Bellary district takes its name from the word Balari which refers to goddess Durugamma as this goddess had manifested herself in the town. Some of the events in the great epic Ramayana are related to this historical place. It is said that Rama while searching for Sita met Sugreeva and Hanuman at a place that is very near to Hampi, the celebrated capital of Vijayanagara kingdom. The history speaks volumes about significant role it acquired during Satavahanas, Kadambas, Chalukyas of Kalyana, Kalachuryas, Sevunas and Hoysalas period. There upon the Vijayanagara rulers built the " City of Victory " on the bank of Tungabhadra river at Hampi in Hospet Taluk. This area which had witnessed the prosperity to its peak fell into political turmoil after the fall of Vijayanagara in 1565. This district was transferred to erstwhile Mysore State on 1st October 1953 from Madras State. With the re-organization of the districts during 1997, the number of taluks is reduced to 7. The Harapanahalli taluk has been transferred to Davanagere district.





Prime Attractions in and around Bellary

Ambali
Known for black stone Chalukyan temple dedicated to Kalleswari. It is 10 Kms, North West of Kottur.

Hampi
The erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar Kingdom. The Virupaksha temple is still used for worship. The Stone chariot, Ugra Narasimha, King's Balance, Lotus Mahal, Elephants stables are worth seeing.
This is a World Heritage Site.

Mallara
It is well known for the temple dedicated to Shiva in his form of Mallara or Mallari. The annual festival of Mallara is very famous.

Ramanadurga or Ramgad
It is a hill-station amidst a group of granite hills. There is a temple dedicated to Ramadeva.

Tunga Bhadra Dam
Near Hospet is also an interesting site. A huge dam is built on the river Tunga and Bhadra. A well laid out garden.