Ballari

Ballari, previously Bellary, is a historical city, known for the medieval fort high on a hill overlooking the city. The city of 410,000 (2011) is now a steel hub of South India.

Understand

Bellary Town

Ballari Fort is the prime attraction of Ballari. Ballari Fort was built by Hanumappa Nayaka during the Vijayanagar era on top of the Ballari Gudda or the Fort Hill. Hyder Ali, who invaded the region took possession of the Fort from the Nayaka family in 1769, got the fort renovated and modified with the help of a French Engineer. The fort is divided as the Upper Fort and the Lower Fort. The Upper fort is a polygonal walled building on the summit, with only one approach, and has no accommodation for a garrison. There is only one way up to the fort, which is a winding rocky path amongst the boulders. It is said that Muzzaffar Khan, the Nawab of Kurnool, was confined here from 1823 to 1864 for the murder of his wife.

The Lower fort lies at the eastern base of the rock and measures about half a mile in diameter. The entrance to the lower fort is via two gates, one each on the western and eastern sides. The fort includes a temple dedicated to Hanuman just outside the lower fort on the eastern side.

Get in

By train

Ballari has decent rail connectivity from Bangalore (Train: Hampi Express 16591/16592), Hyderabad, Hubli, Kolhapur, Guntakal. For other cities like Chennai/Mumbai/Delhi there is very good connectivity from the nearby town of Guntakal.

If you are on a tight budget, you can opt for the passenger trains as well.

By road

Ballari is around 300 km from Bangalore and is well connect by National and State Highways. Ballari is served by various bus lines like KSRTC, APSRTC and other private operators.

There are direct bus services from Mumbai, Bangalore,other major cities of Karnataka and neighbouring cities of Andhra Pradesh.

Get around

By bus

You can use the government buses which ply along the main roads and to/from the important points of the city (Royal, Mothi, Durgammagudi, SP circle, Sudha cross, 1st gate, 2nd gate, OPD, MG, New bus stand, Old bus stand). They charge around ₹10 (as of 2016) for most distances.

By auto-rickshaw

These 3-wheeled vehicles can be hired to travel from anywhere to anywhere in the city. They do not use an automated metering system, hence talk about the amount before getting into the vehicle. Generally 70% of the auto-driver's initial quote is a fair amount to pay, but if they understand that you are not from the place then beware, talk to a local for the correct price for your destination.

By cab

Ola cab service is available for a quick ride.

See

• 1 Ballari Fort (Bellary Fort). This is a big fort sitting on a huge monolithic rock mountain at the center of the city. There is only one way upwards mainly consisting of a rocky trail and steps. It gives a great view of the city from top as it is the highest point in the city, and is good for a trek (should take about 3 hr) in the mornings. ₹10. (updated Jul 2016)
• 2 Durgamma (Ballaramma) temple (Durgamma Gudi Temple). This is a 350-year-old temple of the Goddess Durga, which is held in high regard. You can visit it in the mornings or evenings when the aarti (a worshiping ritual) takes place. (updated Jul 2016)
• 3 Radha Krishna Temple (the Temple is on the other side of the Moti Theatre, and across the railway line). It is the quiet heaven in the middle of the bustle hardly known by anyone but the spiritual. This temple was established by the migrant traders in the city about 50 years ago. It falls on the path the ascetics have to travel from Kanyakumari/Rameshwaram to Haridwar. These traveling mendicants are provided food and shelter here. Often, one can witness religious debates and discussions amongst these travelers here. It also has a beautiful external courtyard and an internal courtyard. Tiled mosaic work lace the entrance room. Frescoes decorate the walls. Monkeys and cats wander about peacefully. (updated Jul 2016)
• 4 Human Face hill (the hill is best viewable from the petrol pump near Rock Garden restaurant). This hill has been said to look like the face of a sleeping human. (updated Aug 2016)

The South side of the Human Face hill, Bellary, India

• 5 Ballari Railway station. Ballari Railway station is one of the oldest railway stations in India it was constructed during the British era. Mahatma Gandhiji had stayed here in this station. The roof of platform of the station is fully covered, looks like the train is standing in Home. (updated Jul 2016)
• 6 Ballari Airport (Bellary Airport). Ballari Airport was used during World War II and is still in very good working condition. (updated Jul 2016)
• Neolethic art on boulders near Sanganakallu. The exact location is not very clear, but you can ask the locals there to guide you. The said hills are most probably called Hiregudda or Kupgal hill. (updated Jul 2016)

There is a beautiful mosque near the cantonment area which has a dome similar to that of the Masjid-e-Nabi in Medina. Hazrath Tipu Sultan Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in the Fort area behind the Government Polytechnic. Jamia Masjid and Khadirya Masjid are other oldest mosques in the heart of the city.

There are also dargahs (an Islamic shrine built over the grave of a revered religious figure), among them Hazrath Magdhoom Jani Baba (RA), Hazrath Sadaruddin Baba (RA), Hazrath Deewane Mastan Vali Baba (RA), Hazrath Irshad Ali Baba (RA), Hazrath Ifran Ali Baba (RA) and Hazarh Khadar Basaha Saheb (RA) are the oldest in the city. Hazrath Waris Ali Shah Baba (RA) on Ananthapur Road which is the most attractive dargah is similar to the Dargah Hazrat Haji Waris Ali Shah (RA), Dewa Sharif (UP).

• Bible Museum. This beautiful shrine which has 14 Stations of the Cross separately erected outside and a Bible Museum on the ground floor is an architectural landmark in the City of Ballari. It is erected in gratitude for the many blessings of God, through the loving and powerful intercession of Our Lady, showered on our Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Joseph D’silva and the Diocese of Bellary. The Bellary Arogya Mathe Shrine is a place of pilgrimage, prayer and spiritual enrichment, open to all people irrespective of caste and creed. A very good attraction of this church is the model of Bible is presented in the forms of art. (updated Jul 2016)
• 7 Rajkumar Park (Golden Jubilee Park or Kuntegadda Park) (near Royal Circle). Evening. This is park surrounds a natural pond. Boating is a main attraction here, but people do come here for a pleasant walk or feeding the fishes (puffed rice is available just outside the gate). There is also a play area for children. (updated Aug 2016)

Do

• Movies- The city has very good movie theatres which play all the latest releases from Sandalwood, Tollywood and Bollywood. Tickets in these well maintained AC theaters are very affordable.
• Parks and Zoos- City municipal office has been making efforts to make Ballari a clean and green city. They have come up with few good parks like Dr.RajKumar park, Kaage Park, and Radio Park (the oldest park in city). Ballari Zoo is a small area in cantonement that boasts of an impressive collection of animals: lions, tigers, bears, peacocks, deer, monkey, ostrich etc. However, the zoo is tiny, and the living condition of the animals is really heartbreaking. Animals are confined to small cells with barely any space to move. Many of the monkeys and bears have gone mad because of this lack of movement. The cages are dirty and though cleaning has improved off late, there is an urgent need for the animals to be rehabilitated into more humane surroundings.
• Temple, Church, Mosque- Ballari has many ancient and beautiful devotional places. You can visit these holy places and offer prayers.
• Ballari exhibition. Visit the exhibition-cum-tradefair which is setup for around two months in the Municipal high school grounds. It has interesting amusement rides and games for both kids and adults. (updated Jul 2016)

Buy

Ballari being the district headquarters attracts traders, framers from its neighborhood. You can do lots of shopping, jeans are particularly famous. Iron kitchen vessels are also unique, and can be found in plenty. There is a local craft fair that happens in Aug-Sep near the municipal school grounds that may be of interest.

The soft grey stone near the region is often made into small stone artifacts which are sold by peddlers. In addition, the Lambanis are tribal women from the forests who are famous for their needlework and mirrorwork. Sadly, very little of their work is available in the shops, and you need to find a specific hall selling these.

Eat

• Vogani Mirchi is a local hot snack made with puffed rice and served with fried dumplings.
• Bhel or Slice (not the cool drink) from the evening vendors near municipal college grounds.
• Rasam Bonda at Hoysala mess
• Bandi Idli - these are idlis made fresh in the evening by men on pushcarts found in the central market, which is mainly around "Bangalore road". Everyone has their favourite vendor.
• Mewa Ghewar at Mahadev Sweets: This unique Rajasthani dish is also available here. Must have especially if you cannot travel to Rajashtan at this time
• Gobi Manchurian at one of the several hotels and bars around town (a uniquely Indian take, and nothing to do with the Manchuria province).
• Holigai - a sweet stuffed rolled bread
• Naturals ice creams - good variety of flavours
• Biryani at cowl bazaar: Odd as this sounds, nothing beats a piping hot biryani at one of the many vendors in Cowl Bazaar at 6AM in the morning. The biryani at the more popular joint finishes by 6:30AM, so be there early.
• Chicken 65 - a spicy andhra dry chicken item that is popular
• Ashraya Cafe, Opposite KSRTC. Rs.70 for vegetarian lunch with chapathi/parotta, rice, rasam, sambar and curd. (updated Jan 2023)
• New Madeena Cafe, Opposite KSRTC. Parotta and Kerala chicken curry for Rs.200. (updated Jan 2023)
• Dwaraka Vegetarian, near KSRTC. Rs.300 for lunch. (updated Jan 2023)
• Shahi Durbar Cafe, Opposite KSRTC. Rs.50 for vegetarian lunch. (updated Jan 2023)
• Azeem Fast Food, Opposite KSRTC. Rs.140 for Chicken Biriyani
  Rs.200 for Mutton Biriyani. (updated Jan 2023)
• Mayura Cafe, Opposite City Bus Station. Vegetarian food of good quality.
  No seats. Pay and collect from the counter and eat by standing near the tables provided. (updated Jan 2023)

Drink

• Lime soda near Municipal collage
• Nannari near Natraj, Durgamma Gudi or Municipal college

Sleep

• Ashoka Conforts. (updated Jul 2016)
• Hotel Pola Paradise. (updated Jul 2016)
• Hotel Pawan. (updated Jul 2016)
• Hotel Rameshwari, Kalamma St, Bruce Pet, Main Bazar, Cowl Bazaar, ☏ +91 83922 72100. 1st class 
• Hotel Vaishali. A walkable distance from Bellary Railway Station, it has spacious clean and very comfortable rooms the staff is courteous. Traiff is also economical. (updated Jul 2016)
• Marchad Residency. Business hotel. (updated Jul 2016)
• Nakshatra LR. (updated Jul 2016)

There are numerous other lodges abound near the bus stops and railway stations.

• Brindavan Lodge, Opposite KSRTC, ☏ +91 9686113163. Lift facility is available. The Rooms are tiny, new and clean. Air conditioned rooms are available at the ₹1,000 range. ₹500. (updated Jan 2023)
• Ashraya Lodge, Opposite KSRTC. ₹500. (updated Jan 2023)
• Dwaraka Lodge, near KSRTC. Rs.1,200 for double room. (updated Jan 2023)

Go next

• Hampi
• TungaBhadra Dam
• Narihalli Dam
• Donimalai
• Sandur
• Daroji Bear Sanctuary
• Mantralayam
• Kishkinda
• Hospet