Are you looking for a weekend getaway from Bangalore? Then Horsley hills is a perfect option for you. Located only 4 hours away from the city, it is a perfect driving trip into the wilderness. In this post you shall find all the details you will require to get started on the plan. C’est parti!
History
The hill was originally known as Yenugu Mallama Konda. It was named after a young girl who is believed to have been raised by elephants and is said to have had special powers to cure the residents of their ailments. One day, she disappeared and the villagers began to worship her as a Goddess. There is a temple dedicated to her at the summit.
In 1863, WH Horsley, a British collector chose to build a rest house on top of the hill to beat the heat of the plains. The hill was later renamed after the British collector.
Best Time To Visit
You can visit Horsley hills at any time of the year. The month of June, soon after a fresh monsoon shower turns the whole place green. I visited the place in mid-June and the drive was spectacular with a canopy of trees filled with fresh green leaves and flowers of varied colours. Post-monsoon months (September and October) are also a good time to be there if you like to view the greenery.
How To Get There?
Horsley hills is situated in the Madanapalle Taluk of Andhra Pradesh. It is located 150KM from Bangalore. The best way to reach here is by a private vehicle (Bike or car). The drive will take you about 4 Hours.
Alternatively, you can take a train or bus up to Madanapalle(27km). Horsley hills have direct buses from Madanapalle town.
Where to Stay?
Most people make a day trip to this place. But if you wish to stay overnight there are very few options at the summit. The best place to stay is at ATDC’s Haritha hill resort. (9951611040, 9440272241). Prior booking is required. Please check their website for further details.
Horsley Hills holiday homes is another stay option (088853 39777).
Where to Eat?
There are not many restaurants at the summit. So, plan your day well. The best option to eat at the top is the restaurant run by the Haritha resort. There are a few small eateries and food stalls that serve snacks. If you do not eat at the summit, you can drive down to the nearest town called Angallu. You will find several good restaurants that serve tasty Andhra meals.
Places to See
Horsley hills is not a place you would go to see or do a lot of things. It is a place you would want to go to relax and enjoy the views. Pick a good spot and relax, apart from of course visiting some of the attractions mentioned below.
Horsley Hills Zoo and Boating - Horsley hills zoo is small and has very few animals. Perhaps that is what makes it interesting. The animals are free and are willing to be fed by the visitors. Make sure to see the tree fusion and Kalyani, the 164-year-old Eucalyptus tree located inside the zoo premises. There is also a small pond and a boating facility run by the Forest department. The location is perfect to sit and relax under the huge trees by the pond.
Western View Point - Take a short deviation from the main road to reach this beautiful viewpoint located at a perfect location.
Whisper Winds Viewpoint - This is one of the major attractions in the place. Walk up a flight of stairs from Western Viewpoint to reach the whisper winds viewpoint. You can cross the fence to reach the huge boulders in front of the viewpoint. The views from here are spectacular.
Galibanda Sunset Point - This is perhaps the most popular viewpoint at the summit and is often filled with visitors. The view of the forest below is rewarding. Sit and relax as you watch a sunset here or simply enjoy a mid-day breeze.
Gangotri Lake - A small seasonal pond on the way uphill. It is a quick stop while you are driving up or returning. There might be no water here during dry season.
Nearby Places to visit
You can club your drive to Horsley hills with one or more tourist attractions along the way in Karnataka or Andhra Pradesh. Here are a few options to pick from – Panasa Waterfalls (35km), Kaigal Falls (93km), Kailasagiri Betta (82km), Antargange (96km).
Video on Horsley Hills
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