Bellary Travel Guide
Facts And Figures
Total Population: 16.53 lakhs
Best time to visit: October - March
Area: 8447 sq. km
Languages: Kannada and English
STD Code: 08392

Introduction
Bellary is the headquarters of the district of the same name in the state of Karnataka. It is an industrial town, having 7 taluks. Bellary stands amidst a wide, level plain of black cotton soil.

Location
Located on the eastern side of the state, Bellary is bounded by Raichur district on the north, by Dharwad district on the west, Chitradurga and Davangere districts on the south and Anantapur, Kurnool districts of Andhra Pradesh on east.

Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Bellary is between the months of October and March.

History
The name Bellary originates from the word Balari which refers to Goddess Durugamma, who had manifested herself in the town. Certain events in the great epic Ramayana are related to this historical place. It is said that Lord Rama, while searching for Sita, met Sugreeva and Hanuman at a place that is in close proximity to Hampi, the erstwhile capital of Vijayanagara kingdom. Historically, it played a significant role during Satavahanas, Kadambas, Chalukyas of Kalyana, Kalachuryas, Sevunas and Hoysalas period. Later the Vijayanagara rulers built the City of Victory on the banks of Tungabhadra River at Hampi in Hospet Taluk. Bellary was transferred to former Mysore state on 1st October 1953 from Madras state.

Tourist Attractions
Hampi: At this World Heritage Site, you can witness the Virupaksha temple, the Stone Chariot, Ugra Narasimha, King's Balance and Lotus Mahal, Elephants stables.

Mallara: Renowned for the temple consecrated to Lord Shiva in his form of Mallara or Mallari, it is famed for the annual festival of Mallara.

Ramanadurga or Ramgad: At this hill-station set amidst a group of granite hills, there is a temple dedicated to Ramadeva.

Places around Bellary
Tunga Bhadra Dam:This huge dam, situated neat Hospet, is built on river Tunga and Bhadra, and has a beautiful garden.

Ambali:Positioned 10 km north-west of Kottur, Ambali is popular for the black stone Chalukyan temple dedicated to Kalleswari.

Fairs And Festivals
Hampi Utsav:The ruined city of Hampi, located near Bellary, comes alive during this festival of dance and music called Hampi or Vijaya Utsav, held in the first week of November.

Annual festival of Mallara:This famous festival is celebrated in a temple consecrated to Lord Shiva in his form of Mallara or Mallari.

Where to stay
Some of the major hotels in Bellary, offering a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity as well as a comfortable stay, are Hotel Pola Paradise, etc.

How To Reach
By Air
Bellary has its own airport, from where regular flights to Bangalore are available.

By Rail
You can access to any place in Karnataka from the Bellary Railway Station.

By Road
Bellary is linked with the rest of the state by a vast network of well-connected roads.