Polo Forest Gujarat: A Tranquil Escape in the Wilderness

Explore Polo Forest, Gujarat: Wilderness, Heritage, Serenity

A night spent in Polo Forest in Gujarat, nestled on the banks of the river Harnav, surrounded by the majestic Aravali mountain range, created an ideal ambiance for me to immerse myself in the vibrant tribal culture of Gujarat in India. Polo Utsav presented a captivating performance featuring ten dancers from the nearby Adivasi community, who gracefully danced to Gujarati folk songs known as “Garba.” It was a breathtaking experience to witness this authentic aspect of Gujarat, bathed in the warm glow of a bonfire on a chilly, foggy night.

Polo Forest - Wilderness in Gujarat

​Polo Utsav showcased Gujarat’s rich culture through its folk songs, such as Lagna-geets and Marasiyas, and dances like Garba and Bhavani. The highlight of the event was the authentic Kathayawadi cuisine prepared by the local tribes.

​About Polo Forest

Polo, a name derived from the Marwari word “pol,” meaning “gate,” holds significance as a gateway between Gujarat and Rajasthan. Its convenient accessibility from cities like Ahmedabad (160 kilometers) and Udaipur (120 kilometers) makes it an ideal weekend getaway for the people around.

Polo Forest - Wilderness in Gujarat

​Polo, also known as Mini Kashmir of Gujarat, spans an area of 400 square kilometers. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 450 species of medicinal plants, approximately 275 birds, 30 mammals, and 32 reptiles.

Birds at Polo Forest - Wilderness in Gujarat

​Polo Tent City

A stay in Polo Tent City in Polo Forest will allow you to fully immerse yourself in nature.
Located on the banks of the Harnav River in Abhapur, Gujarat, Polo Tent City boasts 36 Deluxe and Super Deluxe rooms elegantly furnished with natural materials. Each room is built circumferentially, with an extended deck facing the open area where the Utsav events take place. The restaurant serves authentic vegetarian food, providing an opportunity to experience local culture, dances, songs, art, and handicrafts.
For those seeking adventure, trekking trails, riverside walks, and camel rides are available. ​

Polo Tent City - Wilderness in Gujarat

​The luxury rooms might need to be conditioned with an air conditioner and a room heater simultaneously throughout the day and night due to the fluctuating temperature. Comfortable wooden furniture, block-printed curtains, a cozy bed with all the necessary amenities, and lovely lanterns as side lamps create an ambiance reminiscent of living in a super luxurious hut.

Luxury tents at Polo Tent City - Wilderness in Gujarat

Luxury tents at Polo Tent City - Wilderness in Gujarat

​Nature trail to Harnav Dam through Vanaj Forest Area

A nature trail from the Harnav River leads to the reservoir. Our guide regaled us with tales of the jungle and its inhabitants, including flying squirrels, grey hornbills, hyenas, wolves, and sloth bears. Some of our group members were filled with excitement and hope of spotting these animals, while I couldn’t help but chuckle and think, “If I were one of those animals, I’d be taking a royal nap after a delicious meal.”
As we continued our uphill trek, we stumbled upon a breathtakingly calm spot in front of us. The view was simply stunning - the stable blue sky, the clear water of the Harnav River that seemed to smile with every gust of wind, the fertile land covered in trees, and the ochre leaves that swayed gently, ready to give way to new green ones.
Despite not spotting any animal species during this incredible journey, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection with them. It seemed that we shared a common appreciation for the beauty of nature.

​Nature trail to Harnav Dam through Vanaj Forest Area

​A walk to the Jain Temple

The Jain Temple is a one-kilometer walk from the dam. I took 60 to 90 minutes to walk this kilometer because I didn’t want to leave the delirious forest immediately. I was fortunate enough to spot many migratory birds on the calmer side of the river, which was connected to the pavement. The other side was the opposite, terrifying and fast.

A walk to the Jain Temple - Polo Forest, Gujarat

​You can’t miss the small, one-foot-long linga of Shiva in the ruins of the temple, which is situated right in front of the entrance. My journey to witness this architectural marvel began here. Built in the 14th century by the Parihar dynasty, the main facade of the Jain temple is surrounded by three small temple structures and a stepwell.

Jain Temple - Polo Forest, Gujarat

​One can easily spend about 3-4 hours here admiring the intricate carvings.

Jain Temple - Polo Forest, Gujarat

Miraculous Gular Tree

After paying my offering to my favorite Lord Shiva at the Vireshwar temple and meeting the enigmatic young baba there, we embarked on a journey of approximately 600 meters uphill, donning our investigative hats.
As the investigators in all of us, we were determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic Gular tree, believed to be the source of the Gupt Ganga, the sacred water that flows for every day of the year. Local legends spoke of this place becoming a lifeline during a severe drought that lasted for 70 years. People from numerous villages used to flock here in search of water. The Gular tree is not only renowned for its ability to pump water throughout the year but also for its medicinal properties. This captivating tale ignited my curiosity, prompting me to leap into the valley and partake in the divine water that cascades from the chute constructed on its roots.

Miraculous Gular Tree - Polo Forest, Gujarat

Historians claim that people visited Polo to escape, but I sought solace in the natural beauty that helped me purge the dust from my soul, a result of the hectic life in the city. I encountered genuine heroes of life in the form of Adivasis, and their songs have remained etched in my mind as a testament to their existence.

I was invited by Gujarat Tourism Board for this trip.
Pallavi Sharma had represented RavenousLegs on this trip. The post and the pictures are to her credit.