Polo Forest is a historical and natural site near the border of Gujarat and Rajasthan, about 150 km from Ahmedabad. It is also known as Vijaynagar Forest or Harnav River Sanctuary, as it is situated on the banks of the Harnav river. Polo Forest is not just a forest, but a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, adventure, or spirituality, you will find something to enjoy and learn in Polo Forest.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Polo Forest, including its history, culture, biodiversity, and attractions. We will also give you some tips and advice on how to plan your trip and make the most of your visit.
The History and Culture of Polo Forest
Polo Forest has a fascinating history and culture that dates back to the 10th century AD. It was once a flourishing city under the rule of the Parihar kings, who built many temples, forts, and monuments in the area. The city was later invaded by the Khilji dynasty, who destroyed most of the structures and left them in ruins. The city was then abandoned and forgotten for centuries, until it was rediscovered by the British in the 19th century.
Today, you can see the remnants of the glorious past of Polo Forest in its ancient ruins. You can marvel at the architectural and artistic features of the temples, forts, and monuments that still stand amid the forest. You can also learn about the religious and spiritual aspects of Polo Forest, as it has been influenced by Hinduism, Jainism, and Islam over the years.
Some of the notable attractions in Polo Forest that showcase its history and culture are:
Sharneshwar Mahadev Temple: This is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Polo Forest. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a beautiful shivalinga made of black stone. The temple also has intricate carvings and sculptures of various gods and goddesses on its walls and pillars.
Sadevant Savlings Deras: These are a group of Jain temples that are located on a hilltop near Polo Forest. They are believed to be built by King Kumarpal in the 12th century AD. They have exquisite carvings and paintings of Jain Tirthankaras and other figures on their ceilings and walls.
Lakhena Temple: This is another ancient temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has a stunning idol of Lord Vishnu with four arms and four faces. The temple also has a large pond in front of it that is filled with lotus flowers.
Polo Monument: This is a monument that was built by the British in 1858 to commemorate their victory over the local tribes. It has a plaque that reads “Polo Victory Obelisk” and has the names of the British officers who participated in the battle.
Jain Caves: These are a series of caves that are located near the Harnav river. They are believed to be used by Jain monks for meditation and worship. They have some inscriptions and paintings on their walls that depict Jain legends and stories.
The Flora and Fauna of Polo Forest
Polo Forest is not only a historical and cultural site, but also a natural site that boasts of a rich biodiversity. It has more than 450 species of plants, 275 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, 32 species of reptiles, and 15 species of amphibians. It is also home to some endangered and rare species such as leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, porcupines, pangolins, civets, jackals, foxes, nilgais, chinkaras, chitals, sambars, peacocks, parakeets, hornbills, kingfishers, woodpeckers, eagles, owls, vultures, crocodiles, pythons, cobras, monitor lizards, and tortoises.
Polo Forest is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. You can enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquillity of the forest and its surroundings. You can also spot and observe the various flora and fauna that inhabit the forest. You can also learn about the conservation and protection efforts of Polo Forest, as it is a part of the Eco-sensitive Zone declared by the government.
Some of the ways to experience the flora and fauna of Polo Forest are:
Trekking: This is one of the best ways to explore the forest and its trails. You can walk through the dense vegetation and rocky terrain and discover the hidden gems of the forest. You can also enjoy the views of the hills, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes along the way.
Camping: This is another way to immerse yourself in the nature and atmosphere of Polo Forest. You can pitch your tent in one of the designated campsites and spend a night under the stars. You can also light a bonfire and enjoy some music and stories with your friends and family.
Cycling: This is a fun and adventurous way to cover more ground and see more of Polo Forest. You can rent a bicycle from one of the nearby villages and ride along the forest roads and paths. You can also challenge yourself with some uphill and downhill sections and test your skills and stamina.
Birdwatching: This is a relaxing and rewarding way to appreciate the diversity and beauty of Polo Forest. You can use your binoculars and camera to spot and capture the various birds that fly, perch, sing, and nest in the forest. You can also identify and learn about their names, features, habits, and sounds.
Photography: This is a creative and expressive way to document and share your experience of Polo Forest. You can use your lens to capture the stunning landscapes, architectures, wildlife, and moments of Polo Forest. You can also experiment with different angles, perspectives, filters, and modes to create some amazing shots.
The Accommodation and Activities near Polo Forest
Polo Forest is not only a destination, but also a base for exploring other nearby attractions. There are many accommodation options near Polo Forest that cater to different budgets, preferences, and needs. There are also many activities and experiences near Polo Forest that offer more fun, adventure, and learning opportunities.
Some of the accommodation options near Polo Forest are The Fern Sattva Resort, Polo Retreat and Polo Campsite.
Some of the activities and experiences near Polo Forest are Idar Fort, Shamlaji Temple and Vanaj Dam.
The Best Time and Way to Visit Polo Forest
The best time to visit Polo Forest is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and the forest is green and lush. You can avoid the summer heat and the monsoon rains during this period. You can also witness some festivals and events that take place in Polo Forest and nearby areas during this time, such as Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Kite Festival, etc.
The best way to reach Polo Forest is by road, as it is well-connected by highways and roads from major cities and towns in Gujarat and Rajasthan. You can either drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi or a bus to reach Polo Forest. The nearest railway station is Himmatnagar, which is about 40 km from Polo Forest. The nearest airport is Ahmedabad, which is about 150 km from Polo Forest. You can also take a flight to Udaipur, which is about 160 km from Polo Forest.
Polo Forest is a hidden gem of Gujarat that you must visit if you are looking for a unique and memorable experience. It is a place where you can discover the history, culture, biodiversity, and attractions of a forest that has been forgotten for centuries. It is a place where you can enjoy nature, adventure, spirituality, and fun in one destination. It is a place where you can create some unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Also read: Polo Forest – A Historical, Heritage & Adventurous Hill Station of Gujarat
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Polo Forest today and explore this amazing place for yourself.
