife, and avoid the forest after dark, when sloth bears and leopards are more active. During the monsoon and festival season the state runs plastic checks and waste management (ANI, August 2026); carry reusable bottles and respect those rules. Solo and women travellers generally find the Vijaynagar area calm, but it is best to walk the trails with a local guide and return before dusk.
Nearby places
Polo Forest pairs well with the forts, temples and palaces of north Gujarat, most within a half-day drive. The hill town of Idar and its fort are the easiest add-on on the way from Ahmedabad.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Idar Fort, Sabarkantha | ~30–35 km | Hilltop fort and rock-strewn town; see our Idar Fort guide |
| Vijaynagar town | ~15–20 km | Nearest market, stays and transport hub |
| Shamlaji temple | ~70 km | Vishnu pilgrimage town on NH 8 near the Aravalli district border |
| Ambaji, Banaskantha | ~110 km | Major Shakti-peeth pilgrimage temple |
| Dowlat Vilas Palace / Poshina | ~45–70 km | Heritage stays and tribal craft villages |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Polo Forest located?
Polo Forest, also called Vijaynagar Forest, is in Vijaynagar taluka, Sabarkantha district, Gujarat, near Abhapur village. It lies in the Aravalli foothills on the Harnav river, close to the Gujarat–Rajasthan border, and is about 160 km by road from Ahmedabad on National Highway 8.
What is the best time to visit Polo Forest?
The best time to visit Polo Forest is September to February. The Gujarat Tourism site says the forest is lushest from September to December after the monsoon, while October to February gives the most comfortable weather and migratory birds. The monsoon fills the waterfalls but makes trails slippery.
How do I reach Polo Forest from Ahmedabad?
Drive or take a bus from Ahmedabad to Vijaynagar, about 160 km on National Highway 8 via Himmatnagar and Idar, a 3.5–4.5 hour trip. The nearest railway is Himmatnagar, around 60 km away, and the nearest airport is Ahmedabad. The last stretch to the forest is by local jeep or taxi.
Is there an entry fee for Polo Forest?
Gujarat Tourism lists Polo Forest’s visiting hours as sunrise to sunset and records no entry ticket, as of October 2026. Camping, guided activities or parking may carry charges collected locally, so treat any quoted figure as indicative and reconfirm on arrival. The forest is open ground rather than a gated national park.
What is the Polo Festival at Vijaynagar?
The Polo Festival (Polo Utsav) is an annual event the Government of Gujarat organises in Polo Forest, typically a tent camp with cultural programmes, cycling, treks and handicrafts. As of October 2026 the exact 2026–27 dates were not published on official sources, so confirm them with Gujarat Tourism before planning around the festival.
Are the Polo Forest temples real ruins and how old are they?
Yes. The temples are genuine ruins that Wikipedia, citing the Gujarat State Gazetteers, dates to the 15th century, including the Sharneshwar Shiva temple and the Jain Lakhena na Dera. The state archaeology department manages the restored structures. Treat the dating as the gazetteer’s attribution rather than settled fact for every shrine.
Last updated and sources
Polo Forest suits travellers who like quiet forests, old stone ruins and birding over crowds and ticketed sights; go between September and February, and book camping ahead in the monsoon and festival weeks.
Last updated: 16 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Gujarat Tourism — Polo Forest, Sabarkantha; Gujarat Tourism — Polo Forest trip planner; Wikipedia — Polo Forest (citing Gujarat State Gazetteers: Sabarkantha, 1974); Ministry of Tourism, Utsav portal — Polo Utsav; Outlook Traveller — Polo Forest; ANI via NewKerala — Polo Forest monsoon tourism, 15 August 2026. Accessed October 2026.
