Hospet

Hospet is a town in Bellary District, in northern Karnataka. The modern name is abbreviated from the original Hosapattana. In ancient days it was known as Nagalapura. The town is best known today for its proximity to the ruined city of Vijayanagara. It serves as a transport and accommodation centre for tourists visiting the ruins.

Its tourist importance lies in its proximity to Hampi, the site of the medieval Vijayanagar Empire, situated about 12 km away. The Tungabhadra Dam here harnesses the sweet waters of the Tungabhadra River. At the base of the dam is a garden, styled along Japanese lines. It is known for its hospitality towards foreigners who visit to the place. Also a place called as Kishkinda, a water park situated just 5 Km from Hospet is good attraction for the tourists.

Hospet is connected by road and rail to Bangalore (352 km), Bellary, Hubli-Dharward, Gadag, Bijapur and many other places.

In the recent days Hospet is developing at a very high rate due to boom in the mining business. Hospet and surrounding areas are surrounded with iron ore mines. Jindal Vijayanagar Steel Plant is 33 km from Hospet and it is one of the largest producer of steel in India.