There are several stories around the name Ballari. The first story attributes Ballari to Balleshwara which is derived from the word Balla, meaning a dome shaped measuring cup. The story is that a devout merchant community which halted here could not find a Shiva Linga. An upturned balla, symbolic of Linga, was used for the ritual. The shrine remained and a temple was built for it. The temple still exists and remains popular attracting huge crowds during Maha Shivaratri. The other story attributes the name to the story of Lord Indra slaying a demon named Balla. After slaying the demon, Indra was called by the name Balla-ari which means the slayer of Balla. These are the two folklore behind Ballari's name. However, historians say that Ballari might have been derived from Kannada words Vallari and Vallapuri mentioned in an inscription belonging to Talakadu Ganga dynasty.
During the British rule, Bellary district was part of Madras Presidency. The district covered a large area including the present day Kurnool and Anantapur districts. In 1957, Madras state was divided on linguistic basis. Areas with significant Kannada speaking population were transferred to Mysore State (which later became Karnataka state) and areas with Telugu speaking population were transferred to Anatapur and Kurnool districts. When Bellary district was formed it had eight taluqas, and in 1997 Harapanahalli taluq was transferred to Davangere district. Bellary district was further reduced in area in Nov-2020 when Vijayanagara district was carved out of it. Currently Bellary district has 5 taluqas- Ballari, Kudligi, Kurugodu, Sandur, Sirguppa. The district shares its borders with 6 districts namely Koppal, Vijayanagara, Chitradurga, Raichur, Kurnool and Anantapur.
River Tungabhadra flows along Ballari district's western and northern border which is shared with Vijayanagara, Koppal and Raichur districts. Ballari district is known for its iron ore deposits, steel plants and power generation plants. Hampi and Ballari fort are popular tourist destinations. Besides the main stream tourist spots, within the boundaries of Ballari district are a large number of pre-historic sites, prehistoric ash-mounds, two rock edits of Samrat Ashoka's period and several smaller forts. Bellary has the distinction of having the biggest Neolithic tools manufacturing center at Sangankallu and hundreds of prehistoric petroglyphs at Kappagallu. For one with interest in prehistory, this district offers great adventure and exploration.
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| ramparts of Ballari fort Kampli fort gateway | Sandur fort gateway |
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| Ashokan edict of Udegola Ashokan inscriptions of Nittur | Nadivi fort |
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| Petroglyphs of Kappagallu | Ash mound & Peacock hill Grinding stone at Hiregudda | Painting at Birappa rock shelter |
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| Tekkalakote | Varavina Malleshwara Devastana Nari Halla near Sandur | Ash mound near Kudatini |
- Ballari fort - one of the largest hill forts of Karnataka. The formidable fort is situated on a massive monolithic hill called Ballari Gudda at the center of the city. The original fort was constructed during Hanumappa Nayaka's rule and later expanded by Hyder Ali. The builders have integrated natural boulders into the line of defense. The walls are 15 to 20 feet high and 12 to 18 feet thick. Turrets have been strategically placed in the outer walls. At the summit is the core of the fort large enough to house several hundred people. The fort also has number of rainwater collection tanks, both natural and man-made. The fort's gateways have winding paths passing through them designed to confuse enemy forces. To the fort completely, one will need a full day.
- Kampli - This fortified river town has been an important place right from Chalukyan times. Situated on the right bank of Tungabhadra, it was one of the capitals of Chalukya kingdom in mid XI Century, a stronghold of the Anegundi kings and an outpost of Vijayanagara. The fort is built of the dark colored stone available in the riverbed. Kampli's warrior king Kampli Raya and his son Gandugali Kumara Rama died fighting the invading Muslim forces. Kampli is noted for wood-carving, manufacture of toys and coracle making. On the outskirts of the town is an ancient shrine dedicated to Pampapathi. Kampli is situated 33 km northeast of Hospete and 22 km from Kamalapura.
- Halaekote ruins - The word Halaekote means old fort. This village is situated in the plains between two hills with scattered rock formations. On the hills are ruins of fort walls, it looks like the fort construction was abandoned much before completion. The village has number of temples dedicated to Veerebhadreshwara, including one temple on the northern hill. Halekota is 6 kms south of Siruguppa.
- Kenchanagudda - This village is situated on the right bank of Tungabhadra. Here are ruins of fortifictions, one on the hillock and other close to the base of the hillock. The fort on the was residence of a local chief named Kenchan Gowda. An inscription dated 1708 CE at Gangadhara Devastana here gives the genealogy of Kenchan Gowda. There's another inscription in the cave of a holy-man named Siddha Mallayya. Also, in this place is a Brindavana of a disciple of Raghavendra Swami. Kenchanagudda is situated 7 kms west of Siruguppa.
- Sandur - Sandur was the capital of the Sandur State, a small principality, ruled by the Ghorpades. The town is reachable through three passes, Bhimanagandi near Taranagar, Obalagandi towards Yeshawantanagar, and Venkatagiri pass. The name of the town is derived from combining two Kannada words: sandi (narrow gap) + uru (town) = Sandur. It is also said to have been called as Skandapuri after Kumaraswamy (Skanda) shrine. Sandur is well known for its picturesque landscape, an ancient palace, ancient shrines. There's a saying which goes like this: "See Sandur in September" i.e. just as the rainy season ends, when the hills are green and streams are flowing. A popular Kannada cinema "Manasa Sarovara" was shot in this beautiful land. Sandur is a great destination for treks in the mountains and boating in Nari Halla. Sandur is situated 52 km west of Ballari.
- Sandur fort - Sandur fort - This fort situated on plain land is square in plan. It has a zigzag entrance and bastions. Going by the architecture of this fort, it seems to be originally built by a Hindu king. Later it was taken over by Hyder Ali and some modifications were done. This fort is called as Krishnanagar fort. The fort is situated on the northern side of present day town.
- Shiv Vilas Palace - This was the palace of Gorphade family now a heritage hotel.
- Krauncha Giri - This place is known for two ancient temples dedicated to Parvati and her son Karthikeya. Legend says this is the first shrine of Karthikeya in south India. Parvati temple, built in Badami Chalukya architecture, is unique in design and form. The Shikhara is very different compared to other temples of the same period. As to Karthikeya temple, currently called Kumaraswamy Devastana was constructed during the rule of the Rashtrakutas between VII and X Century. Krauncha Giri is situated 11 km south of Sandur.
- Gandi Narasimhaswamy Devastana - This is an ancient shrine situated on the edge of a hill. Besides the shrine, the place is a picturesque spot. Close to the temple, a stream flows which cuts through a massive rock formation. This spot was one of the locations of "Manasa Sarovara" cinema. Gandi Narasimhaswamy temple is situated 4.5 km on Sandur-Yeshwantnagar road.
- Ramanadurga - This hill fort is said to be built by the warrior prince Kampli Kumara Rama. Within the fort is a shrine dedicated to Ramadeva. It is said that Kumara Rama was kept hidden for some time for his own safety. The other interesting thing is the Trigonometrical Station here, which is at a height of 3256 feet from the sea-level. The hill is such that on all its sides, the ground falls sharply, thus giving excellent views. Ramanadurga is about 16 km from Sandur and 20 km from Hospete.
- Hulikuntaraya Devastana, Bommaghatta - This is an ancient temple dedicated to Hulikuntiraya (another name for Anjaneya). Within the temple premises is an ancient stepped well. It is said that Sri Vadiraja Theerta (1480 – 1600 CE) had performed pooja here. Bommaghatta is situated about 27 kms south of Sandur.
- Prehistoric Ash Mound of Kudathini - This is an important Neolithic site. The ash-mound measuring 700 feet x 150 feet (at its widest) is said to be several thousand years old. Archaeologists have found pottery shreds of large vessels by excavating this mound. Also, burnt & unburnt animal bones have been found in this mound. Kudatini is situated west of 26 km east of Ballari and 28 km northeast of Sandur.
- Sangankallu Neolothic hill complex - This can be called as the largest Neolithic site of Karnataka. On this group of hills was the Neolithic tools manufacturing center. Stones was quarried and tools like axe, spearheads and grinding stones were made by ancient people. Even to this day one can get to see axe-head, spear-head and heaps of chips as a result of manufacturing activity. For one visiting this hill, its suggested to engage a guide from Sangankallu village. This Neolithic complex is 10 km northeast of Ballari.
- Petroglyphs of Kappagallu - On the northeastern face of the Neolithic complex is Dolerite dyke, a heap of dark colored stone. On these stones are hundreds of petroglyph (image made by scratching the surface) believed to be made ancient people. The images depict bulls, birds, serpents, tiger, humans, and formations of human group dances. Anyone trying to explore this part of the hill must be accompanied with a local person and physically fit to endure the clambering over jagged rocks.
- Prehistoric Ash Mound of Kappagallu - Close to the base of the hill in the vicinity of the Dolerite dyke is light-grey colored mound which is actually prehistoric ash. This is one of the few ash-mounds remaining in Karnataka.
- Beerappa rock shelter - To the northeast of the his rock-formation is an ancient shrine. Even to this day local people perform rituals here. Once can find several red-colored paintings on these rocks. There is a possible connection to the Neolithic hill complex.
- Kurugodu fort - Kurugodu was under Palayagar Hanumappa Nayaka, the builder of Ballari fort. Devappa Nayaka, a descendant of Hanumappa Nayaka, built this fort on the rock strewn hillock in 1701-02 CE. Within the fort is a shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman hence the name Hanumantana Gudda. Hyder Ali captured this fort in 1775 and reinforced it. The fort seems to be in ruins but rituals take place in Hanuman temple.
- Dodda Basaveshwara Devastana, Kurugodu - This is a historical village where inscriptions dating back to the VII Century CE i.e. Badami Chalukyan times, have been found. During Kalyana Chalukya time, Kurugodu was the chief town of Ballakunde-300 and later this was an important centre during the Western Chalukya rule. However the place lost importance during Hoysala rule. Kurugodu is known for Dodda Basaveshwara Devastana. The main deity being a large Nandi which is about l2 feet tall. Kurugodu is situated 28 kms north-west of Ballari.
- Sangameshwara Devastana, Halae-Kurugodu - This beautiful temple dedicated to Sangameshwara is situated at the base of a boulders-heap on the western side of Kurugudo. This place is called as Halae-Kurugodu meaning old Kurugodu. Probably the town existed here originally and later shifted to the present location. Besides the temple there's a large idol of Ganesha. Local people call it Dodda Ganesha. About 350 meters east of Someshwara Devastana is another ancient temple called Siddeshwara Devastana.
- Varavina Malleshwara Devasthana - This place is like a miniature version of Hampi sans river. The scattered ruins, the architecture and the presence of a Frangipani tree was very much Vijayanagara style. It is said that this place was known as Devara Kallu once upon a time. Varavina Malleshwara Devastana is situated next to rocky hillocks 4 km east of Tekkalakote.
- Nadivi fort - This is one of the river forts on the right bank of Tungbhdra. The fort must have been an outpost during Vijyanagara times. The fort was approachable by boats only when water level in the river was high because of a large rock formation in the river bed. Within the fort is a shrine dedicated to Ramlingeshwara. Nadivi is 10 km southwest of Tekkalakote.
- Tekkalakote fort - In plan this fort is square-shaped, the walls are approximately 20 feet high and has four bastions, one every corner. The fort's entrance is on its north side. Also there's a small side entrance. The fort seems to be constructed during Vijayanagara times and ruled by Hanumappa Nayaka's descendants before it came into Muslim rulers' control. There are several other places of interest around Tekkalekote such as Hudeda Gudda (a prehistoric site), Emperor Ashoka's two minor rock edicts at Udegola and Nittur, and Varavina Malleshwara shrine. Tekkalakote is placed 46 km north of Ballari city.
- Hudeda Gudda - This hill is one of the largest pre-historic sites in Karntaka. The hill is covered with rocky outcrops, several of them are natural shelters fit for human dwelling. In these rock-shelters, prehistoric art depicting bulls and human beings performing group dance have been found. During the excavations of 1964 by Shri M S Nagaraja Rao, artifacts belonging to the new Stone Age period dating back to 1700 BC -1000 BC were found here. Polished stone axes, weapons made of flint stone, gold ornaments, copper, beads, pottery shreds, clay utensils, cysts and bones were among the findings. Hudeda Gudda is situated 2.5 km southwest of Tekkalakota fort.
- Ashokan edict of Nittur - This is one of the nine rock edicts of Samrat Ashoka in Karnataka. The site is protected, under the care of ASI. Ashokan inscription of Nittur is about 6.5 km west of Tekkalakote and 4.5 km north of Udegola.
- Ashokan edict of Udegola - This is one of the nine rock edicts of Samrat Ashoka in Karnataka. There are two sub-sites- #1 and #2 which are 150 meters apart. The site is also protected, under the care of ASI. Ashokan inscription of Udegola is about 10 km west of Tekkalakote.
- Ballari state website
- Google Maps
- Wikimapia.org
- Wikipedia
- Other online sources
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