News of the also reached WD Horsley the Collector of Cuddappah District who was desperately seeking an escape from the heat, dust and fiery food of the Andhra plains. He came here on a hunch and was bowled over by the natural beauty of the place. In 1870, he constructed two quaint houses and thus laid the foundation of a hill resort, which was duly named after him. The hills became his summer retreat and the sarkari trend continued with the hilltop villa becoming the summer residence of the Andhra Pradesh Governor.

On first glance it’s easy to dismiss Horsley hills as a touristy resort with bureaucratic bungalows that has nothing to offer except cement bunks, neatly numbered flowerpots and parks with slides. However a closer look reveals that it’s not without its perhaps one of the few places in India that calls a tree by name. A 150 year old eucalyptus treee near Horsley Bungalow is endearingly called Kalyani.
The lush forests around Horsley Hills are ideal for nature walks picnics and drives. The hill station has a few interesting excursions but beyond that there’s not much else. If you are looking for a place where you can just put up your feet and relax this is it.

Horsing Around

The most prominent tourist spot is Gali Bandalu windy roack, a rocky slope that derives its name from the gusty winds that blow nearly all day. The Eastern and Western viewpoints are great places to watch the sun rise and set. About 40 km from Horsley Hills and oftern confused with it is Gurram Konda, between Madanapalle and Raichoti. Literally Horse Hill, it is so named because its steep pathway was once accessible only on horseback. At the foot of the hill is a small fort called Mahal.

Temple and Followers

The Yenugu Mallamma Temple here is an ancient shrine, dedicated to the pious Mallamma who was looked after by a tusker.

The indigenous Chenchu tribes involve themselves in basket weaving and collection of honey. They are renowned for their Pungannur breed of cattle with its disproportionately high yield of milk.

Around Horsley Hills

Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary 94 km

This sanctuary is in the Palmaner area, off the Bangalore – chennai Highway near Kuppam. Spread over an area of 358 sq km, Kaundinya is in a decent state of preservation. The notable species here include elephant’s mouse deer and antelope.

Tirumalai 148 km

Towering above this celebrated temple town of Andhra is easily one of the richest places of pilgrimage in the world – Tirumalai the abode of Lord Venkateshwara – chiefly thanks to the zeal with which people throw money an dgold in the Lundi of the Lord. Every year, Tirupati draws mor epilgrims tjem Macca and the Vatican. It is among the most important places of pilgrimage in South India. Thousands throng for a darshan at the 10th century temple and for the prasad of the mammoth Tirupati laddu. Food and stay options are a dime a dozen here.

The Visakhapatnam passenger disappears 52 times on its way to Araku Valley. It emerges from the tunnels only to be lost again in spools of itinerant clouds that find their way to you through the window outside the green is so bright that it tears through the haze of white vapour. The paddy fields the coffee plantations and the forests all stand broken by spears of falling water.

An excitable railway employee who’s made this trip many times compares the journey 52 dark tunnels to the 52 worklogged week’s people have endured before attaining a holiday at Araku. For even on its off days this place can make short work of fatigue. That Araku no longer has an off-season is partly the work of Andhra Pradesh Tourism. It was a good day for them when Araku was cut out from Orissa and placed on their side of the map. And today they’re promoting its waterfalls rolling hills and tribal culture with great efficiency.

The journey is a bit of a teaser and it seems natural to expect long mountain paths disappearing around unknown curves. One forgets this is a valley and the hills aren’t as near as they look/ Araklu is a village with most of the amenities of a town without the accompanying mess. Taxis can be hiredat fixed rates but drivers well demand more. Autos are available at half the price.

Waterfalls

There are many waterfalls near Araku but Nappurai, or Chapparai 14 km, heads the list both for proximity and fun. Smooth slanting rocks interrupt a stream, making a huge natural water slide. It’s being difficult to get kids out soon enough so carry food along. When you get to Anantagiri take the right turn close to the state Electricity Boards. Duduma Falls 82 km, the site of the Nachkund Power Project is the biggest spectacle. On the Orissa border tow huge waterfalls cascade down from over 2,000 ft each supposedly falling into a different state. The latter part of the 2 half hours drive is especially lovely. Once you get to Nachkund take permission from the office of the Joint Electrical Officer open everyday. The taxi from Araku and back will cost Rs 1,500 approx. Aslo check out Thadiguda Falls.

Borra Caves

These caves 35 km have been around for a million years. Then 200 years ago an Englishman came by and announced he’s discovered them. The tribals here say the credit belongs not to William Hunter but to one of their cows that fell into the caves through a hole borra in adivasi Telugu. The caves are huge but the stalactite and stalagmite formations inside are minor. The round trip costs Rs 500 – 600 by taxi.

Padmapuram Gardens

These were initially the kitchen gardens for the Britisyh military camp in Vizag during World War II. Now a horticultural society it is also the chief attraction for children here. A good place to pick up plants of cardamom, camphor, pepper, Iychee and something tantalizingly called multivitamins. All are priced between Rs 5 and 20, Timings 9 am to noon, 1 to 5 pm.

Culture

The Tribal Museum has 3-D installations of village life scenes along with other artifacts. Village women form Chompi performs the Dhimsa dance at Punnami Yatri Nivas almost every day. It’s open for every body. You could also visit a nearby village. Chompi would be the easiest. Ask the Punnami desk to put you in touch with Sarpanch Naidu for visits or even a stayover. The people are friendly and no money is asked for but a tip is appreciated. To see life in the interiors contact the NGO Adivasi Abhivruddi Samskruthika Sangam.

Around Araku

Tyda 40 km

Tyda marks the point where temperatures suddenly drop on the way to Araku. Tyda also has some of the last remaining forests in the region. Drive straight to Andhara Pradesh Tourism’s Jungle Bells Nature Camp. Tariff Rs 400 to 700. They offer treks, birdwatching and archery. Jungle Bells is spread over 15 acres. About 50 km away near Boddavvara is the Thatipudi Reservoir. The lake here is surrounded by hills. Boats can be hired and it’s a good place to swim and fish. But there are no restaurants or dhabas around.