Horsley Hills
A cool forested plateau above Madanapalle
A Horsley Hills tour climbs above 1,260 m near Madanapalle in Annamayya district, with eucalyptus groves, the Gali Bandalu rocks and a viewpoint.
Overview
Horsley Hills stands at roughly 1,265 to 1,290 m in the Madanapalle area of Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh, and its temperatures run from about 15 C to 30 C, noticeably cooler than the plains around it. Locals know the hill as Yenugulla Mallamma Konda, the hill of Mallamma and the elephants. A Horsley Hills tour suits families, birdwatchers and weekenders from nearby cities who want cool air and forest walks without a long trek, and the months from October to February are an easy period to plan around.
The English name comes from W. D. Horsley, a British collector who built a house on the hill around 1870. The older name carries a legend about a holy woman who was fed by elephants, which is why the elephants appear in the place name. Much of the original vegetation has been replaced in places by dense eucalyptus stands and other planted trees, and one of the best-known sights is Kalyani, a giant eucalyptus about 40 m tall.
Scenery comes from Gali Bandalu (the Wind Rocks), the viewpoint behind the Governor's Bungalow and walks among the eucalyptus plantations.
Birdlife is a real draw. Over 133 bird species are recorded here, including the yellow-throated bulbul, an endemic species first recorded in 1908, along with the black eagle and the white-rumped shama. An endemic toad, Duttaphrynus hololius, also occurs. Sambar deer, wild boar and sloth bear are listed as past residents, so keep expectations modest for large animals.
Madanapalle is the practical base and the district headquarters. The town stands at 695 m and has Madanapalle Road station on the Dharmavaram to Pakala branch line, with daily links to Guntakal and Tirupati. Madanapalle is 114 km from Bengaluru, 128 km from Tirupati and 131 km from Kadapa, and the hill is reached through the town. The distance from Madanapalle to the hill is not settled here, so confirm it locally before you plan a day trip. A morning in Madanapalle can include the Besant Theosophical College, founded in 1915 by Annie Besant.
Known for
Temperatures of roughly 15 C to 30 C
Quick facts
Cooler than the surrounding plains, with temperatures of roughly 15 C to 30 C.
Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport and Tirupati Airport are the nearest airports named for Madanapalle (114 km and 128 km); distances to the hill (to be supplied)
Madanapalle Road (MPL), on the Dharmavaram to Pakala branch line (distance to the hill to be supplied)
The hill is reached through Madanapalle, which is 114 km from Bengaluru and 128 km from Tirupati. Drive times and the distance from Madanapalle (to be supplied).
Confirm the road distance and bus links from Madanapalle locally before you plan the day
Carry a light jacket for mornings and evenings, as the hill is cooler than the plains
Bring binoculars for birds such as the yellow-throated bulbul, and keep your voice low on the walks
Location
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