Polo Forest

Polo Forest is a dense deciduous forest spread over the Aravalli foothills near Abhapur village in Sabarkantha district, Gujarat, on the Gujarat-Rajasthan border along the Harnav River. Known for its lush greenery, ancient 10th to 15th-century Hindu and Jain temple ruins, Harnav Dam and diverse flora and fauna, it serves as an eco-tourism and adventure destination offering trekking, camping and nature exploration within a historic landscape.

Visitors can expect a forested landscape in the Aravalli foothills with the Harnav River, Harnav Dam and reservoir, dense deciduous vegetation, and scattered ancient Hindu and Jain temple ruins including Shamlaji and Sarneshwar temples. The area offers marked trekking trails, camping grounds, birdwatching spots, and viewpoints. Facilities are basic and centered near the dam, temples and forest entry points, with natural trails leading through forest and riverside areas.

Polo Forest derives its name from the ancient town of Polo, believed to have been established by the Parihar kings in the 10th century. The forest contains ruins of over 10th to 15th-century Hindu and Jain temples, including Sarneshwar Mahadev Temple and Abhapur Jain Temples, reflecting Solanki and Parihar era architecture. The area was later part of Idar State and was abandoned, leaving temple ruins scattered in the forest.

The forest is culturally significant for its cluster of ancient Hindu and Jain temples that remain pilgrimage and heritage sites. The temples dedicated to Shiva and Jain Tirthankaras reflect the region's historical religious traditions. The annual Polo Utsav organized by Gujarat Tourism highlights local tribal culture, crafts and heritage.