The local economy in these heritage towns is deeply intertwined with tourism and agriculture.
* **Tourism & Hospitality:** The backbone of the local economy includes guesthouses, luxury resorts, guided tour services, transport operations (auto-rickshaws, taxis), and local eateries. * **Handicrafts & Artisans:** Many local businesses focus on stone carving, banana fiber crafts, Lambani embroidery, and traditional textiles, sustaining ancient artisan traditions. * **Agriculture:** The Tungabhadra and Malaprabha river basins are highly fertile. Major agricultural outputs include sugarcane, paddy (rice), bananas, and coconuts. * **Nearby Industry:** While the monument zones are protected, the nearby town of Toranagallu is home to the massive JSW Steel plant, a major economic driver and employer for the broader Vijayanagara region.