Polo Forest, Gujarat

Polo Forest is one of the best places to visit near Ahmedabad, especially in monsoon!

Polo is an ancient historical site in Gujarat and perfect for a one day trip from Ahmedabad. Polo forest in monsoon is a sensuous sight to behold with its picturesque forests overlooking the misty mountains. A trip to Polo Forest Gujarat is perfect for small treks, nature enthusiasts, architectural lovers, photographers and painters. It is a lovely place for a family picnic as there are many activities amidst the lush nature like cycling in forest, trekking, riverside walking, taking a dip in the fresh waterfalls and many others. 

A Jain temple in the middle of Polo forest is visited by a lot of people as it a heritage site. Earlier, the temple was a pilgrimage for the Jains but it was destroyed by the Mughals and what remains now are the ruins, which still look beautiful. The temple is said to be over 1500 years old with intricately carved deities, sculptures and motifs from everyday life. 

Walk amidst the deciduous forest to reach the Vanaj dam built over Harnav river. Spend some time by this tranquil river and to reconnect with nature.

Read in detail:  Polo Forest Gujarat

Driving distance from Ahmedabad to Polo Forest: 150 km (3.5 hours)

Modhera Sun Temple

If architecture is something that intrigues you then head north towards Mehsana to reach Modhera Sun Temple which is about 100 km from Ahmedabad. Modhera Sun temple is totally worthy for a one day trip from Ahmedabad as it is architecturally mind-blowing. Appreciate the intricate carvings in the temple which is a depiction of the Sun and its unity with earth’s elements – air, water, soil & space. Be sure to check out the extremely beautiful and Instagram worthy Surya Kund.

Read in Detail: Modhera Sun Temple

Driving distance from Ahmedabad to Modhera: 100 km (approx 2.5 hours)

Rani-ki-Vav-Patan

This trip to Modhera can be combined with Patan which is further 43 km from Modhera. Patan is popular for 2 things: Patola Sarees and Rani ki Vav. Rani ki Vav is a stepwell situated in Patan and is the finest and the largest stepwell in Gujarat. It is built using Maru-Gurjara architecture style, reflecting complex technique and details. The stepwell is divided into seven levels of stairs with over 200 sculptural panels and 500 sculptures which are ornamented on sidewalls. Due to its beautifully adorned sculptures, Rani ki Vav is listed as one of the 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Patan also has the ancient heritage os Patola saree weaving. A Patola museum is set up on the way to Rani ki Vav called Patan Patola Heritage. It exhibits all the types of equipment, materials and techniques used for weaving the double Ikat. get fascinated with the demonstration and bowled over by the finished products. Known to be one of the most expensive handlooms, you will be tempted to have a piece for yourself. Splurge away if you can.

Read in Detail: Rani-ki-Vav, Patan

Statue of Unity

Statue of Unity from Ahmedabad is becoming one of the most popular day trips. Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue and it is the statue of Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, built as a memorial to the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai in the country’s freedom struggle and the stellar role he played in unifying the country into a nation. 

The statue is situated on an island near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. The area around the statue has an exhibition gallery, viewing gallery, the valley of flowers, memorial, audiovisual gallery, Sardar Sarovar Dam, River rafting and Jungle safari. With so many activities present, a day trip is funfilled with loads of activities. This is one of the best places to visit near Ahmedabad.

Read in Detail: One day trip from Ahmedabad to Statue of Unity.

Driving Distance from Ahmedabad to Statue of Unity: 200 km (approx. 4.5 hours)

Nalsarovar

Nalsarovar is the answer for all birdwatchers in the state. Already a favourite amongst professional photographers, Nalsarovar is also looked upon as a family picnic spot. It is the only Ramsar Wetland site in the state and is extremely important for the ecology around. Although Nalsarovar is closed in the monsoon, enthusiasts can visit the periphery areas to photograph the indigenous species. If you hire a guide for a day, you can also visit the plains nearby which is a habitat of many other animals and birds. 

Nalsarovar has documented close to 200 species of birds during winters, many of which are migratory. Watching flamingos here is a joy and should not be missed.

Also Read: Birdwatching destinations around Ahmedabad

Driving Distance from Ahmedabad to Nalsarovar: 62 km (1.5 hours)

Zanzari Waterfalls

Wondering if there waterfalls near Ahmedabad? Zanzari waterfall is the answer.

Zanzari waterfall also known as Jhanjhari Waterfall is a waterfall on the Vatrak River, Kheda region. A small hike on the rocks leads to the main fall which has a fall of 25 meters. It is a good picnic spot to spend a day with family or friends. Zanzari waterfall is fuller during monsoon with the rain waters and has negligible water during other seasons. However, it is still a good option for one day trip from Ahmedabad.

Driving Distance from Ahmedabad to Zanzari waterfall: 75 km (approx. 2 hours)

Lothal

Lothal is a 4,500-year-old town which was an important port on the Indian subcontinent during the Harappan Civilization. It was discovered in 1954, post-independence and is an important archaeological site due to its scientific layout and a massive dockyard that facilitated trade with other civilizations of the time.

The major attractions in Lothal are the vast ruins of the ancient city which includes ancient dockyard, the acropolis, the lower town, the bead factory, the warehouses, and the drainage system.

A museum houses the objects found from the ancient site along with information. The museum also displays seals from Bahrain, terracotta figures from Sumeria, and objects from Egypt. 

Distance from Ahmedabad to Lothal: 85 km (approx. 2 hours)

Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

The golden grasslands of Velavadar are the habitat of the threatened species – Indian Blackbuck. In order to conserve their dwindling numbers, Velavadar has a dedicated area called the Blackbuck National Park. Over 5000 blackbucks freely roam in these grasslands. It is an absolute delight to watch them sprint around. If you are a wildlife enthusiast and really craving for those wildlife photoshoots, fret not and head straight to Velavadar from Ahmedabad. The park is closed in monsoon but you will find ample blackbucks from the highway and the shutter of your camera would be happy to fire away.

You read about my experience and a detailed guide here: Blackbuck National Park

Distance from Ahmedabad to Velavadar: 150 km (4 hours)

Orsang Camp Resort, Chanod

Orsang camp is a favourite among corporates for one-day tour packages from Ahmedabad. With a huge area, Orsang offers many activities that are good enough to engage kids, friends on a picnic, team-building for office colleagues or just a family staycation. 

Situated on the Orsang river, there are adventure activities such as zip-lining across the river and kayaking. Some activities on the site include BURMA Bridge, Tyre Walk, Monkey Bridge, Walk-in Air-On Tyre, ZigZag Commando Net and Swing Bridge among others. 

Distance from Ahmedabad to Orsang Resort: 164 km (4 hours)

Vadnagar, Gujarat

Vadnagar, famous as Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s hometown, is an ancient heritage town. Although it does not feature on the tourist’s circuit, it is one of the best places in Gujarat for architecture lovers. A perfect showcase of Solanki dynasty carvings can be seen at Kirti Toran (two intricately carved columns made in the 12th century, that support an arch 40 feet in height). 

Talking about carvings, the Hateshwar Mahadev temple, a 17th-century temple is one of the most beautiful, intricately carved temples. Other than this there is a lake, Jain temple, step-well and garden that deserve a visit in Vadnagar. 

Read in Detail: Vadnagar, Gujarat

Distance from Ahmedabad to Vadnagar: 100 km (2.5 hours)

Bakor Nature Camp

Bakor has emerged as a perfect camping getaway in Gujarat. While it is ideal to spend a night here in the wilderness, a day trip to Bakor is possible and is very rewarding. Bakor is a small village in Mahisagar district on the foothills of the Aravalli Range. It is blessed with abundant trees, waterfalls, good birdlife, historical places and tribal culture. Experiencing the outdoors in Gujarat could never have been this rewarding.

If you choose Bakor one day picnic then places to visit in Bakor include Kadana dam, Adadari waterfall, Kaleshwari temple and Dodavanta lake. If you choose Bakor Nature camp then be ready to be bowled with the picturesque bounty of nature. There are options for trekking, jungle trail, birdwatching and campfire at night. 

Distance from Ahmedabad to Bakore: 150 km (3.5 hours)

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR PLACES TO VISIT IN AHMEDABAD

• Do not harm any ancient heritage structures by carving or writing on it.
• Do not dispose of garbage in tourist areas such as heritage sites, water bodies or national parks. Dispose only in designated trash bins.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly.

Do you like the options that I have given here? Do you know of any more places that could be part of the list? Or have you already visited the places mentioned? Leave a comment to let me know.

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