TheeraYatra

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Weather: Pleasant year-round; cool winters, warm summers, misty monsoons
Budget: ₹2,000–₹8,000/day

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Bengaluru Airport (~140 km)

By Train: Madanapalle Road (MDP) (~25 km)

By Road: Scenic ghat roads from Madanapalle; buses and cabs available from Bengaluru, Tirupati, and Chittoor

Where to Stay?

• Haritha Resort (APTDC) – hilltop cottages inside the main campus, close to viewpoints and activities
• Madanapalle town – budget hotels and eateries with easy transport for early starts and late arrivals
• Private villas & homestays – quiet valley-facing stays, often with bonfire options

Packing List

• Light jacket or sweatshirt (nippy evenings)
• Comfortable walking/trek shoes
• Rain jacket or umbrella (monsoon months)
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle and snacks
• Power bank; cash for small vendors
• Motion-sickness meds for hairpin bends
• Binoculars for birdwatching

Top Places to Visit

View Point (Sunrise Point)
The classic Horsley Hills panorama—rolling Eastern Ghats, dramatic cliffs, and cotton-candy dawns.

Gali Bandalu (Wind Rocks)
Wind-swept granite outcrops known for strong gusts and sweeping sunset views.

Kalyani (Giant Eucalyptus)
A legendary, centuries-old eucalyptus tree—one of the largest in the region.

Mallamma Temple
A serene hilltop shrine tied to local folklore, offering quiet contemplation and views.

Environmental Park
Landscaped gardens, trails, and open spaces perfect for strolls and picnics.

Horsley Hills Zoo Park
A small enclosure with deer, peacocks, and rabbits—nice for a short family stop.

Kaigal Falls (Dumukurallu)
A seasonal waterfall near Kuppam; best during/just after the monsoon.

Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
An elephant reserve with rich birdlife—great for nature drives and photography.

Must-Try Experiences

Sunrise & Sunset Watching
Catch pastel sunrises at the main viewpoint and golden sunsets over Wind Rocks.

Scenic Ghat Drive
Enjoy the twisty ascent with hairpin bends—go slow, stop at safe viewpoints.

Zipline & Adventure Zone
Try ziplining, rappelling, and zorbing at the adventure park near Haritha.

Short Forest Walks
Amble through shaded trails lined with eucalyptus and sandalwood.

Birdwatching
Carry binoculars to spot hill and scrubland species around dawn and dusk.

Picnic on the Plateau
Pack a simple picnic and lounge under trees with valley views.

Stargazing
On clear nights, the hilltop skies are perfect for spotting constellations.

Day Trip to Kaigal Falls
When flowing, it’s a refreshing add-on to your Horsley Hills plan.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Idli, crisp dosa, pesarattu, upma
Lunch: Andhra-style meals—pappu (lentils), pulusu (tamarind-based curry), spicy curries with rice
Snacks: Mirchi bajji, punugulu, sweet + spicy chaat

Culture & Local Life

Horsley Hills is a quiet Andhra hill station close to the Karnataka border. Life moves slow on the plateau—morning temple bells, breezy viewpoints, and relaxed evenings. Most action centers around the Haritha campus and nearby parks, while markets and services sit in Madanapalle down the hill.

Local Insights

Languages: Telugu (official); Kannada and Tamil around the border; English and Hindi understood in tourist areas
Getting Around: The hilltop is walkable; use private cabs/auto-rickshaws for nearby spots; limited public transport after evening
Safety Tips: Drive cautiously on hairpin bends, avoid cliff edges, carry cash for small vendors, and watch for slippery rocks in monsoon

Enjoy Your Yatra!