Horsley Hills

South India's one of the beautiful hill station, Horsley hills is located at 4,152 ft in the Nallamalai Range on Andhra's southwestern border with Karnataka. It is 151 km from Tirupati and situated in Chitoor district. The combination of pleasant climate, mountain peaks, beautiful valleys and luxurious vegetation make Horsley hills a delightful tourist spot. 

Shaded by dense Eucalyptus, Jacaranda, Allamanda, Gulmohar and many other species, Hosley hills still retains the aura of the bygone British raj. This was the summer retreat of W.D. Horsley, the Collector of Cuddapah district and later becoming the summer residence of the Andra Pradesh Governor. According to a local legend, a pious woman called Mallamma used to live on the top of the hill where she was protected and looked after by an elephant (yenugu in Telegu), so the place was called as Yenugu Mallamma Konda (hill). The hills are largely inhabited by one group of tribals called the Chenchu tribes who keep the famous Pungannur cows, known for their high milk yielding capacity.

When walk through the trails one can find number of trees like jacaranda, allamanda, eucalyptus and gulmohar. Horsley hills is may be one of the few places in India that calls a tree by a name. Near to Horsley Bungalow, is a 150 - year old eucalyptus named Kalyani. One can also see sandalwood in the area. The hill station also boasts rich fauna like leopards, bears, wild boar etc. The hill station offers stretches of walking and trekking trails carved through hills, valleys, streams and rivulets. At the top of the hills, there is a huge and very well maintained complex maintained by AP tourism department, which houses restaurant, cottages , swimming pools, etc. From this place, one can get a great view of the valley and majestic scenaries of the mountains. (Punnami Hill Resort, Ph: 279323-24).

Of the few places to visit are the Gali Bandalu, Eastern and Western View points, Gurram Konda, Mahal, Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Lake Gangotri, High view seeing place, Environmental park and Horsley hills Museum. 

Gali Bandalu (Windy Rock)

It is the major tourist spot in Horsley Hills. The place is a rocky slope and the name derives from the breezy winds that blows all day.

Rishi Valley School

Run by the Jiddu Krishnamurthy (the eminent philosopher) Foundation, this school is in close proximity to the Horsley Hills. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and tress, the school is famous for its unconventional mode of teaching. The school is located in a valley that was declared a bird preserve in 1991 and was cited by the International Council for bird preservation. Visitors allowed during school vacations and need prior permission from the Principal. 

Rishi Valley School Education Centre
Chittoor District
Andhra Pradesh - 517352
Ph: 91-8571-280044/280086/280582/280622
Email: OFFICE@RISHIVALLEY.ORG

The Mallamma temple

The Mallamma temple is another major tourist attraction at Horsley Hills that is worth visiting.

Environmental park

Built with the help of a well known hydro geologist and environmentalist from hyderabad Balijepalli Venkata Subba Rao, director of Centre For Resource Education, this park is a worth visit.

The Eastern and Western View points

From these points one can watch sunset and sunrise. 

Gurram Knda

Located between Madanapalle and Raichti, it is literally called as ‘Horses Hill’ because its steep pathway was nice accessible only on horseback. At the ft of the hill is a small fort called Mahal.

Around Horsley Hills

Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary (94km)

Covers an area of 358 square kilometers, this is situated in the Palmaner area, off the Bangalre-Chennai Highway near Kuppam. The famous species here include elephants, mouse deer and antelope.

Contact

Divisional Forest Officer, 
Chittoor (West). 
Ph: 08572-232458

Forest Range Officer, 
Palamaner.
Ph: 08579-251027

Tirumalai (148 km)

Tirumala, 20kms from Tirupati is one of the most important pilgrimage centres in India. It has the historic shrine of Sri Venkateswara or Balaji (in North India), an incarnation of Vishnu. Also known as the 'Lord of the Seven Hills', the 2m high standing idol of Venkateswara on a lotus flanked by his consorts Bhudevi and Sridevi, is believed to grant any wish made in front of it. The most striking feature of the awe-inspiring black idol is its fabulous diamond crown, which is said to be the most precious single ornament in the world. This temple draws millions of pilgrims and is believed to be the busiest pilgrimage centre in the world. The richest temple in India, it is a master piece of South Indian Architecture. The Sanctorum 'Ananda Nilayam' has a glittering gold covered 'Vimana' and gold covered gates guard the sanctum sanctorum. It is considered auspicious to offer the hair as sacrifice to the deity. More details..

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
TTD Administrative Building, K.T. Road
Tirupati- 517 501, Andhra Pradesh
Ph: +91-877-2277777 (Tirumala)
Fax: +91-877-2230358