The administrative headquarters of
Ballia District, Ballia is situated on the banks of the
Ganges. Changes in the course of the river had ravaged the old town between 1873 and 1877. The new town was constructed in 1900. Ballia is near the
Uttar Pradesh-
Bihar border and is 120 km northeast of
Varanasi.
Ballia is a major center for trade and agriculture in Uttar Pradesh. It is an important market for rice, oil seed and sugarcane. There are some light industries as well. An annual fair held here on the full moon of Kartik (October/November) draws a large number of people from far and near.
The local dialect of Ballia can be puzzling for a visitor. So the town has been dubbed as a `nation' within the nation, alluding to its eccentricities.
The nearest airport is at Varanasi.
Ballia Railway station is on the Varanasi-Chapra line.
