Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Sabarkantha for Nature, Heritage & Culture

1. Dowlat Vilas Palace

Dowlat Villas Palace represents a 100-year-old heritage property through which visitors can experience both private residence and heritage homestay. The property belongs to Maharaj Shri Bhagirath Singhji Idar through his lineage from his father Late Maharaj Shri Umeg Singhji and his son Rajkumar Saheb Suryavir Singhji Idar. The building project began in the 1920s through the work of Maharaj Shri Man Singhji who was the second son of H.H. Maharaja Dowlat Singhji before establishing it under this title as an honor to his father. Heritage homestay management under Rajkumar Saheb Suryavir Singhji Idar now operates this part of the historical estate which dates back to the 1920s.

Architectural Grandeur & Unique Design

The castle-like Dowlat Villas Palace showcases an exclusive scorpion profile containing four elements which combine a head section and body section and ending with claws and sting. The building shows how precise and majestic royal designs were in the past.

Interiors & Heritage Collection

• The palace exhibits interior decorations which include:
• The antique pieces of furniture retain their stylish appeal from earlier times.
• The establishment displays multiple objects and art pieces that tell stories about the royal family’s historical significance.
• The accommodation spaces combine heritage beauty with contemporary convenience using expansive areas containing modern amenities.

Exteriors & Recreational Spaces

The expansive palace grounds include:

• Galleries together with gigantic pillars represent the majestic construction of the palace edifice.
• The perfectly maintained lawn areas extend endlessly across the grounds which provide perfect spaces for both parking vehicles and outdoor recreational activities.
• Guests can use the swimming pool and recreational space with seasonal organic kitchen garden to get complete relaxation.
• Visitors can find the Idar-Ratna mango orchard in this region specifically for its elite mango production.

The establishment welcomes pets as part of its welcoming policy dedicated to animal companions.

A Venue for Grand Ceremonial Events

• Dowlat Villas Palace functions as a distinguished location that hosts multiple royal ceremonies and ceremonial functions.
• Weddings and receptions in a regal setting.
• Cultural and heritage celebrations with a touch of history.
• Various private events and retreats can take place within this venue at their magnificent location.

Location & Accessibility

• Dowlat Villas Palace can be found easily on NH-8 and provides:
• An hour’s drive from Ahmedabad.
• A little over an hour’s drive from Udaipur.
• The facility is easily reachable by road so people can visit it as a weekend escape.

2. Polo Forest

Situated amidst thick jungle vegetation Polo Forest maintains secrets of an old city that served as Rajasthan entry point and royal sanctuary for people seeking refuge. These sacred hills on both eastern and western sides form an enigmatic boundary where enemies and citizens along with sunlight have been denied access to the hidden secrets. Numerous ancient vestiges of prosperity present themselves as silent remnants which document human history along with desertification and decline.

The enormous forest contains historic temples which keep performing traditional religious ceremonies as their time-honored practices continue today. Each living tree in the forest serves as a divine entity among numerous sacred entities. The native settlements which continue to expand their connection to this sacred land protect the natural order of the world while allowing visitors to experience these ruinal harmonies.

Come. Listen. Learn. Discover your Self.
After leaving your cities behind you will carry the forest memories in your heart forever.

Wildlife & Birdwatching: Friendly Tips for Visitors

• The endangered Grey Hornbill and Brown-headed Barbet seek out fig trees with ripened fruits which serves as an excellent opportunity for birdwatchers.
• As a bright red flowering season approaches the Banyan tree by the camp attracts Grey Hornbills to gather together.
• A tree on the far side of the camp hosts woodpeckers, fruit birds, and birds of prey, particularly during a shifting half-hour window in the afternoon.
• Throughout this biodiverse forest area the curious observer can identify bears with panthers and leopards and hyenas and flying squirrels and multiple types of birds.

Historical Significance: The Lost City of Polo

The Harnav River stands as a water feature described in the Puranas around which the past Polo city developed. According to historical records Polo was first established in the tenth century by Parihar kings from Idar before Rathod Rajputs from Marwar took control in the fifteenth century. The Marwari word pol gives origin to the name Polo which identifies this place as the gateway connecting Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The area between eastern Kalaliyo Hill which stands as the highest peak near and western Mamrehchi Hill which holds spiritual value for Adivasis encloses the mysterious Polo Forest. Sunlight is blocked in this area most days probably caused the ancient city to be deserted even though it holds significant historical value.

A Natural Treasure Trove

The dry mixed deciduous forest of Polo Forest occupies 400 square kilometers during which it experiences its most verdant and rich growth phase from September through December when rainwater fills all rivers and streams. The area provides substantial wildlife opportunities due to seasonal wildlife experiences beginning with the yearly cycle.

• 450+ species of medicinal plants
• 275 species of birds
• 30 species of mammals
• 32 species of reptiles

3. Idar Fort

The grandeur of Idar Fort exists for discovery

The historic Idar Fort exists 38 km from Vijaynagar while standing among the defensive Aravalli mountains that shielded it during previous historical attacks. The princely state experienced battles and dynastic rule as well as devotion and therefore became multifaceted in its strategic and spiritual value.

The fort contains hidden temple shrines that people continue to worship in their hillside positions across its expanse. You will experience a journey up the rocky terrain that leads you to a space which generations have revered since the beginning.

A Gateway to Nearby Historic and Pilgrimage Sites

The strategic position of Idar Fort makes it an outstanding location to study important destinations throughout North Gujarat:

• Himatnagar – A vibrant city with historical and cultural significance.
• Khedbrahma – A renowned pilgrimage site with deep mythological roots.
• Shamlaji serves as a major religious destination in Gujarat because it contains a sacred Vishnu temple.

The archaeological site Dev ni Mori contains Buddhist remains such as Buddhism’s educational facilities as well as religious monuments which display Gujarat’s history of this religion.

History

Idar Fort embodies both an architectural masterpiece and serves as an alive historic representation of Gujarat’s regal heritage and religious heritage and its natural vistas. As a spot that welcomes every type of visitor it enables people to follow past eras and find sacred places as they discover the historical inscriptions embedded in stone structures.

related articles : Top 3 Best Places to Visit in Morbi for Architecture, Culture & History