Every beautiful polo forest is nestled in the Aravalli Range of Gujarat, India. History lies in its every breath, and it is full of life, making it the perfect getaway for all nature lovers historians, or adventure enthusiasts. But when would be the best time to visit Polo Forest? You will find the answers in this blog.
When is the Best time to Visit Polo Forest?
The best time to visit Polo Forest is from October to February. The climate is cool and pleasant, making it the perfect weather for outdoor activities and visiting the location. Rains throughout make the entire forest lusty green, and such a rejuvenated landscape enhances the beauty.
Winter
Winter could be the best time to visit the polo forest because of its weather. During this season, a Polo festival is held by the government officials of Polo Forest. Winter season is also ideal for camping, cycling, hiking, and trekking.
Monsoon
You can also visit during the monsoon season ranging from July to September if you do not mind the wet weather/conditions. This season multiplies the beauty of Polo Forest with waterfalls, rivers, & landscape.
Why Visit Polo Forest?
Pleasant Weather: The weather during these months is cool and comfortable, making it perfect for outdoor activities like trekking, bird watching, and exploring the ruins. The temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C, providing a pleasant climate for visitors.
Polo Festival: The Gujarat government organizes the Polo Festival during this period, featuring adventure activities, cultural programs, and camping. It’s a great opportunity to experience the local culture and participate in various activities.
Lush Greenery: Post-monsoon, the forest is at its greenest. The rains rejuvenate the flora, and the entire forest comes alive with vibrant greenery. This is also the best time to witness the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
Bird Watching: Winter months attract a variety of migratory birds to the Polo Forest. Bird watchers can spot species like the Grey Hornbill, Brown-headed Barbet, and many more. The forest’s diverse ecosystem provides a haven for bird enthusiasts.
How to reach the Polo Forest?
Polo Forest is accessible by road. It is 150 km from Ahmedabad, and it will take almost 3-4 hours in a car. You may drive your car yourself or may hire a taxi from the city. So you will have excellent scenery of the Aravalli Range while going to that place.
By Train
The nearest railhead is Himmatnagar Junction, almost 40 km from here. From Himmatnagar, the nearest railhead, one may hire a taxi or take an ordinary bus to reach Polo Forest.
By Air
The closest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, approximately 150 km from Polo Forest. Taxis and buses are available to get to the forest once you reach at the airport. You can also come straight to Udaipur, by an airplane, which is about 160 km from there.
By Bus
Major cities in Gujarat offer regular buses. From here Himmatnagar, local buses as well as taxi services are available to reach Polo Forest.
Best Things To Do at Polo Forest
Treks and Hiking
Polo Forest provides different trekking and hiking trails of varying experience levels. The trails take one through dense woods for an immersive experience in the magnificence of nature. Rivers and streams dot the trails, adding to the scenic views. The trails lead one to ancient temples and ruins, thus allowing for a blend of natural and historical explorations.
Temple Trail: The trail takes one through the forest to numerous ancient temples with a decent view of the historical richness of the region.
River Trail: The trail also follows along the riverside wherein one can enjoy the soothing sounds of the flowing water and lush greenery.
Historical Explorations
Ancient Jain and Hindu temples among others dating from the 10th century adorn the forest. These are architectural wonders with beautiful carvings and designs. Major attractions include:
Sharneshwar Shiva Temple: It is famous for its fantastic architecture and historical importance. Jain Temples: There are several Jain temples scattered in this forest, giving a glimpse into the religious history of this area.
These ruins do offer you a wonderful travel history into the past, and you can do well to appreciate the richness of heritage in the area.
Camping
Camping in Polo Forest is an experience especially for those who enjoy being outdoors. The forest has designated camping sites where you can pitch your tent and spend time peacefully amidst nature.
Camping activities are as follows:
Stargazing: With very minimal light pollution, the night sky in Polo Forest makes it perfect for stargazing.
Bonfires: At night, you can enjoy a campfire with friends or family with the stories and roasting marshmallows.
Nature Walks: You can take a stroll in the forest, soberly taking in all the sights and sounds of nature.
Where To Stay at Polo Forest?
You can find numerous hotels and resorts from expensive to budget-friendly ones. You can choose the accommodations according to your taste and budget. Mostly, resorts incorporate both AC and non-AC rooms ranging from high price to low price. Always remember to book the rooms online in advance if you want to avoid the same-day rush. Moreover, there are other options if you don’t want to go with the traditional hotels and resorts. If you want to go with a novel experience, you can book tent-style hotels.
What are the Essentials To Pack when Visiting Polo Forest?
A few items like snacks and water bottles are available at the nearby shops, however, you must bring them in case of trekking. Here is the list of essentials that you must bring when visiting the polo forest:
- Sunscreen creams or mosquito repellent
- Good trekking or sports shoes
- A pair of binoculars in case of bird-watching
- A torch and a power bank for charging your phones
- First aid kit for emergency
- A camera to click pictures
- Wear full clothes while trekking
- An umbrella or raincoat (when visiting in monsoon)
- A waterproof bag
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Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the Best Time to Visit Polo Forest
The best time to visit to Polo Forest is from October to February. In these months, the weather is pleasant, and the forest is lush and green post monsoon rains.
How to Reach Polo Forest?
Polo Forest is proximate to the town of Vijaynagar in the state of Gujarat. The major city closest to it is Ahmedabad which is 150 km from it. It can be easily accessed by road by private car taxi or bus from Ahmedabad.
What are the major tourist attractions in Polo Forest?
Some of the major attractions in it include:
Camping
Ancient Jain and Hindu temples
Trekking and hiking trails
Bird watching
Are there accommodation facilities in Polo Forest?
Yes, there are plenty of accommodation options ranging from budget guest houses to good resorts. Apart from that, camping is the last option for the enthusiasts who enjoy the open space.
Do I need a guide while trekking in Polo Forest?
While it is not a requirement, one can recommend to hire a local guide for experiencing that on one in matters of history, culture, and biodiversity of the forest.