Hidden 15th-century temple ruins wrapped in dense forest, monsoon streams and star-filled nights — everything you need to plan the perfect Polo Forest trip from Ahmedabad.
About Polo Forest
Polo Forest is a roughly 400-square-kilometre forest range near Vijaynagar in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district, spread along the Harnav river at the foot of the Aravalli hills on the Gujarat–Rajasthan border. It is about 150 km from Ahmedabad — a 3–4 hour drive — which makes it one of the closest places where you get real forest, hills and running water in the same day.
What sets it apart from other picnic spots near Ahmedabad is the heritage inside it. Scattered through the trees are 15th-century Jain and Hindu temple ruins, including the Sharneshwar Mahadev temple, left behind by a settlement that once stood in this valley. The forest around them is deciduous, home to over 100 bird species and wildlife such as leopards and sloth bears, so most visitors explore it with a local guide.
Why visit Polo Forest?
- Heritage and nature in one trip — temple ruins, forest trails and a river, not just a viewpoint
- Close enough to Ahmedabad for a one-day trip, without a night's travel
- Monsoon waterfalls and an emerald canopy between July and September
- Dark, unpolluted night skies that make it a favourite first camping destination
- Easy walking — no technical trekking, so families, students and beginners all manage it
- Budget-friendly: a guided group day trip costs far less than a hill-station weekend
Polo Forest isn't a place you rush through. Give it a full day and it rewards you with silence, green and a little bit of history.
Best places to visit in Polo Forest
Sharneshwar Mahadev Temple
The best-preserved shrine in the Polo complex, tucked into the forest with carved pillars and a quiet stream running alongside.
Polo Jain & Hindu ruins
Scattered 15th-century temple remains across the Vijaynagar range — most visitors see only a fraction of them without a guide.
Seasonal forest waterfalls
Short trails lead to streams and falls that run strongest between late July and September.
Harnav river & dam area
Wide-open water and hill views, a favourite sunset and photography stop before heading back.
Vijaynagar forest trails
Deciduous forest with over 100 bird species; leopards and sloth bears live here, so walk with a local guide.
Things to do in Polo Forest
- Walk the ruins circuit with a guide who can explain the Jain and Hindu carvings
- Trek to a seasonal waterfall in the monsoon
- Birdwatch along the Harnav river in the early morning
- Camp overnight and watch the stars away from city light
- Take a slow photography walk through the mist-covered forest at sunrise
Best time to visit Polo Forest
Monsoon (July–September) is the most rewarding time — green canopy, running waterfalls and a full Harnav river. Winter (November–February) is best if camping and long walks are the plan. Peak summer is doable but hot and dry, with no waterfalls.
| Season | Months | Weather | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monsoon | July – September | Heavy rain spells, 24–32°C, very green | Best for waterfalls and forest views |
| Winter | November – February | Cool mornings, 12–28°C, dry | Best for camping, trekking and night skies |
| Post-monsoon | October | Clearing skies, still green | Good all-round window with fewer crowds |
| Summer | March – June | Hot and dry, 30–42°C | Avoid unless you start very early |
Suggested Polo Forest itineraries
One-day Polo Forest plan (from Ahmedabad)
Works well if you leave before sunrise and keep the return before dark.
- 5:30 AMDepart AhmedabadTea and breakfast stop near Himmatnagar on the way.
- 9:00 AMReach VijaynagarEnter the forest range and start with the Sharneshwar temple.
- 10:30 AMRuins walkGuided circuit of the Jain and Hindu temple remains.
- 12:30 PMWaterfall / river timeSeasonal falls in the monsoon, Harnav riverside otherwise.
- 2:00 PMLunchSimple Gujarati thali at a local eatery or camp kitchen.
- 3:30 PMFree forest walkBirdwatching and photography before heading out.
- 5:00 PMStart the returnBack in Ahmedabad by around 8:30–9:00 PM.
Weekend plan — 1 night / 2 days
The version most people prefer: no rushing, and you get the night sky.
- Day 1 AMDrive in and settleReach by late morning, check into the camp and have lunch.
- Day 1 PMRuins + waterfallFull guided circuit at an easy pace, sunset at the river.
- Day 1 NightCamp, bonfire, stargazingDinner at camp and a clear, dark sky.
- Day 2 AMSunrise bird walkThe forest is at its most active in the first two hours of light.
- Day 2 NoonBreakfast and returnLeave after brunch, back in Ahmedabad by evening.
How to reach Polo Forest from Ahmedabad
Where to stay in Polo Forest
Food and meals
Food options inside the forest are limited — expect simple Gujarati thali, poha, tea and snacks at small local eateries or at the camp kitchen. There is no reliable market deep inside the range, so carry water and some snacks for the trail. Group departures include breakfast and lunch, and camp stays include dinner.
Approximate Polo Forest trip budget
| Item | Approx. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Travel from Ahmedabad (own car, shared) | ₹450 – ₹700 per person | Fuel + tolls, split between 4–5 people; ≈300 km round trip |
| Travel by GSRTC bus | ₹250 – ₹400 per person | One way to Vijaynagar via Himmatnagar; local vehicle extra |
| Local vehicle inside the range | ₹800 – ₹1,500 per vehicle | Only if you arrive by bus — ruins and river are spread out |
| Guide for the ruins circuit | ₹300 – ₹600 per group | Recommended; forest trails are unmarked |
| Meals for the day | ₹250 – ₹450 per person | Gujarati thali, tea and snacks at local eateries |
| Overnight tented camp | ₹800 – ₹1,500 per person | Tent, dinner, bonfire and breakfast at a Vijaynagar camp |
| GAC Polo Forest One Day Trip | from ₹1,000 per person | Transport from Ahmedabad, guide, meals and entries handled |
| GAC Polo Forest Bike Ride | from ₹799 per person | Group ride with backup support; your own bike and fuel |
Ye approximate planning numbers hain — fuel rates, camp tariffs aur group size ke hisaab se badalte hain. GAC packages ki final price aur available dates hamesha uske trip page par live dikhti hain.
Who should visit Polo Forest?
- Families with children — short, easy walks and no technical trekking
- School and college groups: budget-friendly, and the whole day is supervised
- First-time campers who want an easy, close-by introduction
- History and photography enthusiasts drawn to the temple ruins
- Monsoon travellers chasing waterfalls without a long drive
- Senior travellers can enjoy the temple and river areas, but should skip the longer forest trails
Safety and local travel advice
- This is a live forest range — leopards and sloth bears are present. Do not walk unfamiliar trails after dark.
- Monsoon rocks near the streams get very slippery; wear grippy shoes and skip the deeper pools.
- Mobile network is patchy inside the forest. Share your plan with someone before you head in.
- Carry your own water and take all waste back out — there is no garbage collection inside the range.
- Check the weather before leaving; heavy rain can make forest roads and trails unusable.
Things to carry
- Grippy trekking or sports shoes
- Rain jacket / poncho (monsoon)
- Extra set of clothes
- 2 litres of water per person
- Mosquito repellent
- Power bank + torch
- Basic first-aid and personal medicines
- Photo ID
Original Polo Forest trip photos
Polo Forest Trips from Ahmedabad
PicnicPolo Forest One Day Trip
✦ One-day group trip from Ahmedabad to Polo Forest
Trip
TripBakor Bike Ride
✦ Route: Ahmedabad → Dehgam → Bayad → Bakor → Khanpur → Kadana Dam
