8 Best Places to Visit in Horsley Hills

Tourist places in Horsley Hills

Horsley Hills, often called the ‘Ooty of Andhra Pradesh’, is one of the most scenic and peaceful hill stations in South India. Situated in the Chittoor district at an altitude of around 1,265 metres, this hill retreat is known for its cool climate, dense forests, and rich biodiversity with over 150 species of birds; if you'd like to plan a visit, explore Andhra Pradesh tour packages for curated itineraries. With pleasant temperatures ranging between 15°C and 30°C, it offers a refreshing escape from the plains and remains a year-round destination. The best places to visit in Horsley Hills combine cultural landmarks like Mallamma Temple and the Sri Chennakeshava Temple with adventure experiences like ATV and bungee jumping, making it an ideal getaway.

Here are some of the most popular places to visit in Horsley Hills:

Horsley Hills Zoo: A small yet peaceful zoo home to peacocks, monkeys, and crocodiles, ideal for families and nature lovers.
Kaigal Falls: Also known as Dumukurallu Waterfalls, it has a height of approximately 40 feet, which falls into three diverse tiers.
Gali Bandalu (Windy Rock): A striking rocky slope known for its strong gusts of wind and breathtaking views of the valleys stretching below.
Gangotri Lake: A serene rain-fed lake surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees, perfect for quiet walks and photography.
Mallamma Temple: A spiritual site dedicated to Mallamma, a local deity believed to have been protected by elephants and known for her healing powers.
Kalyani (Eucalyptus Tree): A 150-year-old tree planted in 1859, known for its massive size and historical significance.
Freakouts Adventure Zone: A recreational area offering rope climbing and other fun outdoor activities for thrill seekers.
Whisper Wind View Point: A popular viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of Horsley Hills and surrounding valleys, best visited in the early morning or late afternoon for clear skies.
Chennakesava Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, showcasing intricate architecture and local cultural significance.
Environmental Park: A serene park featuring a small zoo with animals like deer, crocodiles, and emus, promoting environmental awareness and offering peaceful walking trails.

Whether you are admiring the panoramic views from Galibanda, visiting the Horsley Hills Zoo, or relaxing by the quiet waters of Gangotri Lake. For every traveller exploring the places to visit in Horsley Hills, this destination offers something memorable.

Best Places To Visit In Horsley Hills

01

Horsley Hills Zoo

A lovely mini-zoo in the Horsley Hills is home to a range of animals, including monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, pigeons, and rabbits. Situated within thick forests, the zoo has a cool and pleasant environment during the peak summer months. You can also enjoy walks on the shaded paths, watch animals in their habitats, and relax amidst peaceful nature while exploring the zoo.

The zoo features a small pond where you can enjoy coracle rides and a viewpoint, offering scenic views of the surrounding hills, making it one of the must-visit places to visit in Andhra Pradesh.

Opening Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

02

Kaigal Falls

Also known as Dumukurallu Waterfalls, it is a beautiful and lesser-known waterfall in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. One of the famous places to visit in Horsley Hills, the waterfall has a height of approximately 40 feet, which falls into three diverse tiers. It is locally known as Dumukurallu, which means ‘jumping stones’ in Telugu, and the sound of stones in the water is the inspiration behind its name.

It is situated within the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, as well as Asian elephants. You can enjoy a short trek to arrive at the waterfall, take pictures, or have a picnic around there.

Opening Timings: 24 hours

03

Whisper Wind Viewpoint

Located on the top of Horsley Hills, the viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the surrounding forests, hills, and valleys. You can reach the viewpoint by crossing the fence and walking up some stairs from Western Viewpoint. As you reach the top, which is 1,290 metres in height, you can admire the magnificent views of sunrise or sunset.

If you love photography, you can climb out on the rocks of the viewpoint to enjoy bird photography and selfies. You can arrive at the viewpoint and take in the fresh air and serene surroundings while seeking some quiet time away from the busy city life.

Opening Timings: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

04

Chennakesava Temple

Located in Sompalle village and about 40 km from Horsley Hills, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Chennakesava. The temple is known for its beautifully carved 52-foot monolithic pillar, standing in front of its main shrine. Explore the temple and marvel at its interior walls and ceilings, adorned with mural paintings and delicate carvings. You can also see the mandapa of the temple, which has pendant buds, painted beams, and double-curved eaves.

As you visit inside the complex, you can admire Kalyana Mandapa (marriage hall), a stone chariot with granite wheels, and an Uyyala Mandapa (swing pavilion). In the temple, you can marvel at the Vijayanagara period’s skilled artisans.

Opening Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

05

Gangotri Lake

Also popular as Gangotri Seasonal Lake, it is one of the scenic natural places in Horsley Hills. Situated about 2.5 km from the Horsley Hills, the lake is easily accessible from the main hill area. During the monsoon season, it fills with water and sometimes dries up in the summer. You can explore the nearby area in the rainy season, as it becomes lush and green.

If you are a photography lover, you can click pictures of the eucalyptus trees and the rolling hills. At the lake, you can unwind, enjoy the fresh air, and feel the peaceful environment.

Opening Timings: Open 24 hours.

06

Gali Bandalu

Known as Wind Rocks, it is one of the famous viewpoints and places to visit in Horsley Hills. The meaning of ‘Gali Bandalu’ is ‘rocks with strong winds’, and the place truly complements its name. At the viewpoint, you can feel the continuous gusts of cool wind blowing across the rocky slope.

As you reach the viewpoint, you can click pictures and admire the wonderful views of the surrounding dense forests, hills, and valleys. You can also enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset from the point where the surrounding landscape is illuminated in the golden light. Gali Bandalu is an ideal place for visitors to relax and feel the natural charm of the hills.

Opening Timings: Open 24 hours.

07

Environmental Park

The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department preserves the Environmental Park, which is located near the Governor's Bungalow in Horsley Hills. The park has a range of species of trees and plants, such as coffee plants, teak, mahogany, eucalyptus, sandalwood, and flowering trees. In the park, you can spend some peaceful time walking or sitting under a natural canopy, as there are well-organised trails covered with trees and gardens.

The park also includes a small zoo where you can see animals such as crocodiles, monkeys, deer, peacocks, and rabbits. You can also find the old forest resthouse built by W.D. Horsley in the late 19th century, which adds historical charm to the park.

Opening Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

08

Kalyani Eucalyptus Tree

Often included among the must-see Horsley Hills places to visit, the Kalyani Eucalyptus Tree is one of the most famous landmarks in Horsley Hills. It has been standing for over 150 years inside the Environmental Park, near the old Forest Bungalow built by W.D. Horsley. W.D. Horsley also planted this tree in the late 19th century, and it has now grown into a massive eucalyptus tree.

It is the symbol of the colonial heritage of the hill station, as it is believed to be one of the largest and oldest eucalyptus trees in Andhra Pradesh, as per locals. The surroundings of the tree are calm and shaded, where you can relax, feel the cool breeze, and admire the surrounding lush greenery.

Opening Timings: Open 24 hours.

09

Freakouts Adventure Zone

In Horsley Hills, the Freakouts Adventure Zone is a thrilling place where adventure lovers can enjoy a range of activities amidst lush greenery and scenic hills. While visiting Freakouts, you can take part in various exciting activities such as ATV rides, zip lining, rappelling, and rope courses. With these activities, you can challenge yourself and test your teamwork and courage. If you’re planning your adventure itinerary, make sure to explore some amazing things to do in Andhra Pradesh for an even more thrilling experience.

You can also have wonderful camping experiences like overnight stays in tents, walks on nature trails, and enjoying bonfires. With adventure sports and outdoor challenges, Freakouts Adventure Zone is known as one of the popular Horsley Hills visiting places among travellers.

Opening Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

10

Mallamma Temple

It is a holy and calm place to explore in Horsley Hills, surrounded by natural beauty. As per the locals, Goddess Mallamma is worshipped in the temple, who was a kind-hearted girl with healing powers. This small shrine is located on the top of a hill where you can pray or enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

While exploring the temple, you can marvel at traditional South Indian architecture and get to know about the local spiritual culture of the Chittoor region. You can also visit the temple during the early morning hours to offer prayers, light up lamps, and admire the beautiful backdrop.

Opening Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Other Essential Information about Horsley Hills

11

How To Reach Horsley Hills

By Train
The nearest railway station to Horsley Hills is Madanapalle Road Railway Station, located about 26 km away. From there, travellers can take a local bus or hire a cab to comfortably reach Horsley Hills. Madanapalle has regular train connectivity with major Indian cities, including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Mysuru, and Kolkata, making it an easy and convenient option for most visitors.

By Road

Horsley Hills is well-connected by road to nearby cities across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana through National Highways NH 42 and NH 340. Regular state-run and private buses operate from major cities, including Bangalore, Tirupati, Hyderabad, Chennai, Vellore, Anantapur, Krishnagiri, and Tumakuru. For a more flexible journey, travellers can also book an outstation cab from Bangalore or Chennai using trusted car rental services like Savaari and enjoy a scenic road trip through forested hills and winding roads.

By Flight

Horsley Hills does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, situated around 137 km away. Travellers can fly into Bangalore from any major city in India and then book an airport taxi or outstation cab to reach Horsley Hills. The drive from Bangalore takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, offering a comfortable and picturesque route through rural Andhra landscapes.

12

Best Time To Visit & Tips For Exploring Horsley Hills

The best time to visit Horsley Hills is from November to May, when the weather stays cool, pleasant, and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor walks.

During these months, the temperature ranges between 15°C and 25°C, creating perfect conditions for nature trails, viewpoints, and light adventure activities.

Early mornings and evenings are the best times to enjoy panoramic views from Galibanda (Windy Rock) and the Governor’s Bungalow viewpoint, as the skies are clearer and the winds are stronger.

Visitors should carry light woollens, especially during winter nights, as temperatures can drop suddenly in the higher altitudes.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as most Horsley Hills visiting places involve exploring uneven terrain, short forest trails, and gentle slopes.

Carry enough drinking water and light snacks, as food stalls and cafes are spread across a few specific areas rather than at every attraction.

The hill roads leading to Horsley Hills are scenic but winding, so it’s best to travel during daylight for better visibility and to enjoy the forest views.

Visitors interested in adventure activities like rope climbing or ziplining should plan for the afternoon, when the Freakouts Adventure Zone and similar recreation areas are active.

Always check the local weather forecast before visiting, as sudden rain showers can occur, especially during the monsoon months from June to September.

Lastly, maintain cleanliness and respect the natural surroundings. Horsley Hills is home to rich flora, fauna, and age-old trees that add to its charm.