About Halol
Halol is an industrial city located in the southern part of Panch Mahal district in the state of Gujarat. It is also the administrative headquarters of a taluka of the same name and has quite a few ancient cities located within easy district. Consequently, the town is equally important from administrative as well as tourism point of view.
Geography of Halol
Halol is located at coordination of 22° 30' 0' North latitude and 73° 28' 0' East longitude. The city, spread over an area of 14 sq km, has an average elevation of 499 meters. It does not have any river flowing close by. A large manmade water body dug in 1938 provides water to the city.Pavagadh Hill near Halol
Geologists believe the Pavagadh hill to be a part of the Deccan Trap, which came up as lava from the volcanoes began to pour out 5000 million years ago. In fact, one can find several steep rock exposures on this hill that have been attributed to the flow of lava from ancient volcanic eruptions. Thus we see that Pavgadh hill is a very old hill with a complex rock formation.
Climatic Condition of Halol
Halol enjoys a tropical type of climate. May is the hottest month in this region. During that period the temperature may rise up to 42 degree centigrade. January is the coldest month here. During this period the minimum temperature may go below 12 degree centigrade while the maxi mum temperature may rise up to 28 degree centigrade. Although the monsoon starts at the end of June and continues till beginning of October the town receives good amount of rainfall in July, August and September. Among them, maximum amount of rain falls in July. The yearly average precipitation can reach up to 943 mm.History of Halol
According to the available records, Champaner was founded by Vanraj Chavda of Chavda Dynasty and was named after his favorite general, Champaraj. After the death of Vanraj his descendents ruled over the area for five successive generations. In 942 AD, the last Chavda king Samantsingh was overthrown by his nephew Mulraj Solanki, who later formed the Solanki Dynasty and ruled over the area for a long period. Later the area went under the Chavan Dynasty and finally in 15th century AD it went under Muslim rule.
Muhammad Begada, the son of Ahmed Shah and Sultan of Gujarat, captured Champaner and its surrounding area in 1484 AD. He then transferred his capital from Ahmedabad to Champaner and began to rule from there. In 1535, the area was captured by the army of Emperor Humayun and the reign passed into the hands of Mughals.
However in 1727, the area witnessed the return of Hindu kings. That year, the area was seized by Krishanji, the son of Kantaji Kadam Bande. He ruled over the region until it was seized by the Sindiyas in the middle of the said century.
The next important event took place in 1803 when the British seized the Pavagadh Fort. However, they did not try to extend their administration over this region; nor did they levy taxes. Instead, they handed over the fort to Sindhiyas. In 1853, however, the British took over the entire Panch Mahal District and the Sindhiyas were forced to give up the Panagadh Fort. The British then, put the district under Bombay state. When Gujarat was formed on 1st May, 1960, Halol along with rest of Panch Mahal became a part of it.
It may be argued that Halol had no historical significant in the days gone by and the above mentioned history is actually the history of Champaner, not of Halol. However, it must be understood that Halol was not immune to the incidents taking place in its vicinity. It was not only witness to rise and fall of many dynasties in Gujarat, but was directly influenced by them. In fact, the history of Halol was very much a part of the happenings at Champaner and the battles fought for the control of the town.
Administration in Halol
Office Phone No: 02676-221-066
Residential Phone No: 02676-220-066
Mobile No: 94262-23140
Email Id: mam-halol@gujarat.gov.in
The Prant Officer is another important official in charge of Halol. To contact him you may call at the following numbers:
Office Phone No: 02676-220-277
Mobile No: 99985-22299
However, the District Collector is the senior-most officer in charge of the entire district. He has multiple functions that range from revenue administration to disaster management. If you need to contact him you may do at the following numbers:
Office Phone No: 02672-242-800
Residential Phone No: 02672-242-900
Email Id: collector-pan@gujarat.gov.in
Halol Nagar Palika
It is to be noted that Halol Nagar Palika has a geographical area of 21.20 sq. km. For the effective administration of such a vast area, the town has been divided into nine wards. Each of these wards is represented by three elected councilors. Therefore, the total number of councilors at Nagar Palika is 27. The committee is headed by a Chairman selected from its members. In case of any necessity you may contact it at the following address:
Halol Nagar Palika
Halol Nagar Seva Sadan
Vadodara Road, Near Garden,
City: Halol
Dist: Panch Mahal
Pin Code: 389350
Phone No: 02676 221972
Fax No: 02676 222207
E-mail Id: contact@halolnagarpalika.com
Emergency in Halol
As we have just mentioned, the District Collector is in charge of disaster management in Panch Mahal District and therefore, in case of any natural or manmade disaster, one may contact him directly. At the same time, Panch Mahal also has a Disaster Management Cell headed by the DC. Following are phone numbers of Mamlatdar in charge of the above mentioned cell:Mamlatdar Disaster
Phone No: 02676-242-536
Mobile No: 98982-01010
Police Station in Halol
However, in case of many other problems that may or may not involve law and order it is customary to contact the Police Station first. It is located in Adarsh Society off Halol Pavagadh Road. You may go there in person or call at 02676-220-100.Business and Economy in Halol
Banks in Halol
The banking service in Halol is highly advanced Most of the major banks in India have opened their branches in this city Following is a list of some such banks in Halol:Allahabad Bank
Godhra Road
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: ALLA0212391 / 389010041 / 212391
Axis Road
Godhra Road
Opposite Telephone Exchange
Contact No: 02676-225913 /14 /15
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: UTIB0000773 / 389211041 / 000773
Bank of Baroda
Yamuna Kunj
Near Post Office
Contact No: 02676-220356, 221098
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: BARB0HALOLX / 389012041 / HALOLX
Bank of India
Opposite State Bus Stand
Email Id: Halol.Vadodara@bankofindia.co.in
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: BKID0002084 / 389013041 / 002084
Dena Bank
Bank Road
Opposite SBI
Contact No: 02676-220503
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: BKDN0220824 / 389018001 / 220824
HDFC Bank
Godhra Highway
Near Vivek Park
Contact No: 02676-224182/326915,
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: HDFC0000954 / 389240041 / 000954
HDFC Bank
Shayog Pavagadh Road
Contact No: 02676-225216
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: HDFC0CHMCBL / 389801041 / CHMCBL
Indian Overseas Bank
Baroda Road
Opposite Bus Stand
Contact No: 02676-222415
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: OBA0002165 / 389020041 / 002165
State Bank of India
Contact No: 02676-220374 IP153531
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: SBIN0000378 / 389002001 / 000378
Kothak Mahindra Bank
Baroda Road
Near Bus Stand
Contact No: 02676) 652041-52
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: KKBK0000844 / 389485041 / 000844
Central Bank of India
Contact No: 02676-220680
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: CBIN0280484 / NON-MICR / 280484
ICICI Bank
Nakoda Darshan Complex
Godhra Road
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: CIC0001770 / 389229041 / 001770
Corporation Bank
Samarpan
Godhra Road
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: CORP0001368 / 389017041 / 001368
Yes Bank
Nakhoda Darshan
Godhra Road
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: YESB0000255 / 389532041 / 000255
Bank of Maharashtra
Behind Telephone Exchange
Godhra Road
Contact No: 07405573390
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: MAHB0001637 / 389014041 / 001637
Union Bank of India
Nilkanth Compex
GIDC Main Road
Contact No: 08140798329
IFSC Code / MICR Code / Branch Code: UTBI0GIDM19 / NON-MICR / GIDM19
Tourism in Halol
While in Halol, take care to visit the Tomb of Siknader Shah. He was the ruler of Champaner and had been buried here along with his two brothers. This simple yet elegant stone structure is admired by allHalol also has quite a few places of tourist interest located around it. Among them, we must first mention Champaner, located at a distance of 9 km from the town. The city, founded in the 8th century, has many ancient monuments built over different periods. In fact, the area in and around the city is famed as Champaner Pavagadh Park and has been awarded World Heritage Site tag by UNESCO. The entire stretch from Pavagadh to Champaner is dotted with old forts, palaces, temples, mosques, mausoleums, step wells and tanks dating from the 8th century AD. The Heritage Trust of Baroda has listed 111 monuments in this entire area.
You may also take time to visit Pavagadha Hill Station located on top of Pavagadha Hill. The Mahakali temple on this hill is a place of pilgrimage for many. Jambugadha Wild Life Sanctuary, located at a distance of 33 km from the city is another good place to visit from Halol.
Halol at a Glance
Taluka: HalolDistrict: Panch Mahal
State: Gujarat
Pin Code: 389350
STD Code: 02676
Elevation: 499 meter
Coordinates: 22° 30' 0' North latitude and 73° 28' 0' East longitude
Assembly Constituency: Halol
Parliamentary Constituency: Chhota Udaipur