Halali Reservoir, reservoir in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, India
The Halali Reservoir is a large body of water in Madhya Pradesh built on the Halali River, covering an area of about 2,528 hectares. The water is managed by dams and supports various fish species including catla, rohu, and mrigal, while the surrounding landscape features natural tree stands and open spaces.
The reservoir was built in 1973 on the Halali River, a tributary of the Betwa River with a turbulent past. The river earned its name 'Halali', meaning 'river of slaughter', from an 18th-century battle when forces of Dost Mohammad Khan fought a rival Rajput group nearby.
The reservoir draws locals and visitors who gather for boat rides and lakeside walks, making it a social gathering place. The waters support fishing communities and remain deeply connected to everyday life and recreation in the region.
The site is accessible year-round and located about 47 kilometers from Bhopal, making it an easy day trip destination. There is no entry fee and opening hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though visitors should bring their own food and water as facilities are limited.
The reservoir's name derives from the Halali River, whose name traces back to a bloody 18th-century battle where Dost Mohammad Khan and Rajput forces fought, with the river allegedly turning red from bloodshed. This historical connection makes the site particularly meaningful for visitors interested in local history.
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