The famous hill resort of Andhra Pradesh, Horsley Hills is an enthralling, charming little hill station. It is a beautiful summer resort with luxurious vegetation and rich fauna. Named after WD Horsley, the then collector of Kadapa District, these hills are situated at an altitude of 1,265m from the sea-level. The climate here is relaxing with temperature ranging from 20 deg C to 32 deg C maximum, even in summers.

Lush with dense forest and thick verdure of various species of plants stretching along the narrow roads, the journey to this place gives a best experience. There are trees like Eucalyptus, Jacaranda, Allamanda, Gulmohar and flowering plants like Reeta, Shikakai, Amla, Beedi leaves, Bay leaves, Red Sanders and Blue gum found in the forest. There are sandalwood trees found all over. The Horsley hills does not lag behind in the species of fauna found here. In the dense forests of the shady slope hills, wooded with luxurious vegetation, you can find animals like bear, wild dogs, jungle fowls, Sambar and Panther.

The Chenchu tribes dwell in the forest of Horsley Hills. They rear their famous Pungannur cows which eat less fodder and yield more milk. There is also a 150-year old Eucalyptus tree called “Kalyani”, which makes a well-known attraction. Thus, the fresh and untainted air provides complete solitude away from the hustle-bustle of the city and gives you an everlasting experience with perfect peace of mind.

About 50kms from Horsley hills, towards Madanapalle, there is Gurramkonda. It’s a fort said to be built by the Golconda Sultans and stands about 500 feet high. The three sides of the fort consists of perpendicular cliffs. Some local legend has it that the name was derived from the fact that a horse was guarding the fort and that place was unconquerable so long as the horse remained there. It makes a beautiful place to visit.

From Horsley Hills there are other nearby attractions like Kaundinya wildlife sanctuary about 85kms. Throughout the year the climate is pleasant with cool summers and rainy from June to October. Winter is awesome with chill climate giving you the best of pleasures.

There are largely good number of places where you can stay in the Horsley Hills. Accommodation is easily available at the AP Tourism’s Governors’ Bungalow and in Chittoor Co-operative Society guesthouse. Apart from this there are other dwellings like PWD Inspection bungalow, ADC Quarters, Cottages and Forest Bungalow where you can put up.

Horsley Hills can be reached either by road, rail or air, however, road being the best way to travel.

The nearest airports are at Tirupati and Bangalore each at a distance of 160kms and 165kms respectively. From airport you can hire a taxi and reach Horsley Hills.

The nearest railway station is at Madanapalle Road, which is 13kms from proper Madanapalle town from where Horsley Hills is at a distance of 43kms.

There are regular government-run buses from Tirupati and Madanapalle. You also have some private taxi agencies that ply to the hill resort. The best option is to drive, if you have your own car or you can probably hire a taxi to reach as you can enjoy the enchanting beauty of this hill station.

Another route from Chennai is via Sriperumbudur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, Chittoor, Palamner then Madanapalle and then to Horsley hills. Though this distance is about 280kms, there are well-laid roads for most of the distance. The roads are dug up at the Moghili Ghat but otherwise its good over all. Along the way make sure you tank up at Madanapalle.