Akola
Akola (/əˈkoʊlɑː/) is a major city in the Vidarbha region of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The third largest city in Eastern Maharashtra after Nagpur and Amravati, it is located about 580 kilometres (360 mi) east of the state capital, Mumbai, and 250 kilometres (160 mi) west of the second capital, Nagpur. Akola is the administrative headquarters of the Akola district located in the Amravati division.
Akola | |
|---|---|
City and District Headquarter | |
Clockwise from top: Salasar Balaji Temple, Akola Fort, Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth Headquarters, Clocktower | |
| Nicknames: The Cotton City, Rajrajeshwar Nagari | |
Akola Location of Akola City. Akola Akola (India) Akola Akola (Asia) | |
| Coordinates: 20.7°N 77.00°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| District | Akola |
| Named for | Maharaja Akolsingh |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-Council |
| • Body | Akola Municipal Corporation |
| • Mayor | Archana Masne |
| • District Collector | Ajit Kumbhar (IAS) |
| • Municipal Commissioner | Kavita Dwiwedi (IAS) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 124 km2 (48 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 324 m (1,063 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 287 m (942 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 425,817 |
| • Rank | IN: 84th MH: 14th |
| • Density | 3,434/km2 (8,890/sq mi) |
| Demonyms | Akolekar |
| Language | |
| • Official | Marathi |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 444001, 444002, 444003, 444004, 444005, 444006, 444007, 444104, 444109, 444302 |
| Telephone code | 0724 |
| Vehicle registration | MH-30 |
| Literacy | 91.9% |
| Sex ratio | 0.958 |
| HDI | High |
| Website | https://akola.gov.in/ |
Akola is located on the banks of the Morna River. Although it is not considered a common tourist destination, Akola is an important city due to its history, culture, politics, and agriculture. It also has a prominent road and rail junction in the Tapti River valley that functions as a commercial trading centre.
Akola is an important educational centre with several colleges affiliated with the Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University. The city is developing into a market centre. The primary language spoken by the people of Akola is Marathi.