Scenery in polo forest
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Polo Forest – Majestic beauty of Gujarat

September 24, 2021 /

Polo forest in Gujarat has taken a new leap with attracting ample tourists every weekend. Polo forest is rooted in Abhapur village in Vijaynagar Taluka of Sabarkantha district. What you will get to check on is 400 square km of the area that is snubbed in lush green deciduous forest. Based in the lap of Aravalli hills Polo Forest offers you the view of heaven on Earth. It is a natural beauty and offers you a scenic view, which I guess you might fail to check on in your hefty lifestyle of a city. People come to visit here not only from nearby places but from far away too. This is one of the offbeat places of Gujarat that has gained tourist attraction after it came into the hands of the Government of Gujarat. It is promoted under the tourism activity of the Government of Gujarat and since then it has started gaining lots of tourists.

Ancient Shiv Temple
Ancient Shiv Temple

Now, you can check on this blog if you are yet to visit the polo forest or things that you might have missed when you already visited the place. Though this place is completely for nature lovers, for those who want to get lost in the scenic beauty, in the lap of Mother Earth and enjoy the tress and wind sing along with the tunes of the bird. Usually, a weekend is preferred to travel as you can capture the Early sunrise and various places that are declared as a heritage site, however, a day visit to the polo forest is also preferable. You can either book a resort that offers you packages and guide you along or you can straight away head to Polo Forest. The scenic view you get on the roads while travel is nothing less than heaven which makes you forget the hectic lifestyle. Mountains and rivers and clouds that play peek a boo with the hills that you across along your way.

Where is Polo forest?

Polo forest is located in Vijaynagar Taluka of Sabarkantha district. Around 160 km and 3.5 hours drive from Ahmedabad.

Nature at its best in polo forest
Nature at its best in polo forest

What to see in Polo forest?

Since it is nestled in Aravalli hills, mountains and mountains is all you see, but full of greenery. The deciduous forest that leaves you in awe is what you will find. Species of birds that you might not find elsewhere and animals if you are silent enough to attract them towards you. However, due to more human activity, they hide in the inner forest. Things to enjoy in Polo forest are:

  • Trekking of around an hour offers you unfiltered pure air. Pure enough to revive your lungs filled with smoke
  • A serene view that carries you to another world
  • Echo point to take tons of pictures
  • Jain temples
  • Sharneshwar Shiv Temple
  • Harnav Dam
  • Harnav River
  • Polo forest campsite
  • Memories that last forever
Scenery in polo forest
Scenery in polo forest

 

The story behind the word polo

Do you know what is meaning of Polo is? Polo means a gate and this place was a gate for the entry to Rajasthan so it was named Polo forest- Entry to Rajasthan. Forest is lush green with various medicinal herbs and trees which in this time are considered to be Jadibutti on Earth. We were lucky enough to grab on the view of mountain goats who climbed like a runner on Treks that were stopped to catch a breath. The moment we realize we are not even fit enough to compare ourselves with a mountain goat. The luxury lifestyle of the city failed against the lifestyle of a goat. While you climb the steep climb of the hill you will notice some locals running and jumping like a pro. I was just amazed at that sight.

Entry fee to polo forest

Entry to the polo forest is completely free. You can park your cars near a place allotted especially for polo forest visitors and then take a rickshaw that charges you a mere INR 10 to the Polo forest. However, if you are a trek lover and would like to trek you can walk along. It is around 3 km from the parking.

While you start your climb, you will see the beautiful sight of the Harnav river hopping and jumping. Folks enjoy here with full enthusiasm. Jain temple and the ruins are located here. You get to capture the most scenic photos that give you access to the history of Polo Forest. However, when we visited the area was closed as it was under redevelopment by the government of Gujarat. It hosts 3 Jain temples that speak about the religious belief of our ancients.

One more scenic and heritage site is Sharneshwar Shiv temple that offers you the most fantastic vibes when you step in. A pujari to offer you prasad from an old heritage site temple makes you time travel back to the 15th Century when this temple was in full bloom. Every wall speaks about the culture and lifestyle that existed in that Era. However, one important thing I noticed was that sculptors were defaced and mutilated. I have noticed this in various heritage sites and temples. Temples in an earlier era were attacked by intruders to finish off the culture we live in. the more I learn history, the more I want to get into it. Also, are you aware people choose this site for capturing the most beautiful moments of their life. It is a hot and happening destination for Pre-wedding shoots.

Well, there is Harnav dam that is a wonderful sight as well. You get damn tired by taking a trek and then you would like to head off for a lunch. We started early morning from our resort and now it was time for lunch. Usually, resorts offer a day package that includes breakfast, lunch, high- tea, and dinner along with other adventures of the resorts. However, I would suggest if you are traveling to the polo forest, make for a weekend where you can enjoy a night stay. It turns a little bit hectic. We had to skip dinner at the resort to make it to Ahmedabad on time.

Preserve nature
Preserve nature

Where to stay?

We stayed in Ambika Exotica resort which offered us the above-mentioned things at a reasonable cost. We booked it through Mittal Travels and they offer you a package that is at a very reasonable cost.

For, more such posts subscribe to explorenbite to get new posts directly in your email. You can also check on my Instagram and Facebook account to enjoy the stunning captures of Polo forest and other sites.

This post is a part of #Myfriendalexa.

 

 

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