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Description: Bellary Fort is located in the centre of Bellary City and stretches over two km. The fort stands at 1,976 feet above sea level, making it taller than the city itself. The fort is built on a hill called 'Ballari Gudda) or Fort Hill. The fort sits on a rocky hill northeast of the city and is about 3.5 miles around. It has a triangular shape and is made of large granite stones held together by lime mortar. The thick walls have slots for muskets, and circular towers are spaced regularly along the walls. The Lower Fort has a wide and deep moat surrounding fort. It was divided into two sections the Upper Fort, After the Vijayanagara Empire fell in 1565, Hanumappa Nayaka, a local leader, took over and strengthened the fort and the Lower Fort, added later by Haider Ali. The fort saw many conflicts, with the changing hands several times. 

Notably, the famous warrior Shivaji occupied it briefly in 1678. In 1761, Basalat Jung took control but had disputes with the Nayaka chieftain, leading him to ask for Haider Ali's help. This resulted in Haider Ali seizing the fort in 1769. During his time, a French engineer assisted in upgrading the fort, but according to legend, he was executed for a mistake in the design. In 1775, Haider Ali, the ruler of Mysore, captured it, and his son Tippu Sultan kept control until 1792. At the top of the hill, there are small ponds, and at the base, there is a larger natural pond called Naalacheruvu. The British recognized the fort and set up a military base there. At the top, a small temple and old building remains, the Lower Fort, located at the foot of the hill, has strong walls and ditches, with two main gates. Just outside the eastern gate is the Kote Anjaneya Temple, dedicated to Hanuman. Despite its rich history, Bellary Fort remains a hidden gem.