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HERITAGE · FOREST · MEDIEVAL RUINSPolo Forest
An enchanted forest of temples — Polo Forest in the Sabarmati valley, a vast tract of teak and bamboo dotted with medieval Jain temple ruins, waterfalls and wildlife, Gujarat's finest forest heritage destination.
Teak forest and medieval temples
Polo Forest — officially the Polo Monument Protected Area — is one of Gujarat’s most remarkable destinations: a vast forested valley of the Sabarmati river in northern Aravalli, where a medieval settlement of the Solanki period left behind a cluster of Jain temples that now stand in varying states of picturesque ruin beneath the teak and bamboo.
The temples of Abhapur, Zainpur and other hamlets within the Polo Forest date primarily from the 10th–14th centuries — the great period of Jain patronage in Gujarat — and their carved columns, shikhara remnants and inscribed panels are scattered through the forest like a scene from a fairy-tale of lost kingdoms.
The forest itself is alive: leopards, monkeys, deer and a rich birdlife inhabit the Sabarmati valley, and seasonal waterfalls and streams make the landscape lush and beautiful in and after the monsoon. The Polo Forest is one of those rare places where heritage and nature are equally impressive.
Jain temple ruins in the Polo Forest, Aravalli.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Jain temple ruins, Polo Forest, Abhapur.
10th–14th centuries.
Merchant patronage.
Now in the forest.
A heritage forest.
Reasons to make the time
Medieval temples
In the forest.
Wild forest
Teak & bamboo.
Waterfalls
Seasonal streams.
Wildlife
Leopards & birds.
History
Solanki-era Jain.
Off the trail
Few visitors.
What to look for inside
Polo Forest
Jain ruins in teak.
Sabarmati valley
A beautiful forest.
Abhapur temples
Medieval Jain stone.
Teak & bamboo
A live, wild valley.
Seasonal streams
Lush after monsoon.
Leopards & birds
Rich biodiversity.
How to spend an hour or two
See the Abhapur temples
Main Jain ruins.
Walk the forest trails
Teak & bamboo.
Find the waterfalls
Seasonal streams.
Watch for wildlife
Leopards & birds.
See the carvings
Medieval stone.
Picnic by the river
Sabarmati valley.
Jain temple ruins in Polo Forest.
Medieval Jain temple ruins
The Polo Forest contains a cluster of medieval Jain temples from the Solanki period (10th–14th c.) — their carved columns and shikhara remnants now standing in the teak and bamboo, a remarkable palimpsest of history and nature in the Sabarmati valley of Aravalli.
A nominal entry fee applies and guided tours are available, making it easy to find the scattered ruins of Abhapur, Zainpur and the other hamlet temples hidden within this live teak-bamboo forest, home to leopards, birds and deer.
Medieval Jain temples (Solanki period 10th–14th c.)
Abhapur, Zainpur & other hamlet temples
In a live teak-bamboo forest
Rich wildlife: leopards, birds, deer
When to go
Cool & beautiful — the ideal season.
Lush green; some roads can flood.
Hot and dry — early start.
⏰ October to March is the ideal season for Aravalli — cool, clear and beautiful.
Timings & entry
- Open daytime hours
- Cool season preferred
- Morning best
- Check locally
- Small entry fee
- Guided tours available
- Carry water & food
- Best Oct–Mar
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad airport (~130 km).
By Rail
Himmatnagar / Modasa.
By Road
NH-48 / Modasa.
Capturing Aravalli
ARAVALLI HILLS
Polo Forest
What to shoot
Temple ruins.
Forest
Teak & bamboo.
Waterfalls
After monsoon.
Wildlife
Leopards & birds.
Know before you go
Where to eat around the ashram
Gujarati Thali
Hearty home cooking.
Khaman & farsan
Gujarat's famous snacks.
Street food
Local dhabas in Aravalli.
Adivasi cuisine
Maize, millets and forest produce from Bhiloda.
Polo Forest FAQ
What is Polo Forest?
Polo Forest — officially the Polo Monument Protected Area — is a vast forested valley of the Sabarmati river in northern Aravalli, where a medieval Solanki-period settlement left behind a cluster of Jain temples that now stand in picturesque ruin beneath the teak and bamboo. The temples of Abhapur, Zainpur and other hamlets date from the 10th–14th centuries, and the living forest is home to leopards, deer and rich birdlife, with seasonal waterfalls and streams.
Where is it?
Polo (Abhapur area), Aravalli.
Is there an entry fee?
Small entry fee.
When should I visit?
October to March, the cool season.
What's nearby?
Shamlaji Temple, Polo Forest, Meshvo Dam.
How long does it take?
Half a day.
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