Why Polo Forest?
Polo Forest, near Vijaynagar in northern Gujarat's Sabarkantha district, is a genuinely off-the-radar destination — a cluster of 15th-century Hindu and Jain temple ruins scattered through dense Aravalli forest, largely overtaken by vegetation over the centuries. Unlike more polished heritage sites, these ruins feel genuinely rediscovered, half-swallowed by trees and roots.
The forest itself is part of the broader Harnav river valley ecosystem — a rare pocket of real, dense greenery in a largely dry state, making it a popular spot for camping and light forest walks as much as for the ruins themselves.
🌲 Polo Forest at a Glance
Love the outdoors? See our guide to forest destinations in India.
Best Time to Visit Polo Forest
Comfortable temperatures for forest walks, camping, and exploring the ruins.
Heat builds significantly, making extended outdoor time less comfortable.
The forest is at its greenest, but access roads can be affected by rain.
Our pick: October to February — the most comfortable window for forest walks and camping.
How to Reach Polo Forest
- By Air: Ahmedabad Airport, about 150km away, is the nearest option.
- By Road: The only practical route — a genuinely remote destination requiring a dedicated drive.
- By Train: No direct rail access; road travel is essential.
Top Things to Do at Polo Forest
- 15th-century temple ruins: Hindu and Jain shrines scattered through the forest, half-swallowed by vegetation.
- Harnav Dam and River: Running through the forest, adding to its greenery and a good spot for a quiet walk.
- Camping: A genuinely rewarding way to experience the forest overnight, given limited formal lodging nearby.
- Light forest trekking: Undeveloped trails through genuinely dense Aravalli forest, a rarity in Gujarat.
Where to Stay Near Polo Forest
- → Self-arranged camping within permitted areas
- → Small operator-run camping setups
- → Basic guesthouses in Vijaynagar
- → Simple forest-department accommodation, where available
- → A small number of better-appointed stays nearby — options remain genuinely limited given the area's remoteness
What to Eat Near Polo Forest
Dining options are minimal — most visitors carry their own supplies.
- Self-carried supplies: Given minimal facilities, most visitors bring their own food and water.
- Simple local eateries in Vijaynagar: Basic Gujarati meals available in the nearby town.
2-Day Polo Forest Itinerary
Arrival & Ruins
- ✓Arrive, set up camp or check in
- ✓Afternoon: explore the temple ruins
- ✓Evening: relax by the Harnav River
Forest Walk & Departure
- ✓Morning: light forest trekking
- ✓Late morning: pack up
- ✓Afternoon: departure
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Camping | Guesthouse |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹500 | ₹1,300 |
| Food/day (self-carried or local) | ₹300 | ₹500 |
| Local transport per day | ₹400 | ₹400 |
| Daily total | ₹1,200 | ₹2,200 |
| 2-Day trip total | ₹2,400 | ₹4,400 |
* Excludes transport to the region. Prices reflect the area's minimal, low-cost infrastructure.
Essential Travel Tips for Polo Forest
- Carry your own supplies: Facilities are genuinely minimal — bring food, water, and essentials.
- Fuel up before heading in: Options thin out considerably off the main highway.
- Consider camping: One of the best ways to experience the forest given limited lodging.
- Set expectations accordingly: This is a quiet, undeveloped destination, not a polished tourist stop.
✅ Do
- →Carry sufficient food, water, and supplies
- →Consider camping for the fullest experience
- →Fuel up and stock supplies before heading in
- →Wear sturdy shoes for uneven forest terrain
- →Set realistic, low-infrastructure expectations
❌ Don't
- →Expect polished tourist infrastructure
- →Head in without carrying your own food and water
- →Skip fueling up before the final stretch of drive
- →Wander deep into unmarked forest areas alone
- →Expect direct rail or reliable public transport access
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need at Polo Forest?
One to two days is enough — a day trip covers the main temple ruins and a walk along the Harnav River, while an overnight camping trip lets you experience the forest at a slower pace.
What is the best time to visit Polo Forest?
October to February for the most comfortable weather. The monsoon (June–September) brings the lushest greenery but access roads can be affected by rain.
How do I reach Polo Forest?
The nearest airport is Ahmedabad, about 150km away. Road is the only practical route to this genuinely remote destination — there's no rail access.
Can I camp at Polo Forest?
Yes — camping is a popular option here given the limited formal accommodation and the forest's genuinely undeveloped character, a rarity in a largely dry state.
What ruins are at Polo Forest?
A cluster of 15th-century Hindu and Jain temple ruins, largely overtaken by dense Aravalli forest vegetation over the centuries, giving the site an atmospheric, rediscovered-ruins character.
Is Polo Forest crowded?
No — this is a genuinely off-the-radar destination with minimal infrastructure and visitor facilities, appealing specifically to travelers seeking a quiet nature-and-ruins experience.
What is the budget for a trip to Polo Forest?
A budget traveler can manage on roughly ₹1,200 a day if camping, higher if opting for one of the limited guesthouse options nearby. This is a low-cost destination overall given its minimal infrastructure.
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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