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The short answer
Polo Forest (Vijaynagar): what visitors should know first
Worth a half-day extension if you like walks and ruins and have a driver. Distances from Shamlaji are reported inconsistently, so allow generous driving time, go in the cooler months or after the monsoon, and expect uneven paths.
History and context
The story behind Polo Forest (Vijaynagar)
Wikipedia notes that the Parihar kings of Idar probably founded a town here around the tenth century, and that the Rathores of Marwar conquered it in the fifteenth. The town was probably abandoned because two surrounding hills blocked sunlight for most of the day. The surviving temples are placed in the fifteenth century.
Useful facts
Polo Forest (Vijaynagar) facts at a glance
- Location
- Abhapur, Vijaynagar taluka, Sabarkantha district
- Size
- About 400 sq km of dry deciduous forest
- River
- Harnav
- Monuments
- Sharaneshwar Shiva, Lakhera's Dera Jain, Trayatan Shiva temples
- Season
- Lush between September and December
- From Shamlaji
- Reported 25 to 67 km; confirm with your driver
Why it matters
Why Polo Forest (Vijaynagar) is worth your time
Polo gives you the landscape that Shamlaji sits in: wooded Aravalli foothills with a seasonal river and ancient settlements. The ruined town, probably founded by the Parihar kings of Idar around the tenth century and later taken by the Rathores of Marwar, shows how long this region has been inhabited and contested.
Its temple ruins also give a contrast with Shamlaji. Instead of a living pilgrimage centre, you see abandoned temples, water tanks and Jain and Hindu monuments set among trees, which makes a good half-day pairing for those who enjoy quiet heritage.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Sharaneshwar Shiva temple
One of the main ruined temples, restored by the state archaeology department.
- 02
Lakhera's Dera Jain temples
A group of Jain temple ruins within the forest.
- 03
The Harnav river and forest
The setting itself: teak, river and hills, greenest after the monsoon.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Polo Forest is a day trip that sits in a different district, so plan the drive as part of the day. Wikipedia describes about 400 square kilometres of southern tropical dry deciduous forest at the northern edge of India's teak range, beside the Harnav river, with the forest becoming lush between September and December.
The main interest for visitors is the temple ruins: the Sharaneshwar Shiva temple, the Lakhera's Dera Jain temples, the Trayatan Shiva temple with its water tank, a Shiva-Shakti temple and a ruined Surya temple, restored by the state archaeology department.
Pick two or three groups and walk between them slowly, rather than trying to cover the whole forest. Carry water, avoid hot afternoons, and take care on rough ground. The Gujarat government also holds an annual Polo Festival; confirm dates if you want to time your visit.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm the drive time with your driver; sources disagree
- Go between September and February
- Carry water and snacks; facilities are limited
- Pick two or three temple groups only
- Check Polo Festival dates if you want to attend
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Abhapur, Vijaynagar taluka, Sabarkantha district
- Time needed
- Half to full day
- Best time
- September to December when the forest is green; winter for walking
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Paths between temple groups are uneven and some stretches are on foot, with limited facilities. Visit the nearest temple groups only, and carry water and a hat.
- Tickets and access
- One source says no entry ticket is required; fees, vehicle rules and event-day charges may change, so check locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Polo Forest (Vijaynagar)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Paths between temple groups are uneven and some stretches are on foot, with limited facilities. Visit the nearest temple groups only, and carry water and a hat.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Polo Forest from Shamlaji?
Sources give anywhere from about 25 to 67 km. Ask your driver to confirm the route and allow generous time.
Is there an entry fee?
One source says no special permit or ticket is required, but check locally as rules may change.
When is the best time to go?
September to December, when the forest is green, and winter months for comfortable walking.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
