Polo Forest

Polo Forest - Tourist information and Updates about timing & Ticket Price

Polo forest is a beautiful forest area spread across 400 square KM located near Abhapur village in Vijaynagar taluka of Sabarkantha district, Gujarat. It is located at the foothills of the Aravalli range, close to Abhapur village, and is around 150 km from Ahmedabad. For families and friends who want a quick weekend break or a one day picnic away from the Ahmedabad or Vadodara, this is one of the most loved nature getaways in North Gujarat.

You can also plan one day picnic from Ahmedabad and can explore the green lush of Polo forest. Day by day, the place got very good tourist attraction thanks to Gujarat tourism who celebrate Monsoon Festival every year. If you are also planning to visit this place, do plan in monsoon season and winter (from September to January) to enjoy the lush green forest of this area.

We are receiving many emails asking about polo forest entry fees and entry permission. You do not need any special permission or ticket to enter Polo Forest for sightseeing. It is open for everyone, and the local villagers of Abhapur are humble, helpful and fluent in Gujarati and Hindi languages. Many travellers club this trip with the nearby Shamlaji Temple, which falls on the same route from Ahmedabad. If you enjoy nature, history, and light adventure in one trip, Polo Forest is worth adding to your list.

Polo Forest Quick Information

History of Polo Forest

History of Polo forest is also very interesting, it is believed that the Polo city was established in around 10th century by King Parihar of Idar which was conquered by Rathod Rajputs of Mewar in 15th century. The name Polo comes from the word Pol, which means gateway, because this area once worked as a gateway between Gujarat and Rajasthan. 

Most of the temples are now in ruins, but the stone carvings and the layout still show how skilled the builders were. The mix of Jain, Hindu, and older influences makes Polo Forest a rare place where history and nature sit side by side.

Why Polo Forest is Famous

Polo Forest in Vijaynagar is famous for being a green weekend spot near Ahmedabad where you can enjoy forest, river, hills, and heritage together. Tourists from Gujarat and nearby states visit this place mainly for these reasons:

• Lush green forest and hill views, especially during and after the monsoon
• Ancient Shiv and Jain temple ruins spread inside the forest
• Easy trekking trails and camping under the open sky
• The Harnav river and small seasonal waterfalls
• The yearly Polo Utsav with adventure activities and cycling
• No entry fee and no permit needed for a normal visit

Things to Do at Polo Forest

1. Forest Trekking – Polo Forest has several easy to medium trekking routes through the hills and along the river. It is best to hire a local guide, and a full trek takes around 4 to 5 hours.
2. Camping and Campfire – Staying overnight at a campsite is the main reason many people come here. You can sit around a campfire, sleep in tents, and wake up to birdsong and cool forest air.
3. Rappelling and Rock Climbing – The rocky hills near the forest are good for rappelling and rock climbing. These activities are usually arranged by campsites and tour operators during the season.
4. Cycling – During Polo Utsav, cycling routes are set up so you can explore the forest edges and nearby villages on two wheels.
5. Visiting Temple Ruins – Spend time at the Shiv Panchayatan Temple, Polo Jain Temples, and Sarneshwar Mahadev to see old carvings and quiet, spiritual corners of the forest.
6. Bird Watching and Nature Walks – The forest is home to many birds and small wildlife. Early morning is the best time for a slow nature walk with your camera.

Polo Forest Entry Fee

There is no entry fee to visit Polo Forest. You can drive in through Idar and Vijaynagar and enjoy the forest with your family or friends without paying any ticket.

You also do not need any special permit for normal sightseeing. Do keep in mind that activities like camping, trekking with a guide, rappelling, and cycling are charged separately by campsites and tour operators. Parking charges may also apply at some private spots.

Polo Forest Timings

Polo Forest does not have a fixed gate timing like a ticketed park, but the recommended time to enter and explore is between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The forest connects a few villages, so the road is not fully closed, but for your safety it is best to leave the forest area before sunset. Early morning is the most pleasant time to visit.

Best Time to Visit Polo Forest

The best time to visit Polo Forest is from July to February. During the monsoon months of July to September, the forest turns fully green, the Harnav river flows well, and small waterfalls appear on the hills. This is the most beautiful season for photos and greenery.

The winter months from October to February are best for camping, trekking, and adventure activities because the weather stays cool and dry. Try to avoid the peak summer months of April to June, as it gets very hot and dry and most of the greenery fades. Morning and early evening are the best times of day to explore.

Places to Visit Near Polo Forest

Polo forest is surrounded by beautiful hills from where the Harnav River is crossing and spread across the forest. You can also visit Harnav Dam, ancient Shiv temple, Jain temple and other heritage site located in nearby areas. If you can spend one more day, you can also get a guide and do trekking in the polo forest mountains. There are many trekking routes which are being explored by the tourist. Here we recommend hiring guide before you plan trek in polo forest mountain. It takes only 4 to 5 hours.

1. Shiv Panchayatan Temple:

The Shiv Shakti Temple is also known as Shiv panchayatan temple is one of the famous piece of architecture located in the polo forest. This temple is built around the 15th century, though the temple is in ruins, but its three-dimensional figurines are rarely seen in other temples built in this period. 

2. Vanaj Dam:

Vanaj Dam is one of the central Tourist Attractions in Sabarkantha. The Villages close to Vanaj Dam, Polo forest are untouched from the modern-day amenities and lifestyles. So you could definitely experience the raw lifestyles in a natural environment which you can’t experience in the city or town nowadays. You can witness the water falling from Dam if you are visiting this area during monsoon.

3. Polo Jain Temple Ruins

The Polo Jain Temples are ancient temples in the Polo forest, Vijayanagar, Gujarat. These temples are the melting pot of 4 different religions - Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Islam. The 14th-century Jain temple complex was constructed by the Parihar dynasty. It is situated in the Aravalli range's foothills.

4. Sarneshwar Temple - Where Nandi is greater than Shiva

This is unique temple where you will see Nandi is placed on a pillar which is above the Shiva linga. You will hardly find such arrangement in any Shiva temple. It is believed that the temple was build in 4th century by Parihar king from Idar. 

You can also explore other famous tourist places mentioned below:

If you are planning a longer North Gujarat trip, you can easily combine Polo Forest with the Shamlaji Temple on the way, and add the Ambaji Temple near the Gujarat-Rajasthan border to make it a nature and pilgrimage circuit.

How to Reach Polo Forest

By Train

The nearest railway station to Polo Forest is Idar, about 35 km away. Himmatnagar is the nearest major junction, around 65 km away, with better train connections to Ahmedabad and other cities. From the station you can hire a taxi or take a bus up to Vijaynagar and then reach the forest.

By Road

Polo Forest is well connected by road and is about 150 km from Ahmedabad, roughly a 3.5 to 4 hour drive via Himmatnagar and Idar. GSRTC state buses run to Idar and Vijaynagar, from where local jeeps and shared vehicles go towards the forest. Most visitors prefer to drive their own car or hire a cab for comfort.

By Air

The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 150 km away. From the airport you can hire a taxi or self-drive car to reach Polo Forest in around 4 hours.

Polo Forest Resorts and Package Price

Polo Forest has both government and private stay options. If you want an all-in-one trip, you can also book the 1 Night 2 Days Polo Forest package from Ahmedabad which usually includes travel, food, stay, and trekking.

Travel Tips for Polo Forest

• Carry enough drinking water and some food, as restaurants inside the forest are very limited.
• If you plan camping or trekking, book at least a week in advance during monsoon and winter, as these are peak times.
• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip because the trails can be rocky and slippery after rain.
• Try to finish your sightseeing and leave the deep forest area before sunset for safety.
• Keep the forest clean and do not litter, as this is a protected eco-sensitive area.
• Mobile network can be weak inside the forest, so download your maps and share your plan with family before going.

More Gujarat Places to Explore on TheIndia

• Shamlaji Temple — Ancient Vishnu temple on River Meshvo, on the Polo Forest route
• Ambaji Temple — One of the 51 Shaktipeethas in North Gujarat
• Kotna Beach — Quiet riverside spot near Vadodara
• Places to Visit in Vadodara — Top sights and day trips in the cultural capital of Gujarat