Horsley Hills

The less explored hidden hill in India "Ooty of Andhra" offers nothing but solitude and natural beauty.

We were uncertain about this hill station for a long time mainly because it is called "Ooty of Andhra" and the only hill station in that state.  However, we decided to go ahead as it is only 150 KM from Bangalore and perfect for a day-trip.

We left home (Rajajinagar) at 6 o'clock with our cousin and were in Shantinagar by 6:15 as we had to pick two more friends from there. They came around 7:15 and we were put off a little. we are very punctual and deciplined when it comes to travel. After oddles of apology and reasoning from them, we set our course right.

our route was Shantinagara-K.R.Puram-Chintamani-Madanapalle-Horsley Hills.

Our first stop was at a hotel near road side for breakfast. We had tasty Thatte Idlis, Lemon rice, and cutting chai. Sadly neither we didn't note down the name of the hotel nor took the photos. The climate was not too sunny, not too cloudy, just perfect. we passed through a lot of mango fields where unriped mangoes hanging from the trees. Once we reached Madanapalle, the sign boards for Horsley Hills are frequent.

We stopped the vehicle while climbing up the ghat because as we could feel the essence of hill. Lush, beautiful trees welcomed us with blooming flowers in full glory. We paid 25 rupees as entry fee for our car and it is 10 INR for two wheeler. We parked the vehicle under the canopy and went in search of rest room. There is a well-maintained use-and-pay toilet for 5 INR.

Horsley Hills or Horsleykonda is nestled at an altitude of 4,100 feet is 9 miles from Madanapalle town in Andhra Pradesh. In 1870, a British collector, W.D. Horsley built a home here, hence the name. Legend is that a holy old woman named Mallamma lived up on the hill and was fed by elephants (yenugul in Telugu), so the local name of the hill is "Yenugu Mallamma Konda". Though Horsley's bunglow is closed for visitors, we were told it is maintained very well and in useful condition. Kalyani, a 150 year old eucalyptus tree is right behind this bungalow. Tombstone of George Horsley, W.D Horsley's one-day-old son right at the entrance raised question about the cause of death, but no luck in getting the answer.

Kalyani

The entire hill station is centered around Harita Resort, run by the AP Tourism Board. We found the cottage names really innovative and interesting. They go like whisper Winds, Wild Winds, Wind Whistle, Wind Falls.

We climbed down a few steps to get the amazing view of the valley. We sat there quietly for almost an hour. With Wind blowing in our hair, we experienced the tranquility. We were group of five people and everyone was in kind of a trance. We did not want to break the spell with little chit chat. This place has that effect on you. However, there is usual crowd shouting and having fun. We have stopped being judgmental about these people long time ago. Every one has their own way of enjoying life.

View Point

Farmville?

We went to the restaurant in Harita Resort for lunch. The menu was not interesting and a bit pricey too. We decided to have food in a small hotel, which turned out be real bad. Lesson learnt. No matter what Harita Hotel serves, opt for it because there are no other options.

Post lunch we headed to the small zoo which houses deers, emus, peacocks, rabbits, turtles, and few other birds. There were 2 crocodiles lying in the pond, which are called marsh crocodile found throughout Indian subcontinent. This is the first time we are seeing crocodiles up, close, and personal. Zoo entry fee is 10 INR per adults.

We relaxed in the lap of nature for sometime. There were families picnicking, children playing, and many having siesta. We went to see Nature Study Center after sometime. On the way we came across a small lake called Manasa Sarovara. Our cousin was overjoyed to see this and took a picture with the board. You might be wondering why? Her name is Manasa of course. The Nature Study Center was closed when went there. However, watchman came and unlocked the room for us. Just when we were trying to figure out what it is, he got a call and asked us to leave because he has to lock it. He told he will be back in 5 minutes. The 5 minutes stretched to a good 15 minutes and we realized he is not coming back. Is it same all days or just on that day? We will never know.

Manasa Sarovaram 

Nature Study Center

Next we headed to so-called coffee garden that barely has any coffee plants. It is almost evening and we thought of leaving, but not before satisfying our palate with hot, spicy, mouth watering Mirchi Bajjis.

Coffee Garden

Mirchi Bajjis

We thought of trying an alternative road while returning and it was a mistake. In the Madanapalle-B.Kothakota road we took a diversion at Gownipalli to highway. The road was pathetic and endless stretch continued for a while. Our advise is to put Madanapalle as destination in GPS and follow the route.

Sunset

Route: Shantinagara-KR Puram-Chintamani-Madanapalle-Horsley Hills

Travel Tips:

1. Harita Resort is the main option to stay though ours was a day trip, but would love to stay a night sometime in the near future. It is always better to reserve room well in advance.

2. There are no restaurants except the one in Harita Resort.

3. Any time of the year is okay to visit this place.

Parking Fee: Four wheeler-25

                   Two wheeler-10