Longing for a trip that offers the best possible blend of culture, adventure, and tranquillity? The Polo Forest is a place you should consider.
Just a short drive from Ahmedabad, this location comes alive with birdsongs amid its ruined temples surrounded by dense forests. Whether it’s rewarding treks that challenge your grit or historical remains that arouse curiosity, Polo Forest is the perfect getaway for a refreshing as well as meaningful travel experience.
Table of Contents
- Polo Forest: A Soulful Blend of History and Culture
- When Nature Meets Tranquillity
- Adventure in the Polo Forest’s Heartland
- Planning the Visit: All You Need to Know
- Wrapping Up
Polo Forest: A Soulful Blend of History and Culture
The Polo forest dates back as early as the 10th century, when it was the site of a flourishing city known as Vijayanagar, a part of the Parihar kingdom. Its name comes from the Rajasthani word Pol, meaning gate, and tells of its popularity as the natural gateway between Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Thus, the city was strategically important, but with time, the residents abandoned the region, and its surrounding area gave way to a forest. As of today, the forest is dotted with more than 100 archeological remains of the kingdom, many of which are covered with moss and creepers.
Among these ruins lies the Sarneshwar Mahadev Temple, built in the 15th century, and one of the most popular attractions in the forest. Devotees of Lord Shiva regard this temple as an essential place of worship.
Interestingly, the temple has the idol of Nandi, Lord Shiva’s gatekeeper, placed on a pillar above the main deity. The forest also has several smaller Jain temples, ruined fortifications, and stepwells, which travellers can often spot along the trails.
To arrive at the forest, which is a three-hour drive from Ahmedabad, you can opt for a car on rent in Ahmedabad for a comfortable and swift journey.
When Nature Meets Tranquillity
If you love spending time in the calmness of nature, know that the Polo Forest offers a charm of its own. The Harnav River, flowing gently through the lush landscapes, can be the perfect soul-soothing soundtrack for your forest walks.
The dam in this river is exceptionally picturesque and makes for an ideal picnic spot for families and groups of friends. It’s also a great spot for camping; away from the urban chaos, you get to experience starlit nights and a cool breeze carrying an earthy smell of the forest.
If the idea of such an overnight escape sounds exciting to you, it’s best to hire a car on rent in Ahmedabad. This will give you the flexibility to include side trips to places like the Idar Hill fort.
Adventure in the Polo Forest’s Heartland
Beyond its natural abundance and culturally significant sites, Polo Forest is a haven for trekkers. Some of the most popular and rewarding treks include Bhim-ni-Ghanti and the Kalaliyo Hill, which offer sweeping vistas of the Aravalli ranges following a challenging climb.
Those passionate about wildlife will fall in love with the diverse sightings in the forest. It is a refuge for hyenas, foxes, leopards, and more than 275 species of birds (ranging from migratory storks to kingfishers), though patience and luck are essential.
In case you’re planning to travel in a group, renting a tempo traveller in Ahmedabad is the way to go.
Planning the Visit: All You Need to Know
Here are the essentials you should keep in mind before finalising a trip to the Polo Forest:
- The period between October and March is the best time to explore this forest, as the cool and pleasant weather lets you enjoy the trip to the fullest. During monsoons, the forest turns even more photogenic, but trekking trails might get slippery.
As for the summer season, the heat can be harsh and should be avoided. You can also time a visit to the Polo Utsav, a state-backed festival held at Abhapur featuring a tent city, cultural programmes, and soft-adventure activities.
- Public transport options are sparse beyond present-day Vijaynagar, which is why hired vehicles or private cars are the most reliable way to reach the forest. In case you’re travelling in a larger group, a tempo traveller in Ahmedabad will be ideal.
- Once you’ve arrived, make sure to hire a local guide who can help explore the forest and navigate trekking routes effectively.
Wrapping Up
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning for a trip to this living storybook where the ruins whisper legends of history and nature plays an ever-so-calming music.
From treks across the hills and riverside picnics to stone temples that are hidden in the foliage, the place promises moments of connection with both the present and the past. That said, thoughtful transport choices can make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Be it a tempo traveller for fun-filled group travels or a private car for a cosy ride, Savaari Car Rentals’ chauffeur-driven cabs are sure to make your trip seamless.
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