wonderful places of gujarat Archives - Explore with Ecokats

Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad

Ketki Gadre — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 06:18:00 +0000

Bored in Ahmedabad and have only a weekend? Make a small vacation work as there are many options for Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad spanning nature, wildlife, heritage, and luxurious staycations.

While there are many things to do in Ahmedabad, it is possible that you have probably ticked them all and want to explore something nearby. In case you can only spare one day to explore then check out these amazing places to visit near Ahmedabad in one day.

But if you are looking for weekend getaways from Ahmedabad then check out these plethoras of options! For the ease of the reader, I have divided the post into the type of vacation you want to take such as Wildlife, Heritage, Beaches, Nature, and Luxury Staycations.

Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad for the wildlife enthusiast

Little Rann of Kutch

Situated about 120 km from Ahmedabad Little Rann of Kutch is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. In spite of being a desert ecosystem, there are options for bird watching such as Greater Flamingoes, Marsh Harrier, and Peregrine Falcon as well as mammals that can be spotted here – Wild ass, Indian fox, Hyenas, Jackal, etc.

LRK as it is commonly known as has salt pans where salt is collected. Visitors can learn its entire procedure and appreciate the hard work that goes into making (refining) it.

It is the smaller version of the Great Rann of Kutch where the Rannutsav takes place.

How to reach: By car – Take SH 18 through Sanand – Viramgam

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Rann Riders, Dasada or Eco Camp, Jogad

Gir National Park

About 350 km away, one can easily reach Gir National park famous for the Asiatic lions. Start early morning to reach for the afternoon safari. Get blown away by the diversity of jungles in terms of plant and animal biodiversity. One can also visit the Jamjir waterfalls nearby and participate in cultural programs by watching the dance of the Siddi tribe.

You may combine this trip by visiting Somnath temple which is 70kms away. You can extend this trip to 3 days by stopping over in Junagadh and visiting Asia’s longest Ropeway (cable car) – Girnar Ropeway. This is one of my personal favorite weekend getaways from Ahmedabad.

How to reach: By car – Take SH 17: Rajkot – Junagadh – Sasan Gir

Recommended stay duration: At least 1 night

Accommodation: Gir Vanraj Farm or Saavaj Resort

Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Situated near Vadodara it is 210 km from Ahmedabad. Though you need to be super lucky to spot sloth bears and flying squirrels, this is an amazing deciduous jungle to be in.

How to reach: By car – Take NE1 till Vadodara and then Halol – Ratanmahal

Recommended stay duration: At least 1 night

Accommodation: Jambughoda Palace

Khadir bet

Known as the pink island the road to Khadir from Lodrani is every wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Pink because it is the breeding ground of flamingoes which you will see on both sides of the roads. Combine it with the Harappan civilization site Dholavira and you have set yourself an amazing weekend.

How to reach: Overnight car journey – NH947 through Viramgam – Dhrangadhra – Khadir

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: In Rapar – Suvidha Guesthouse (they take bookings on phone)

Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

Blackbucks are Blackbuck National Park’s signature species, and there is a guaranteed sighting of the corkscrew horns antelope, either peacefully grazing, crossing the road, or jumping out into a meadow. Only a three-hour drive on the way to Bhavnagar, the golden grasslands are a treat for birdwatchers too.

How to reach: By car or GSRTC bus via Dholera.

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Forest lodge or Blackbuck Safari Lodge

Weekend getaways from Ahmedabad for the Architectural/Heritage enthusiast

Modhera – Patan

The Modhera Sun Temple in Modhera and Rani-ki-Vav in Patan is architecturally mind-blowing and is only 98 km from Ahmedabad. Read up about the history or book yourself a guide there – it will enrich your knowledge about the temple. It is one of the perfect weekend getaways from Ahmedabad.

Patan is a further 43kms and can be easily combined to see the intricate work on 7 stories step well below the ground.

How to reach: By car – Through Palanpur Highway

Recommended stay duration: Not required. Day trip possible.

Accommodation: In Ahmedabad – Fortune Landmark

Vadodara – Pavagadh – Champaner

A weekend in Vadodara which is only 100 km away should not be brushed away. The city itself has a lot to do, see and eat which includes the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Raja Ravi Verma paintings museum, Tambekar Wada, Sevasi Vav, and many more. The next day visitors can go to Pavagadh and pay respect to the goddess Kali on top of the mountain either by climbing the 250 steps or by taking the ropeway to enjoy the view. On the way back visit Champaner Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, read about the must-try street food of Vadodara.

How to reach: By car – NE1

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Fortune Inn Promenade

Bhuj

350 km away, Bhuj offers the best of all worlds – palaces, heritage sites, museums, and shopping and it is the starting point for the White Desert tour known as Rann Utsav. You cannot miss going to Bhuj if you are in Gujarat and fall in love with its colors against the white desert. Read more about Rann Utsav. Read in detail about Things to do in Bhuj.

How to reach: By train – BDTS-BHUJ express runs every night between Mumbai and Bhuj and is an overnight journey 7 hours journey from Ahmedabad.

Recommended stay duration: Atleast 1 night

Accommodation: Click Hotel

Dholavira

Known as one of the five largest sites of the Harappan civilization, the site contains ruins of the Indus Valley civilization. Get awed by the rainwater harvesting systems used in those times in the dry areas of Kutch and many other excavated items. Combine this visit with Khadir bet to get the best of both worlds.

How to reach: Overnight car journey – NH947 to Viramgam – Dhrangadhra – Khadir

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: In Rapar – Suvidha guest house (they take bookings on phone)

Statue of Unity – The longest Statue in the World

While a day trip to the Statue of Unity from Ahmedabad is perfect, the Statue of Unity is slowly gaining popularity as the best weekend trip from Ahmedabad. Thanks to the many activities being inaugurated every couple of months, it guarantees that visitors stay back and enjoy the fullest. SoU tent city is a great option to spend the night overlooking the statue.

Activities Statue of Unity is a mix of adventure, eco-tourism, as well as wildlife, and visitors can choose what they feel is the best for them. Some of them include River Rafting, Jungle Safari, River cruise, Glow Garden, Arogya Van, Cactus Garden, Zarvani Adventure Zone, Sardar Sarovar Dam, and many more.

How to reach: Train to Kevadia and then a taxi to the Statue of Unity

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Tent city Narmada, The Fern Sardar Sarovar Resort, BRG Budget stay, Ramada Encore

Self-Drive Getaways Near Ahmedabad for the Beaches

Diu

Diu is one of the favorite weekend getaways for many people of Gujarat. Located about 400 km from Ahmedabad, not only does it offer a dose of vitamin sea but also a respite to have some booze officially (Gujarat is a dry state and you do not get alcohol, yes, for a fact). So let the hair loose and get some sand in it.

How to reach: Overnight car/bus journey – Amreli highway

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Kostamar Beach Resort

Mandvi Beach

If you extend your Bhuj trip to 1 more day, you can visit the amazing Vijay Vilas palace and the beautiful and less crowded Mandvi beach. You can do a stand-alone trip here as well which is almost 400 km from Ahmedabad. If you get bored with the beach, head over to Naliya, the coldest place in Gujarat (in winter) to spot the elusive Great Indian Bustard in the sanctuary. Read in detail here about – Why Mandvi is a must visit place?

How to reach: Overnight train to Bhuj and then car to Mandvi beach

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Serena Beach Resort

Okha

Okha is a port situated over 500 km from Ahmedabad. Well known among marine lovers, there are hundreds of small islands and natural coral reefs near Okha. Dolphins can be easily spotted in their natural habitat. It is an ideal place for island camping. This trip can be combined with visiting Dwarka temple which is 30 km from Okha.

How to reach: Overnight train to Okha and then boat to the islands

Recommended stay duration: Atleast 1 night

Accommodation: In nature camps. Check Sundarvan

Weekend getaways from Ahmedabad for the Nature enthusiast

Saputara

Saputara is one of the favorite romantic getaways near Ahmedabad as well as from Nashik, especially for honeymooners. It is the only hill station in Gujarat and is located in the Western Ghats, about 400 km from Ahmedabad. It is a place to throng once the monsoon sets its foot to see the green jungles and overflowing waterfalls for trekking.

How to reach: Train to Navsari/Valsad and then car to Saputara

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Homestay at Baradpani

Dang forest – Gira waterfalls

There is a never-ending list of things to see in Dang – wildlife, biodiversity, waterfalls, it is a perfect blend of nature for the nature enthusiast in you. However, the ideal season to visit is monsoon. It is very near to Saputara and can be combined together for a 2N3D trip. Do not miss the firefly festival which happens in July.

How to reach: Train to Bilimora and then car to Dang

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Rural Pleasure Homestay

Luxury Staycations near Ahmedabad

Udai Bilas Palace, Dungarpur

Udai Bilas Palace combines luxury, heritage, architecture, and nature vacations in just one trip. It is a heritage property located on the banks of Gaib Sagar Lake. One can relax in the many royal suites on the property or take a swim in the infinity pool. There are enough photography options such as the Ek Thambia Mahal, the in-house vintage car museum, birdwatching, and many more.

How to reach: Drive on NH8 from Ahmedabad to Udaipur Highway

Recommended stay duration: 1 night

Accommodation: Udai Bilas Palace

Suite at Udai Bilas Palace

Sustainable Tips for weekend destinations from Ahmedabad

Traveling locally using a train or road by public transport is the best way to explore the places near where you live
Blend in the culture by wearing the right clothes and eating the local food. This will keep you healthy and give you the feeling of being local.
Do not litter the places where you go for a picnic. Always use a dustbin.
Practice ecotourism in national parks or jungles.

I hope you find this list helpful to plan a weekend trip from Ahmedabad. This post can combine as options for weekend getaways from Vadodara as the proximity is almost similar.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Crafts of Kutch: 15 Vibrant and Colourful Showstopper Souvenirs from Kutch

Ketki Gadre — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 06:59:26 +0000

The arid lands of Kutch that encapsulate White Rann (Salt Desert) are always brimming with colours and vibrancy at each and every corner. Be it the saddle of the camel or the turban of local men, be it the colourful jewellery of Kutchi women or the walls of the houses, everything is drenched in colours. Hop on board, as I take you on a sensuous journey to the Crafts of Kutch.

Crafts of Kutch

The colourful and vibrant crafts of Kutch are all handmade. The artisans of Kutch behind each of these crafts have perfected the techniques through generations. Whether it is embroidery, metalwork, painting or woodwork, the weaves of Kutchi craft are brimming with innovative designs so that it appeals to the current generation. These handicrafts of Kutch are perfect souvenirs for gifting or as home accessories. Let’s dive into them!

It is possible to see artists work on each of these crafts of Kutch. Most artists work from their homes in Kutch villages. They will be happy to invite you into their homes too!

Beadwork

Gujarat is the centre for Moti Bharat (Beadwork). Bead craft is the art of making household decorative items and jewellery using beads of various sizes and colours. Although the Saurashtra region is more involved in beadwork, Kutchi locals have also adopted this art. Over the years, bead craft has undergone a number of changes in motifs, colours and production of articles which has now been diversified with new forms of motifs and colours.

Traditionally glass beads were used in beadwork, however, to lower the production cost, nowadays plastic beads are being used. The beads are tightly held together with plastic thread and tied to form designs.

Kutch village famous for Bead Work: Bhujodi, Rann Utsav Tent City (Dhordo)

Bead art items range: INR 250 onwards

Bead work jewellery | One of the best crafts of Kutch

Hand embroidery | The best embroidery of Gujarat

Hand embroidery in India is synonymous with every state and some of the famous works include Katha work, Chikankari work, Phulkari, Aari work, Zardosi work and many more. Hand embroidery in Kutch uses colourful threads, mirrors and other embellishments. The regional techniques used in Kutch embroidery include – Soof, Kharek, Pakko, Rabari, Jat and Mutwa. Women in each community embroider using specific stitches and motifs as a form of individual and community expression.

Pakko work and Rabari work is more popular amongst the visitors. ‘Pakko’ means solid and this stitch is characterised by compact stitches of square chain and double buttonhole stitches. It uses mirrors and a unique black outlining using satin stitch. The Rabari embroidery originates from the Rabari community, which uses mirrors of different shapes and sizes along with a complex pattern of chain stitches. A number of colours are utilised for decoration.

The utility items made using hand embroidery include bed sheets, table runners, cushion covers, bags, wallets, etc.

Kutch village famous for Hand Embroidery: Hodka, Gandhi nu Gaam (Ludiya)

Hand Embroidery items range: INR 100 onwards

Handmade blouses, purses and other Kutchi handicrafts

Rogan Art | Crafts of Kutch famous worldwide

Rogan Art seems to have descended to Kutch from Persia over 400 years ago. The art is now practised by only one family – Abdul Gafur Khatri of Nirona village in Kutch. Abdulbhai is a celebrity of sorts as his art has a place in the White House, United States of America. He is also a recipient of the Padma Shri Award. His most famous painting is ‘Tree of Life’. Read more about Rogan Art Nirona.

Rogan Art is a freehand artwork that requires extreme patience and skills. Rogan Art uses oil of castor seeds which makes an oil paint-like consistency of paint. Natural colours are then mixed in the oil. This coloured paint is later used to paint on different kinds of fabric using a metal stylus. Geometric designs, motifs and various other designs are drawn freehand. After painting, the fabric is sundried.

Due to the freehand nature, it could take days and weeks to finish a painting. The paint is known to be extremely long-lasting and does not fade in spite of multiple washing. Contemporary art has found its presence on kurtis, purses and stoles.

Kutch village famous for Rogan Art: Nirona

Rogan Art items range: INR 500 onwards

Rogan Art Nirona demonstration

Wood Lacquer Art – Famous Kutch handicraft

Wood lacquer uses tree glue that is extracted and mixed with natural dyes and used as a design on wooden items. The artists use a small hand-operated lathe and a cloth to colour the wooden items. The items range from wood crockery to showpieces and stand out due to their colourful designs.

Kutch village famous for Wood Lacquer Art: Nirona

Wood Lacquer Art items range: INR 250 onwards

Wood Lacquer Art at Nirona | Crafts of Kutch

Leather work – Best Kutchi handicraft

The Meghwal community which practices leather art in Kutch brought this art form from the neighbouring state of Rajasthan. Leather work is one of the timeless crafts which has grown to combine traditional methods of design with modern functionalities. Items made with leather include footwear, bags, cushion covers, and artefacts. The Kutchi touch to all of these items includes mirror work and colourful embroidery.

Kutch village famous for Leather Work: Bhirandiyara, Bhujodi

Leather work items range: INR 500 onwards

Juttis made from Camel Leather

Mud work | Lippan work of Kutch

Mud work, a traditional mural craft of Kutch, is locally known as Lippan Kaam. Lippan means adorning things with hands, is the craft that traditionally uses mud and camel dung for decoration. The art is mainly practised by the Rabari community and has been in use for decades to decorate the interior as well as the exterior of their homes called Bhungas.

The artisans make it even more attractive by adding mirror embellishments to these designs. Inside the bhungas, because of the mirrors used, a single lamp lights up the home considerably. The designs in mud work range from local flora and fauna to geometric designs which are then painted in colours. One of my favourite artists for Mud work is Iram Mara.

Kutch village famous for Lippan Work: All villages in Kutch

Lippan work items range: INR 500 onwards

A traditional Kutchi house – Bhunga with mud work

Lippan kaam | Mud work of Kutch

Kutchi Silver Jewellery

Along with colourful outfits that are embellished with mirrorwork, Kutchi silver jewellery is a show stopper too! The folks of Kutch are high on jewellery and leave no body part that can be bejewelled. The reason behind this is that silver jewellery is part of the culture and traditions of Kutchi men and women. Each tribe wears different jewellery that has specific designs.

Being a nomadic tribe in earlier times, the Kutchi people invested in silver jewellery that could be worn all the time and sold if the need arose.

Jewellery includes oxidized jewellery, brass jewellery and other materials. Jewellery items include – earrings (for different placements), nose rings, necklaces, waist belts, anklets and toe rings.

Kutch villages famous for Kutchi Silver Jewellery: All villages in Kutch

Kutchi Silver Jewellery items range: INR 250 onwards

Copper Bell Art

Scrap tin and iron are converted into utility items by the Luhar family of Nirona. The speciality of these copper bells is that they are made by beating strips of metal to the desired shape and interlocking the pieces. Each piece makes a different noise.

Traditionally these bells were used by cattle rearers to help the herder identify its cattle. Nowadays they are used in making home decoration items like wind chimes and keychains.

Kutch village famous for Copper Bell Art: Jhura, Nirona (Main Bazar, P.O Nirona, Tal: Nakhatrana, Kutch)

Copper Bell items range: INR 250 onwards

Copper bells made from scrap metal in Kutch

Ajrakh Block Print

Hand Block Printing is traditionally a Gujarati craft. Gujarat is the oldest and biggest centre for this artwork. Having seen this artwork come alive at Anokhi Museum Jaipur, I have major respect for this art, especially because of how tedious it is.

Ajrakh is a type of block print that is practised in villages of Kutch. Azrakh is an Arabic word for indigo, which is where the printing got its name. The colours of a true Ajrakh textile are fast. The cloth is made in a sixteen step process of washing, dyeing, printing, and drying, which requires a high level of skill and concentration in order to keep colours fast and even. Pomegranate seeds, gum, Harde powder, wood, flour of Kachika, the flower of Dhavadi, alizarine and locally cultivated Indigo are just some of the natural resources that printers use in this craft. Ajrakh patterns use complex geometry to create architectural forms of Islamic architecture’s intricate jali windows and trefoil arches.

Nomadic communities – Rabaris, Maldharis, and Ahirs wear Ajrakh printed cloth as turbans, lungis, or stoles.

The contemporary products made with Ajrakh Block Print include ladies’ suits, men’s kurta, bed sheets, pillow covers, purses and footwear.

Kutch village famous for Ajrakh Block Print: Ajrakhpur

Ajrakh Block Print items range: INR 1000 onwards

Ajrakh printed cloth – Famous crafts of Kutch

Bandhej | The pride of Gujarat

Bandhani, Bandhej or tie-dye is a traditional Gujarati clothing style. It is a special dyeing technique to produce a design on a cloth. The word Bandhani comes from ‘Bandhan’ which means tying up. Thus, it has special importance in marriages where Gujarati brides wear a Bandhani saree called Gharchola and the groom wears a Bandhani turban.

Plain cloth is tied tightly using thread in multiple locations. Post dyeing it results in a complex pattern comprising dots, squares, waves or stripes. The most gruelling and complex design of them all is using mustard seeds for tying known as Rai Dana Bandhej and made on silk fabric.

Traditionally, bandhani work was limited to cotton fabrics using natural dyes, however, due to huge demand, the tie-dye is made of a variety of fabrics and now uses chemical dyes.

Kutch village famous for Bandhej: Abdasa, Mandvi, Mundra, Anjar, Bhuj, and Nakhatrana

Bandhej items range: INR 500 onwards

Bandhej saree | Tie & dye saree

Knife Work

There are two types of knife-making traditions in Kutch – the Chari and the Chappu. The Chari has a steel or iron blade and a handle made from wood, plastic, or brass. The Chappu is composed of the same parts with an added spring that allows it to fold. Some artisans specialize in crafting the blade, some in casting the handles, and others in polishing the final product. In this system, each knife is the result of many artisans’ collaborative work.

Kutch villages famous for Knife work: Nani Reha, Moti Reha

Knife work items range: INR 500 onwards

Wood Carving

The crafts of Kutch have another wonder called wood carving. Teak wood and local babul is used for the wood carving. The wood is chiselled as per the design. The wood surface is polished and the product is ready. Wooden stools, cradles, jewellery boxes and other utility items are made.

Kutch village famous for Wood Carving: Ludia, Dumado, Dhordo

Wood Carving items range: INR 500 onwards

Wood carving work of Kutch

Kharad Weaving | Age-old crafts of Kutch

Kharad Weaving belongs to the pastoral communities of Kutch wherein they sheared hair from their camels, sheep, and goats to weave utility products to shield them in winter. They traditionally weaved with undyed wool of sheep, goat and camel for essential items such as camel udder bags, tiffin bags and sacks for carrying grain which were tightly woven so that they were water and insect-proof and no grain could escape.

Traditionally kharads were used for warmth on floors and for special gatherings of people and meetings. People would bring their rolls of carpets for an important occasion to give comfort as well as to show respect. Kharad lasts long due to the tough fibres.

Kharad were later made into different patterns and colours due to which the kings of kutch took notice. Rugs for palaces were commissioned and that is when this art form got its recognition and sustained over centuries. The Kharad weaving is nowadays used for rugs, carpets, bags, and mats. Check out the Instagram account of Kharad Weaving to order online here.

Kutch village famous for Kharad Weaving: Sanjotnagar, Kuran

Kharad Weaving items range: INR 500 onwards

Kharad Dhurries | PC: Navin Fafal (@kharad_weaving_kutch)

Kala Cotton Weaving

Kala means Black and it is called so due to a black tinge of black colour in the undyed cloth. Kala Cotton is one of the few genetically pure cotton species remaining in India. Kala cotton is a purely rain-fed crop, organic and indigenous to the Kutch region, which makes it more tolerant to temperature fluctuations.

Kala cotton is not frequently used in the textile industry as there are spinning and weaving challenges due to its coarse nature as compared to genetically modified Bt cotton.

Clothes made from Kala Cotton are more comfortable in hot temperatures which is why there is a certain clientele that swears by these products. Shirts, pants, kurtas and bags made from Kala Cotton are available at some markets in Bhuj. Also, read – Is Bhuj worth visiting?

Kutch organization famous for Kala Cotton Weaving: Khamir

Kala Cotton Weaving items range: INR 1000 onwards

Kala Cotton Kutch | PC: Khamir

Applique work | Dhadki Work

Appliqué is the process of sewing smaller pieces of fabric onto a larger background fabric. Appliqué work actually originated where the clothes were ripped and needed fixing to appear decent and classic. it is one of the most popular crafts of Kutch.

The artists in Kutch sew different fabrics on the garment to make bedspreads and quilts. Block print designs and Ajrakh design blocks in different colours are used to make them look vibrant. Traditionally the nomadic communities of Kutch used this technique who did not have enough money to buy new bedspreads and used waste pieces of garments to sew into quilts to keep them warm.

Locally it is also known as Dhadki work.

Kutch villages famous for Applique Work: All villages in Kutch

Applique work items range: INR 250 onwards

Dhadki work of Kutch

Sustainable tips for buying Crafts of Kutch & Photography in Kutch villages

Carry a bag while shopping and avoid plastic bags.
Encourage shopkeepers to pack fragile items in a newspaper instead of bubble wrap.
Do not bargain too much. The artisan’s livelihood depends on this.
If you enter the artist’s home, be respectful of the belongings. Remove footwear before entering and ask for permission before clicking pictures.
Photography of women in some villages is prohibited. Always ask for permission before clicking.

Read More articles on Souvenirs:

Read More about the Handicrafts of India:

Disclosure: I was invited by Gujarat Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to explore Vadnagar. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own. Special thanks to the team for taking take of everything during this trip.

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Polo Forest Gujarat | Perfect day trip from Ahmedabad

Ketki Gadre — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 11:27:23 +0000

Polo Forest Gujarat is known for the heritage Jain temples. This forest in Gujarat is popular for camping and trekking and most popular visited during monsoon.

The first thing that comes to my mind when someone asks about day trips near Ahmedabad is Polo Forest Gujarat. This Polo Forest guide will give a glimpse of what is up for grabs for visitors of all ages.

About Polo Forest Gujarat

The name ‘Polo’ is derived from the word pol, which is a Rajasthani word for ‘gate’.

The name quite literally translates to a gateway between the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, which it rightly is. Polo Forest has 4 sculptured gates made of local sedimentary rocks in each direction.

The forest is situated on the foothills of the lush Aravalli Mountain range which is home to many tree species, birds and animals. The forest contains several Hindu and Jain temples from the 15th century.

Polo Forest in Gujarat is one of the ancient historical sites and is popular for its unique yet picturesque deciduous surroundings. In monsoon, it completely changes its nature and transforms into misty heaven with lush green surroundings and overflowing rivers and streams. Chances are that you may even enjoy a shower in the seasonal waterfalls.

I feel it can easily be turned into a wildlife park given the diversity it has as well as the expanse on which it is spread – Polo Forest is spread across 400 square km area. There are recorded sightings of Sloth bears and Leopards in the area.

Activities in Polo Forest Gujarat

Polo Forest Idar is a haven for adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts and those who want to enjoy pristine nature.

Adventure activities in Polo Forest

Polo Forest has many adventure activities and trails to keep the visitors busy. Nature trails, cycling in forest, trekking, riverside walking, wildlife photography, etc. some of the activities one can get busy in Polo Forest. There are many hiking trails available ranging from 3kms to 14 km known as the Mango, Kalal, and Bhim treks, respectively.

All of these activities are possible if you go with a local guide or with a tour operator as the safety gears required for the activities are exclusive with them. There is also a chance of getting lost in the forest as there are no visible trails marked.

I was there only for a day trip so skipped adventure activities but I would love to try them the next time.

Trekking in Harnav Dam

Also known as Vanaj Dam, it is one of the most popular attractions in Polo. Walk amongst the drenched tree cover to reach the Harnav Dam. A nature trail along the Harnav river takes one to the reservoir of the river. Visitors can explore the dam site which is nicely developed and maintained in Polo forest area.

Harnav Dam, Polo Forest

Birdwatching in Polo Forest

Forest residents which are quite easily spotted are flying squirrels, Indian grey hornbill, sloth bears and many birds. Polo is known to house 275 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, and 32 species of reptiles.

Blame it on my bad luck or bad timing, I could not spot any birds that day. Maybe if I had gone deeper in the forest, I might have caught a glimpse of some wildlife!

Temples in Polo Forest

The Jain temple of Polo Forest is believed to have given refuge to the then Maharaja, Maharana Pratap during his battle against the Mughals. This place was earlier a pilgrimage for the Jains and Shivadharmi people of the area.

However the temples were destroyed by the Mughals and what remains are some spectacular ruins of a fort, now a heritage site. The temples are said to be over 1500 years old. On a closer look at the designs, they are lavishly crafted with incredible details of deities, sculptures and motifs from everyday life.

The architecture of the ruins definitely reminded me of Angkor Wat temples.

Interesting carvings on the temples

Heavily ornamented carvings inside the temple

Another stunning temple worth visiting is the Sarneshwar temple. The 15th-century Sarneshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a three-storied temple with fortified walls. The carvings on exterior walls include deities, social life scenes; bands of humans, elephants, swans and plants.

Sarneshwar temple Polo Forest Gujarat

Where to stay in Polo Forest

If you are wondering about Polo Forest resorts, there are many options.

If visitors just want to enjoy the raw nature instead of going around to places, they can simply relax at the luxurious and air-conditioned tented accommodation and enjoy the views of Aravali range in the middle of a forest. The tents of Polo Tent city are luxurious, eco-friendly yet comfortable. They are operated by the Gujarat State Forest Department and need prior booking through the district forest department office Himmatnagar. Polo campsite offers both AC / Non AC accommodations which are available on a twin sharing basis.

There are few resorts, camps as well as hotels in Polo Forest where one can book a stay. There are luxury as well as budget options available in Polo Forest. Fern Sattva Resort and MWS Polo Hideaway are one of the best.

Food at Vijaynagar

There are tea and Maggi stalls on the main road but no restaurants. Lunch and dinner are generally served by the tour operators/camp owners. In case you are on a one day trip, it is best to carry snacks with you.

Tea and Maggi stalls around Polo

How to reach Polo Forest

By road

Polo forest is located at a distance of 150 km from Ahmedabad, 70 km from Himmatnagar Gujarat and 120 km from Udaipur, Rajasthan. GSRTC buses are frequently available to reach Idar via bus. From Idar to Vijaynagar, jeeps are frequent. However, it is ideal to travel by hired car as the distance between places to see in Polo is a lot.

By train

The closest railway station is Himmatnagar if travelling within Gujarat. If travelling from outside of Gujarat, hire a car from Ahmedabad.

By flight

Ahmedabad and Udaipur are the nearest airports. Hire a car from there to reach Polo forest.

Best time to visit Polo Forest

As it is surrounded by mountains and forest, this place starts getting pleasant from monsoon season and is lush green between the months of September and December especially if you want to trek here. But the rich wildlife here can be experienced at any time of the year. I would prefer planning after monsoon season to winter and will recommend avoiding in summer.

Places to visit near Polo Forest

Rani-ki-Vav Patan

The intricately carved stepwell in Patan is called Rani-ki-Vav. Located 3 hours away from Polo, this is a good trip worth planning. Read about it here: Rani-ki-Vav, Patan

Vadnagar, Gujarat

The heritage town of Vadnagar is one of the treasure trove in Gujarat. Read about it here: Vadnagar, Gujarat

Modhera Sun Temple

Modhera Sun Temple is one of the most exquisitely-sculpted temples in India, that is a prominent shrine dedicated to Hindu Sun God. Modhera is 3 hours away from Polo Forest. Read about it here: Modhera Sun Temple

Idar

Idar is a lovely town which boasts of a fort on a hilltop, breathtaking views of the Aravallis from the top of Idaariyo Gadh and a lake in the town.

Idar Gadh near Polo

Sustainable tips for Polo Forest Gujarat

Be sensitive towards forest wildlife. Keep your eyes and ears open to sounds and movement while walking/cycling. Keep safe distance while photographing them.
Wear camouflage colours which will easily blend with the forest – shades of green, brown and grey.
Do not talk loudly or make unnecessary noises in the forest.
Avoid wearing perfumes or body spray in the forest.
Carry water and food but do not dispose of plastic or leftover food in the forest. Keep it in your bag or vehicle and dispose of safely once you return to the hotel.
Do not feed anything to wild animals.

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I hope this blog on Polo Forest Gujarat helps you to plan a trip. Have you been there before? Did you like it? Tell me in the comments below.

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