If your idea of a weekend is driving somewhere green, finding an old ruin in the middle of nowhere and not having a fixed itinerary, Polo Forest might be exactly what you're looking for.
Around 150–160 km from Ahmedabad, near Vijaynagar in Sabarkantha, Polo Forest sits in the Aravalli landscape. It is known for its forest, old temple ruins, seasonal waterfalls, wildlife and quiet roads.
It isn't the kind of place where you need a long checklist of attractions. You go there to slow down for a day or two.
Why Polo Forest Feels Different
The first thing you notice is how quickly the scenery changes once you leave the city. Ahmedabad fades, the roads open up, and the landscape starts to feel older and quieter. Polo Forest is home to ancient Hindu and Jain temple ruins scattered among the trees. Gujarat Tourism describes it as an ancient settlement hidden within the forest, which is a fairly accurate way of putting it.
The area is also known for its mix of birds, plants and wildlife. During and after the monsoon, it becomes particularly green, with seasonal waterfalls appearing in parts of the forest. Compared with more popular weekend destinations, Polo Forest still feels relatively unhurried. You don't have to spend your entire trip standing in a queue for a viewpoint.
What Can You Actually Do There?
Walk Through the Forest
Most people come here to walk. There are forest trails, short nature walks and plenty of space to wander around the ruins. If you're not familiar with the area, a local guide can be useful, especially if you want to understand the history of the temples rather than just photographing them.
Find the Old Temple Ruins
This is easily the most interesting part of Polo Forest. The ruins are not laid out like a typical restored monument. Some structures are still standing, others have been taken over by nature, and a few are easy to miss if you don't look closely. Here, you actually have to look around and discover the place.
Go During the Monsoon
July to September is when Polo Forest looks its greenest. Seasonal waterfalls appear, the forest feels denser, and the whole landscape becomes more dramatic. That said, monsoon travel here needs a little caution. Paths can get slippery, and weather in the forest can change quickly.
Stay Overnight
If you don't want to rush back to Ahmedabad, consider staying overnight. Camping is one of the experiences associated with Polo Forest, and spending the evening away from the city's lights gives you a completely different side of the destination.
Make the Drive Part of the Trip
This is where Polo Forest works particularly well for self-drive travel. Instead of treating Ahmedabad to Polo Forest and back as simply a way to get from A to B, leave some space for the journey.
- Start early.
- Stop for breakfast on the way.
- Take a break when you find a good viewpoint.
- Reach the forest before the afternoon heat.
- Explore at your own pace.
- Don't try to fit five other destinations into the same day.
Polo Forest is better when you slow down.
A Simple 2-Day Plan
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Leave Ahmedabad |
| 9:00 AM | Breakfast on the way |
| 11:00 AM | Reach Polo Forest |
| 11:30 AM | Explore the forest and ruins |
| 2:00 PM | Lunch |
| 4:00 PM | Short nature walk |
| 6:30 PM | Sunset / campsite |
| Night | Dinner and relax |
On day 2, start the morning slowly, explore anything you missed and head back towards Ahmedabad after lunch. The exact timings will depend on your stay and local conditions.
When Should You Visit?
- July to September — best if you want greenery, rain and seasonal waterfalls.
- November to February — better for comfortable outdoor exploration and birdwatching.
Recent travel guidance also recommends November–February as a good season for camping and outdoor experiences, while the post-monsoon period brings greener surroundings. If you're travelling during heavy rain, check local conditions before driving into the forest.
Driving to Polo Forest From Ahmedabad
Polo Forest is approximately 150–160 km from Ahmedabad, and the drive usually takes around 3–4 hours depending on traffic and stops. If you don't have a car of your own, Bharat Self Drive car rental in Ahmedabad makes the trip straightforward.
With Bharat Self Drive, you can choose a car based on your group size, luggage and how long you want to stay. Leave when you want. Stop when you want. Take the scenic route. Come back when you're ready. Just remember to check rental terms and road conditions before you start.
Book a self drive car in Ahmedabad on Bharat Self Drive, then point the car towards Vijaynagar and Polo Forest when you're ready.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Polo Forest is beautiful, but it isn't a place you should arrive at unprepared. Carry:
- Comfortable shoes
- Water
- Mosquito/insect protection
- A light rain jacket during monsoon
- Power bank
- Basic medicines
- Offline maps
Also, don't treat the forest like a photo studio. Don't litter, don't disturb wildlife, and don't enter restricted areas. Gujarat Tourism highlights the biodiversity of the region, and the responsible way to enjoy Polo Forest is to treat both the forest and the local community with some care.
Is Polo Forest Worth the Drive?
If you're looking for shopping, nightlife and fancy cafés, probably not. But if your ideal weekend sounds like a long drive, greenery, old ruins, a little adventure and no rush, then yes. And that's exactly why Polo Forest deserves a spot on your Ahmedabad road-trip list.
Sometimes you don't need another famous destination. You just need a road, a good playlist and somewhere you've never been before.