Skip to content Explore Horsley Hills: Location, Attractions, Viewpoints & Travel Tips
Perched at 1,290 m above sea level, Horsley Hills—also known as Horsleykonda—beckons travelers with its emerald forests, mist-shrouded valleys, and the promise of both adventure and tranquility. Originally named Yenugu Mallama Konda after a local legend, the hills were renamed by British collector W.D. Horsley in the late 19th century, who built his summer bungalow here to escape the heat of the plains . Today, this hidden gem in Chittoor district offers panoramic viewpoints, unique rock formations, birdwatching, and activities from trekking to zorbing—all within easy reach of Madanapalle.
Key attractions include:
- Whisper Wind Viewpoint & Gali Bandalu (Wind Rocks)
- Ancient Kalyani Eucalyptus Grove & Banyan Tree
- Horsley Hills Zoo & Environmental Park
- Adventure sports: trekking, rappelling, zorbing
- Cultural sites: Mallamma Temple, Chennakesava Temple
II. Where Is Horsley Hills Located?
| Region | Details |
|---|---|
| State & District | Andhra Pradesh, Chittoor district, Madanapalle taluk |
| Coordinates | Approximately 13.6833° N, 78.4667° E |
| Altitude | ~1,290 m (4,232 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Town | Madanapalle (≈9 mi; 15 km) |
Getting There
- By Road: 140 km from Bangalore (3–4 h via NH 44/69); 290 km from Chennai (6–7 h via NH 716)
- By Train: Madanapalle Road station (24 km; 45 min taxi/bus) or Tirupati station (143 km)
- By Air: Tirupati Airport (157 km), regular flights from Chennai/Hyderabad/Bangalore
III. Best Time to Visit Horsley Hills
| Season | Months | Temperature | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 10–22 °C | Crisp mornings—ideal for trekking & birdwatching |
| Summer | Mar–May | 20–30 °C | Pleasant escape from plains; wildflowers bloom |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Moderate rain | Lush greenery; some trails slippery |
| Post-Monsoon | Sep–Oct | 18–28 °C | Verdant landscapes; fewer crowds |
Insider Tip: Plan for winter (Dec–Feb) for the most comfortable weather and clear views .
IV. Things to Do in Horsley Hills
1. Horsley Hills Viewpoint (Whisper Wind)
- Location: Behind the Governor’s Bungalow (200 m from bus stand)
- Why Go: Panoramic sunrise/sunset vistas over rolling valleys; prime bird-photography spot.
2. Gali Bandalu (Wind Rocks)
- Location: 300 m from bus stand
- Highlight: Natural “wind tunnel” effect over a rocky slope; perfect for sunrise shoots.
3. Kalyani Eucalyptus Grove
- Feature: 150+-year-old tree, 40 m tall, planted in 1859 by Horsley himself; therapeutic aroma.
4. Horsley Hills Zoo & Environmental Park
- Animals: Rhesus monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks
- Facilities: Children’s park, walking trails through dense groves .
5. Adventure Activities
- Trekking: Gali Bandalu Trek (2 h), View Point Trek (1 h)
- Zorbing, rappelling, rock-climbing, Burma Bridge (book via APTDC or local operators)
6. Local Temples
- Mallamma Temple: Hilltop shrine tied to local legend; festival crowds in spring.
- Chennakesava Temple: 40 km away in Sompalle; Chola-Vijayanagara architecture, entry ₹5/₹100 .
V. Accommodation in Horsley Hills
| Property | Type | Starting Rate | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haritha Hill Resort | Resort (APTDC) | ₹2,200/night | On-site restaurant, conference hall, modern rooms |
| VSR Wind Wave | Boutique Resort | ₹2,329/night | Spa, kids’ zone, garden dining |
| Forest Guest House | Guesthouse | ₹2,931/night | Scenic forest views |
| Horsley Hills Holiday Homes | Resort | From ₹1,500 | Family-friendly, playground access |
Booking Tip: Reserve 2–3 months in advance for peak season (Oct–Mar).
VI. Food and Dining
- Local Delicacies: Andhra biryani, bamboo chicken, Gongura pickle, filter coffee.
- Top Eats: Haritha Restaurant & Bar (resort dining), Spicy Hut, Pallavi Tiffin Center.
- Roadside Stalls: Fresh dosas, chutneys, seasonal fruits.
VII. Local Culture & Experiences
- Legend of Mallamma: Elephant-fed saint lychee-tree myth anchored in tribal lore .
- Chenchu Tribe: Traditional lifestyles, Punganur cow herding.
- Handicrafts: Wooden artifacts, local souvenirs in Madanapalle markets.
VIII. Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Packing: Light woolens for winter; waterproof gear for monsoon; sturdy hiking shoes.
- Health & Safety: Insect repellent, bottled water, sun protection; heed trail warnings.
- Connectivity: Limited mobile coverage—download maps offline.
- Responsible Tourism: Carry out waste; respect wildlife and cultural sites.
IX. Horsley Hills Weather Summary
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | 22 °C | 10 °C | 5 mm |
| Mar–May | 30 °C | 20 °C | 0–10 mm |
| Jun–Sep | 25 °C | 18 °C | 200–600 mm |
| Oct–Nov | 28 °C | 18 °C | 50–100 mm |
Pack Accordingly: Raincoat/umbrella (Jun–Sep), light woolens (Dec–Feb).
X. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below is an expanded list of common visitor questions—pulled from user interest data—and concise answers based on local sources and the Horsley Hills guide.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Is Horsley Hills worth visiting? | Absolutely. Its mix of panoramic viewpoints, unique rock formations, cool climate, and cultural sites makes it a top hill-station getaway in Andhra Pradesh. |
| 2. Can we visit Horsley Hills in summer? | Yes—summer highs (20–30 °C) are pleasant compared to the plains. Early mornings and evenings are ideal for sightseeing and hikes. |
| 3. Which month is best to visit Horsley Hills? | December–February for cool, clear weather; September–October also great post-monsoon when the hills are lush and the crowds thin. |
| 4. What is the climate in Horsley Hills? | Tropical highland: mild winters (10–22 °C), warm summers (20–30 °C), and moderate to heavy monsoon rains (June–September). |
| 5. How many days are required to visit Horsley Hills? | A 2–3 day itinerary covers major viewpoints (Whisper Wind, Wind Rocks), zoo/park, adventure activities, and temple visits at a relaxed pace. |
| 6. Where is Horsley Hills located? | In Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh (≈15 km from Madanapalle; 290 km from Chennai; 140 km from Bangalore). |
| 7. Which is the nearest railway station to Horsley Hills? | Madanapalle Road Railway Station—24 km away (≈45 min by taxi or bus). Tirupati station (143 km) is the next major railhead. |
| 8. Which is the nearest airport to Horsley Hills? | Tirupati Airport (157 km), with flights to Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. |
| 9. Which district is Horsley Hills in? | Horsley Hills falls within Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. |
| 10. How many hairpin bends are there en route? | The approach road from Madanapalle features 15–17 hairpin bends—drive carefully and enjoy the scenic ascent. |
| 11. What is the weather like in Horsley Hills in September? | Temperatures average 18–25 °C, with frequent showers that turn the landscape emerald green—ideal for photographers and nature lovers (bring rain gear). |
| 12. What is special about Horsley Hills? | Key highlights include the Wind Rocks’ natural breeze phenomenon, the century-old eucalyptus tree, misty viewpoints, rich biodiversity in the Environmental Park, and the region’s tribal heritage. |
| 13. Which hill station is near Chennai? | Horsley Hills (290 km) is one of the closest AP hill stations; nearest true hill station in Tamil Nadu is Yelagiri (~230 km). |
| 14. Which hill station is near Tirupati? | Horsley Hills is approximately 143 km from Tirupati and makes for a soothing extension to temple tours. |
| 15. What is the ideal time to visit Madanapalle (gateway town)? | October–March—weather is mild and postcard-perfect, ideal for exploring both Madanapalle’s markets and the nearby hills. |
| 16. Why is Horsley Hills called the “Ooty of Andhra Pradesh”? | Because of its cool, misty climate, rolling hill-top vistas, and eucalyptus forests, reminiscent of Ooty in Tamil Nadu. |
| 17. Can we camp in Horsley Hills? | Yes—several resorts and local tour operators organize guided camping, complete with tents, bonfires, and meals. |
| 18. Which town is closest to Horsley Hills? | Madanapalle is the nearest town (15 km), offering markets, eateries, and transport links. |
| 19. Is there public transport access? | APSRTC runs regular buses from Madanapalle; shared autos and private taxis provide onward travel. |
| 20. Are there any restrictions or permits required? | No special permits are needed—standard entry tickets apply for zoo/park and adventure activities; temple visits are free. |
If you have more questions about planning your Horsley Hills escape, let us know in the comments!
XI. Conclusion
Horsley Hills is a captivating mosaic of emerald vistas, colonial history, vibrant culture, and heart-pounding adventure. Whether you seek a romantic sunset, a pulse-racing rappel, or communion with ancient legends, this “Andhra Ooty” delivers an unforgettable escape. Pack your bags, chart your route—and immerse yourself in the misty magic of Horsley Hills!
All factual information is sourced from Horsley Hills: A Comprehensive Travel Guide for Tourists and Travelers .
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Horsley Hills
Horsley Hills or Horsleykonda or Yenugulla Mallamma Konda is a series of hills in Andhra Pradesh in Madanapalle Taluka of Annamayya district and is about
