Tourism

Bellary (Ballari in Kannada) district takes its name from the word Balari which refers to Goddess Durugamma. It is believed that Lord Rama while searching for Sita met Sugreeva and Hanuman at a place which is very near to Hampi, the celebrated capital of Vijayanagara kingdom. The history speaks about important role bellary obtained during the period of Satavahanas, Kadambas, Chalukyas of Kalyana, Kalachuryas, Sevunas and Hoysalas. The Vijayanagar Empire was founded by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I, which lasted until 1646 although its power declined after a major military defeat in 1565 by the Deccan sultanates.

Bellary city, the headquarters of Bellary district is spread mainly around two huge rocky granite hills, the Ballari Gudda (also referred as Fort Hill) and Kumbara Gudda (also referred as Face Hill). The Ballari Gudda or Fort hill is also said to be the world's second largest monolithic hill.
Bellary district is gifted with rich mineral resources. has both metallic and non-metallic minerals. The metallic minerals include iron ore, manganese ore, redoxide, gold, copper and lead. The non-metallic minerals include andalusite, asbestos, corundum, clay, dolomite, limestone, limekankan, moulding sand, quartz, soap stone, granite and red ochre.