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FOREST CULTURE · RUINS · POLOPolo Festival
Deep in the Aravalli hills of Sabarkantha lies the Polo Forest at Vijaynagar — a hidden valley of 10th–15th-century temple ruins wrapped in dense woodland along the Harnav river, and a festival that celebrates this once-forgotten heritage.
A lost valley of forest and stone
The Polo Forest, near Vijaynagar in the Aravalli hills of Sabarkantha, hides a remarkable secret — a cluster of ruined Hindu and Jain temples from the 10th to 15th centuries, scattered through dense woodland along the Harnav river. Long forgotten and reclaimed by the forest, “Polo” (from the Marwari word for gateway) is now celebrated as a heritage-and-nature destination, drawing trekkers, birdwatchers and history lovers to its shaded trails and monsoon greenery.
A forgotten medieval capital
Temples first rose in this Aravalli valley around the tenth century, Hindu and Jain together.
The valley served the hill kingdoms as a pass — 'Polo' derives from the Marwari word for gateway.
When the kingdoms fell, the forest closed over the temples and kept them for five centuries.
Today a heritage trail threads the woodland, linking the ruins along the Harnav.
Why come
Temple ruins
Hindu and Jain temples stand together in the valley — a shared sacred landscape of the 10th to 15th centuries.
Dense forest
The Aravalli woodland is the other half of the site; the ruins live inside a genuine forest.
Sharneshwar
The old Shiva temple is the best-preserved shrine, its carving still crisp under the canopy.
Birding
The forest holds bears, leopards, and a strong bird list — wildlife is part of any walk here.
Trekking
Shaded trails follow the river between the temple groups.
Monsoon green
In the monsoon the whole valley turns deep green and the Harnav runs full.
What to see
THE FORESTPolo Forest
Trails and green along the Harnav valley.
THE RUINSVijaynagar's temples
Ruined shrines in carved stone, kept by the forest.
How to experience it
Reach Vijaynagar
Enter via Vijaynagar, the gateway town to the Polo valley.
Walk the trails
Walk the forest trails between the temple groups; the walking is the visit.
Find the ruins
Find the ruins hidden in the woodland — some are steps off the trail and easy to miss.
See Sharneshwar
Give the old Shiva temple proper time; it is the valley's best-preserved shrine.
Spot the birds
Follow the Harnav river, which strings the whole site together.
Come in monsoon
Come in or just after the monsoon for the forest at its best.
Heritage reclaimed by nature
What makes Polo special is the union of history and wilderness — carved temple pillars standing among trees, streams and birdsong, far from any town. Once the frontier between the plains and the hill kingdoms of the Aravallis, the valley has become a favourite weekend escape from Ahmedabad, especially after the rains, when nature festivals, guided treks and camping bring its forgotten archaeology quietly back to life.
Our Sabarkantha travel guide maps out the other places worth your time here.
Timing
The monsoon and the weeks after are the valley at its lushest — the classic Polo season.
November to February is cool and clear, ideal for longer walks among the ruins.
April to June is dry and hot, and the forest loses much of its point; best avoided.
⏰ Polo Forest is loveliest in the monsoon and the cool winter months; summers are dry and best avoided.
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad (~160 km).
By Rail
Himatnagar railhead.
By Road
Vijaynagar, Sabarkantha.
What to eat
THALIGujarati Thali
A hearty spread.
LOCALForest Fare
Simple hill food.
FARSANFarsan
Savoury snacks.
CHAASChaas
Spiced buttermilk.
Polo Festival FAQ
What is the Polo Forest?
A forested valley near Vijaynagar in Sabarkantha district, hiding ruined 10th–15th-century Hindu and Jain temples in Aravalli woodland along the Harnav river.
Where does the name come from?
'Polo' derives from the Marwari word for gateway — the valley was a pass between Gujarat's plains and the hill kingdoms of the Aravalli.
What is Sharneshwar Mahadev?
The ancient Shiva temple among the ruins — the best-preserved shrine in the forest, its carving still sharp after centuries under the canopy.
What is there to do?
Trekking the forest trails, birdwatching, exploring the temple ruins, and camping in the woodland along the Harnav.
When should I visit?
The monsoon and just after for the deep green, or the cool winter months for comfortable walking; summers are hot, dry and best avoided.
How do I reach it?
By road via Vijaynagar — about 65 km from Himatnagar and 160 km from Ahmedabad, a comfortable day trip or an easy overnight.
Across Gujarat
Damodar Kund
Vaishnav temple beside Damodar Kund
HERITAGEBhuj
The walled royal capital — palaces, bazaars & museums
NATURETapi Wetlands
Birdlife along the river’s edges
Jagat Mandir
A central landmark temple of Rajkot
SALT PANSPatdi
Glittering salt works at the Rann’s edge
Bileshwar Mahadev
A hall mapping India’s saints & sages
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 3 July 2026