Ballari

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.

This town got its name from the word Balari which usually refers to goddess Durugamma. As goddess Durugamma had manifested herself in the town that makes it a dwelling of the goddess. According to the folklore, there are many events which are related to the great epic Ramayana and are concerned with this place. It is also said as per the myths that while Rama was searching for Sita, met Sugreeva and Hanuman at a place near Hampi.