Formerly known as Kuvalala, Kolar is the headquarters of Kolar District in Karnataka and is around 100 km east of Bangalore.
Kolar is the center of the Indian gold mining industry and Kolar gold fields is located south of the town. The city is also famous for textiles and leather goods. One of the interesting picnic spots of the district, Antharagange is located close to this city.
Nearest airport is at Bangalore.
Kolar Railway Station has regular connections with Bangarapet.
National Highway 4 passes through Kolar.