Polo Forest itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Polo Forest

1. 01

   Day 1: Temples and river

   Start early from Idar, Himatnagar or Ahmedabad so you reach the forest in the cool morning. Begin with the Sharaneshwar Shiva temple, then walk to Lakhera's Dera Jain temples. After a break, visit the Trayatan temple and kund and the Shiva-Shakti and Surya group. Rest by the Harnav river in the heat of the day and, if you have time, look for hornbills in fruiting fig trees late in the afternoon. Leave before dusk.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Sharaneshwar Shiva Temple	45–60 minutes	Moderate	Morning; September to February for greenery and walkable temperatures
   Lakhera's Dera (Jain Temple Ruins)	45–60 minutes	Moderate	Morning light; September to February

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Sharaneshwar Shiva Temple: The approach is on uneven ground and the monument has broken steps and uneven stone floors, with little or no seating. Fit senior visitors can manage it slowly in the cool hours; anyone with knee or balance trouble should look from the compound edge and avoid climbing.

   With parents at Lakhera's Dera (Jain Temple Ruins): The temples sit on open ground with uneven stone and rubble underfoot, and shade is patchy. It is manageable for steady walkers in cool weather, but there is little seating, so older visitors should pace themselves and bring water.

Plan 02

2 days in Polo Forest

1. 01

   Day 1: The ruins circuit

   Spend the morning on the Sharaneshwar, Jain and Trayatan temples, rest through midday, and finish with the Shiva-Shakti and Surya temples in afternoon light.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Shiva-Shakti and Surya Temples	30–45 minutes	Moderate	Morning or late afternoon; September to February

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Shiva-Shakti and Surya Temples: The ground is uneven and shade is limited. There is little seating, so older visitors should pace the walk and take breaks between monuments. Avoid climbing the ruined platforms.

2. 02

   Day 2: Forest and fort

   Spend an early morning birdwatching with a registered local guide, then drive to Idar Fort for a partial climb and the palace remains at its foot. Return to your base or continue onward.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Idar Fort (Idargadh)	1.5–2.5 hours	Demanding	Morning; October to February

   Pace: Idar Fort (Idargadh) involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.

   With parents at Idar Fort (Idargadh): The fort is reached by a stone pathway through several gateways up a steep rocky hill. It is demanding for seniors; the palace and town walls at the foot are easier. Choose how far to climb and take breaks.

Plan 03

3 days in Polo Forest

1. 01

   Day 1: Temples

   Do the Abhapur temple circuit at an unhurried pace with a guide, resting at midday.

2. 02

   Day 2: Forest and Idar

   Birdwatch in the early morning, walk gently by the Harnav river, then see Idar Fort in the afternoon.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Idar Fort (Idargadh)	1.5–2.5 hours	Demanding	Morning; October to February

   Pace: Idar Fort (Idargadh) involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.

   With parents at Idar Fort (Idargadh): The fort is reached by a stone pathway through several gateways up a steep rocky hill. It is demanding for seniors; the palace and town walls at the foot are easier. Choose how far to climb and take breaks.

3. 03

   Day 3: Shamlaji or Ambaji

   Take a pilgrimage day to Shamlaji or Ambaji. Confirm driving times with your driver and avoid fair days if you dislike crowds.

Read before you go

Guides for the stops on these routes

Pacing

Pacing a Polo Forest trip for parents and children

• Start early and plan for rest in the heat of the day; shade is patchy among the ruins.
• Carry plenty of water and snacks; facilities in the forest are limited.
• Choose two or three monuments rather than the whole circuit if walking is difficult.
• Wear sturdy closed shoes and watch your footing on broken stone and near the tank edge.
• Hire a registered guide or driver who knows the area, and agree the route beforehand.
• Keep a charged phone, but do not rely on signal deep in the forest.

Polo Forest with elderly parents: the full guide →