The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 moved Kollegala to Karnataka primarily organising it along linguistic lines. Kollegala is the name derived from the names of two hermits namely 'Kauhala' and 'Galava' who were believed to be instrumental in the development of Kollegala. Kollegala, also called "Silk City", is famous for its hand loom silk saree industry. Kollegala is one of the larger taluks in
Karnataka and was previously the largest. Plans are underway to divide Kollegala, making Hanur the capital of the new taluk in the Chamrajanagar District. This separation has been ongoing for years is not yet entirely in effect. Kollegala serves as a center for pre-university education in the region. Well known schools in Kollegala include Lions High School, Sree Vasavi Vidya Kendra, St. Francis Assisi High School,Nisarga Independent PU college, Seventh Day Adventist High School, and Mudigundam Gurukaar Subappa Veerappa (MGSV), and Mahadeshwara Degree College. Kollegala was one of the areas which played host to the activities of Veerappan(jan 18,1952-oct 18,2004), a notorious bandit who smuggled sandalwood and poached elephants for their tusks. Many tourists visit the Kollegala area.The Malai Mahadeshwara Hills, and the waterfalls at Hogenakal near Male Mahadeshwara hills and the waterfalls of Gagana Chukki and Bhara Chukki at Shivana Samudra (also known as Bluff) are popular destinations. In Kollegala there is a small hill called "Maradi Gudda" which is located in the heart of the city. Gundal dam is just 15 km (9.3 mi) away from Kollegala. It also Includes BRT Tiger Reserve (2011) Which Approximately 25–30 km From The Town, Which Is A Home To Many Of The Fauna And Flora Including
