Horsley Hills Sri Enugu Mallamma Temple is a famous tribal Goddess temple present on Horsley Hills.
This ancient Shakti temple is at a distance of around 150 km from Tirupati and can be reached easily by road via Madanapalle.
Madanapalle town is at a distance of 27 km from Horsley Hills in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh state. Devotees frequently visit this temple to seek blessings from the Goddess and fulfill their desires.
According to ancient legend, the hill was once called Enugu Mallamma Konda where a holy lady called Mallamma who was fed and protected by a sacred Elephant lived atop the hill.
Enugu Mallamma Temple Overview:
Hence, the hill got its name from "Enugu" which stands for "Elephant".
Mallamma used to treat the local tribal people with the herbs on the hill. People considered her as Goddess and built a temple for her after she disappeared from that place.
Monday to Sunday from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Yenugu Mallamma Konda (Enugu Mallamma Konda) is the local name of Horsley Hills and was discovered by W.D. Horsley, a European civil servant in the year 1870.
The Governor of Andhra Pradesh uses the Governors Bungalow at Horsley hills as his summer residence.
Best time to visit Sri Enugu Mallamma Temple and Horsley Hills is between November to May and is a perfect destination for a full day trip with the family and friends.
Devotees can book online for accommodation at Haritha Hill Resort managed by AP Tourism Development Corporation.
Temple Timings:
Horsley Hills Overview:
Horsley Hills is located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India, amidst the Eastern Ghats. Horsley Hills is often considered as a hidden gem among the various hill stations in India.
Horsley Hills is nestled in the Eastern Ghats and is known for its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and breathtaking views.
One of the highlights of Horsley Hills is its dense vegetation, which includes Eucalyptus gum trees, Gulmohar, natural sandal wood, Jacaranda, Mohogony, and many other exotic trees.
The region is also home to various wildlife species like sambars, panthers, wild boars, and a wide variety of bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
The scenic beauty of Horsley Hills is further enhanced by its panoramic viewpoints, such as the Horsley Hills Viewpoint and the Kalyani Tree Garden. These viewpoints provide stunning vistas of the surrounding hills, valleys, and plains, making it a perfect destination for photographers and nature lovers.
Apart from natural attractions, Horsley Hills offers a range of outdoor activities like trekking, rappelling, and zorbing. The hill station also has a wildlife sanctuary called the Horsley Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to several indigenous plant and animal species.
In terms of accommodation, Horsley Hills has a few resorts and guesthouses that provide a comfortable stay amidst the serene surroundings. The nearest major town is Madanapalle, which is about 27 kilometers away and serves as a gateway to Horsley Hills.
Horsley Hills is often considered a quaint place due to several factors that contribute to its unique charm and peaceful ambiance.
Visitors can enjoy a host of facilities like Swimming Pool, Massage Centre, Health Club, Conference Hall, Bar and Restaurant at the hills.
Remember there is no ATM or Fuel Station at Horsley hills so carry some cash and fill the tank if you are coming by vehicle.
Horsley Hills as a Tourist Destination:
Here are a few reasons why Horsley Hills is an ideal tourist place for you:
Scenic Beauty:
The region is blessed with stunning natural beauty, including lush greenery, dense forests, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
The picturesque landscapes and tranquil environment create a sense of serenity and make it an ideal getaway for nature lovers.
Secluded Location:
Horsley Hills is situated at an elevation of about 1,265 meters (4,150 feet) above sea level, providing a sense of seclusion and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Its remote location ensures that the place remains relatively untouched and undisturbed by commercialization, preserving its quaint charm.
Pleasant Climate:
The climate of Horsley Hills is another reason why it is considered quaint. Due to its elevation, the region experiences a pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year. The refreshing climate adds to the overall tranquility of the place.
🛤️Best Time to Visit: November to February (pleasant weather)
Peaceful Atmosphere:
Horsley Hills is not as crowded or busy as some other popular tourist destinations, which contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. The absence of large crowds and commercialization allows visitors to experience a sense of solitude and connect with nature.
It is an ideal destination to escape the sweltering heat of the cities and enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year. It is an excellent place to relax, rejuvenate, and unwind away from the chaos of city life.
Limited Development:
Unlike some heavily developed tourist spots, Horsley Hills has seen limited commercial development. This has helped maintain its pristine surroundings and prevent overcrowding.
The limited number of hotels, resorts, and eateries add to its quaintness, making it feel like a hidden gem.
Interesting Facts about Horsley Hills:
W.D. Horsley is the collector of Kadapa District, who was very much impressed by the beauty of this hill, made this cool spot as his summer residence.
Horsley Hills is also called as Andhra Ooty.
Best Time to Visit:
Best Places to Visit in Horsley Hills:
- 👉 Whisper Wind View Point (200 m)
- 👉 Enugu Mallamma Temple (350 m)
- 👉 Gali Bandalu/Wind Rocks (400 m)
- 👉 Kalyani 150 Years Old Eucalyptus Tree (500 m)
- 👉 Horsley Hills Zoo and Museum (1 km)
- 👉 Gangotri Lake (2.3 km)
- 👉 Rishi Valley School (17.3 km)
- 👉 Sompalle Chennakesava Temple (40 km)
- 👉 Kaigal Falls/Dumukurallu Waterfalls (108 km)
- 👉 Talakona Waterfalls (115.3 km)
- 👉 Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary (135 km)
Food and Accommodation:
The resort has several accommodation options to suite the budget of the visitors.
Visitors can get good lodges and hotels for a short stay at nearby Madanapalle town.
One has to reach Madanapalle town and from there they can take a Bus or hire a Taxi to reach Horsley Hills and the temple.
1. From Bangalore:
How to Reach Horsley Hills:
Horsley Hills is approximately:
- 👉 121 km away from Chittoor
- 👉 144 km from Tirupati
- 👉 260 km from Chennai
- 👉 147 km from Bangalore
- 👉 548 km from Hyderabad
The distance between Madanapalle and Horsley Hills is approximately 27 kilometers, and it usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Horsley Hills from Madanapalle by road.
Please note that these distances are approximate and may vary depending on the route taken and the mode of transportation chosen.
🚌 By Road:
Horsley Hills has direct bus facility from Madanapalle town. Madanapalle has very good road links from Bangalore, Tirupati, Hyderabad, Kadapa and Chennai city.
At the Madanapalle bus stand, you can find regular bus services to Horsley Hills. Board the appropriate bus and enjoy the scenic journey to Horsley Hills.
o Route: Bangalore -> Chintamani -> Madanapalle
o Distance: Around 130 kms from Madanapalle
o Travel Time: Takes 3-4 hours
2. From Chennai:
o Route: Chennai -> Chittoor -> Madanapalle
o Distance: Around 250 kms from Madanapalle
o Travel Time: Takes 5-6 hours
3. From Tirupati:
o Route: Tirupati -> Piler -> Madanapalle
o Distance: Around 115 km from Madanapalle
o Travel Time: Takes 2-3 hours
Madanapalle Rd (MPL) Railway Station happens to be the nearest railway station.
The station has good connectivity with popular cities like Chittoor, Hyderabad, Tirupati and Guntakal.
The nearest international airport is Kempegowda International Airport at Bangalore (BLR).
o Distance: Around 115 km from Madanapalle
o Travel Time: Takes 2-3 hours
🚆 By Train:
Distance: ~13 km from Madanapalle and 40 km from Horsley Hills.
✈️ By Plane:
The nearest airport to Horsley Hills is Tirupati Airport (also known as Renigunta Airport) located in Tirupati, which is approximately 144 kilometers away.
Distance: ~120 km from Madanapalle and 144 km from Horsley Hills.
1. Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple
I enjoyed a lot at Horsley Hills in my one day trip with my family members. I tried to cover most of the information from various sources and I hope it will be helpful for the readers.
Please share your Horsley Hills experiences with us in the comments section.
Additionally, if you prefer a more convenient and personalized experience, you can also consider hiring a private cab or taxi from Madanapalle to Horsley Hills.
Nearby Temple Places:
Horsley Hills Route Map:
Author Note:
While Horsley Hills may not be as well-known as some of the more popular hill stations in India, its unexplored charm and tranquility make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway in the lap of nature.
Remember to plan your trip well in advance, pack appropriate clothing for the weather, and carry essentials like water, snacks, and insect repellent when exploring the trails. Whether you're seeking solitude, adventure, or a refreshing break from city life, Horsley Hills has something to offer to every traveler.
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