Polo Forest of Vijaynagar, Gujarat is a kind of place where you would like to escape your hectic schedules and enjoy the warmth of nature. Staying in the lap of nature and greenery rejuvenates our body and soul. Polo forest is a dense forest on the banks of perennial River Harnav near Vijaynagar village of Gujarat. Polo forest is a tourist spot with trekking and camping facilities. It is a destination that any wildlife or adventure lover will definitely enjoy. This place is worth visiting for a perfect vacation with your friend and family.
The best time to visit the place is between September to February. It has a rich wildlife that you can experience anytime. Polo forest is situated near the border between Gujarat and Rajasthan. The place is covered with hills, rivers, dams and various ancient temples. Earlier, Jains and Shivadharis used to visit to this place for pilgrimage. The forest has 4 sculptured gates for entry. There are various endangered species in the dense forest like pythons, leopards and bears. The place is maintained and managed by Dholwani Range Forest Department. They have developed this place for campsite to promote and increase awareness of nature as well as made it a tourist spot.
History of Polo
The town was established by Parihar kings of Idar around the Harnav River in probably 10 century. But it was conquered by Rathores of Marwar in 15th century and came under Idar state. It is located between two high hills, Kalaliyo and Mamrehchi which blocks the city from sunlight for almost 2 days. The polo word is derived from “Pol” which means a gate in Marwari language. Since 15th century, jain temple and various other temples were made but later the mughal destroyed them.
How to reach Polo forest
Polo forest is situated near Abhapur village in vijaynagar taluka, Sabarkantha district, Gujarat. By road, polo forest is approximately 153 km from Ahmedabad. Till Vijaynagar village, it is a highway but after you enter in the village the road is a little rough. The best way to reach the destination is by own vehicle. But if you want to use public transport then you can opt for GSRTC buses till Idar. It is located in the foothills of Aravalli range on the banks of Harnav River. The forest department provides accommodation in riverside AC cottages ranging around Rs.750 per day. But the number of cottages there is very less.
Ancient Monuments & Temples
Sharaneshwar Shiva Temple
Sharanershwar Shiva Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is a three storey temple with fortified walls and gates in East and West. But presently the temple is in a deteriorating state. The round pillars are very different in its structure. The shikara and roofs of porches are destroyed. There are some ruins of other temples. There is a Chamunda temple nearby Sharaneshwar Shiva.
Trayatan Shiva Temple:
The trayatan shiva temple east facing and has only sanctrum and mandapa surviving. The exterior walls are designed with divinities and Apsaras. There is a sandstone kund in the northwest temple. There are two ruined temple of Laxminarayn and Shakti known as Sasu Vahu temple.
Shiva-Shakti temple:
Shiva – Shakti is a west facing temple of sandstone of 15th century. It is a Chaturangi having Sanctum, Antrala, Mandapa and Pravesh-Chaki. On the exterior wall of the temple there are sculptures of Indra and Indrani, Shiva and Pravati as well as Brahma and Brahami.
Other Places to visit & Attractions in Polo:
- Harnav River
- Harnav Dam
- Surya Mandir
- Lakhena Temple
- Polo Jain Nagri
- Sadevant Savling Derasars
Key points to remember:
- You must carry your original identity proof.
- Don’t forget to take your personal medication with yourself.
- Wearing a sport shoes is highly recommended due to the rough road.
- Seasonal cloth (especially rain coat) is a must if you are visiting between September to December.
Visit the place to learn and get connected with the nature. You can return to home but the forest will never leave you.
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