Horsely Hills. Review on Horsley Hills

project H

The previous night, I had left a SMS, “I’m sleeping just now. Don't wake me up too early". It was 2 in the morning. I was worried 'cos these, otherwise, followers of Indian Stretchable Time will turn up on time, as they had "threatened" me. And lo!

They woke me up by 4 30 am. Gosh! I can't still open my eyes properly. The first word I uttered on seeing Barani was “What stupid plan is this?" Perhaps he knows my anguish for not getting enough sleep, he didn't reply back. He just asks me to pack some cloths. I didn't listen. Just put a jean and a T-Shirt and said “Come let's go." He obliged. And so the four of us started the journey to Horseley hills.

*Horseley Hills

*Direction: 13.39 N 78.23 E.

Elevation: 1265 MSL

The approximate distance from Chennai is 300 kms.

Road from Chennai is pretty good, except for some stretches where it’s a nightmare to drive at high speed.

We covered the distance in 6 hours. A Toyota Qualis or some other SUV should easily cover the distance in 3 to 4 hours. Believe me, Indian roads have improved!

Our expectations were low, and the location didn't let us down either. We have exploited many parts of Tamil Nadu and the only urge in us was to go a tourist place in Andhra. We didn't expect this place to be like Ooty, Kodai etc. But hope it would be somewhat like Yellagiri.

DAY 1

The location elevates slowly from the hot, sunny dry plains of Rayalaseema. This does not make you feel that you are climbing a height of 1000 meters plus.

The climb is just 7 kms from the plains and the elevation from the ground should be some 800 meters.

By the time we reached there, all were tired and hit the hotel bed straight on. I opened my eyes only by 4:30pm.

The place is a perfect destination for those who want to enjoy an undisturbed weekend. You don't have to trouble yourself to rush for sight seeing tours or treaking. Highly recommended for a “sleepful” weekend. You cannot do anything in this place but just to eat and sleep. But tell you, there is a beautiful sunrise and sunset view point. You can sit there and talk nostalgia. It is the one right place to do this.

May be in the heart of summer, the place might be hot, but during this months, February - March, we did not find the sun blazing. It was hot but there were cool breezes to soothe the skin.

Boarding & Loading.

You will find it difficult to find a place if you don't book in advance. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism has a resort there. The resort consists of individual cottages and dormitory type rooms. We didn't stay in this resort but in a neighbourhood hotel. The hotel was comfortable. You can definitely book this hotel if you are unable to get a place in the AP Tourism Resort. I will not elaborate on the AP Tourism Resort as it was unchartered by us. The individual cottages look to be nice and comfortable. But I can't assure you of what you will find inside. Perhaps a nice and cosy place?

If you are going in a gang of 10 - 15 people you can book few cottages and have the time of your life doing what you want on "limited resource”.

I will suggest this place for team outing of office goers who needs a weekend gateway. However those in Chennai forget this place. It’s too far for a weekend gateway. Bangalore is close; they can consider this location as an alternative.

DAY 2

The resort, as well, have a nice little swimming pool and a bar as well. Beer will cost you anything between Rs. 110 - 120. Quite cheap? We took a plunge on the pool in the morning. Felt so very good. Chill water, undisturbed environment, lovely surrounding. This swimming pool is the major attraction of the resort and the best thing was that it wasn't crowded. On that morning only four of us were there! They charge you Rs. 50 for an hour on this pool. But honestly didn't mind paying it after the chilled experience.

There is not much place to roam. However, it’s a lovely little hamlet. I could find the majority of the population consists of older ones. This place should be perfect as a retirement home. After the swimming pool experience, we had our lunch. One thing was totally unexpected. The pickle we were served with was not spicy at all. Isn’t Andhra famous for hot and spicy pickles? Anyway, on the overall the food was tasty and good. Guess we were lucky after the “Salem Biryani” experience.

How to get there from Chennai?

You can keep you curious brain shut as long as you are on the Chennai – Bangalore highway (NH – 4). Keep this in mind. Once you hit the toll road, just count the numbers of toll gates. Cos, you have to take a right turn under the flyover after the 2nd toll gate which comes at Ranipet. From there on you can drive straight to Chittoor.

Theoretical road mapChennai to Ranipet - NH 4 : Toll RoadRanipet to Chittoor - NH 4 : Take right after the Ranipet Toll Plaza. Chittoor to Palamner - NH 4: At Palamner the highways diverge. Ask for Punganur direction.Palamner to Punganur - NH 219. Punganur to Madanapalle - NH 219 **: From Madanapalle take the Burrakayalakota direction

Madanapalle to Horseley Hills - NH 205The Horseley Hills diversion on the NH 205 is 27 kms from Madanapalle. Remember, the diversion is not very prominent, so count the kilometers on your speedometer counter.** There is a sign board, but it was worn out when we were there.

You will come across many junctions. If ever, you lost direction, then stop and ask someone for the direction. Remember to get essential items from Madanapalle. If you like to enjoy few drinks, you can choose to have it in the AP Tourism Bar; otherwise you better get it from Madanapalle. Welcome to Horseley Hills, we hope you will enjoy your stay.

The Missing story:

We travelled the entire journey in a M800. Don’t think it’s an ordinary one. It perhaps has travelled to lot many places then we would have.

May be he has covered more kilometers.May be he is feeling, that we aren’t paying much attention to him. May be he is tired of travelling a lot. This time, he took a little opportunity to trouble us. But he is so sweet, he attacked only the radiator. Imagine if he had put his thought on some other parts. Gone case for us!!! So long we have been riding on him; he would have taken a happy ride on us.

We said “Ok boss! We realize our mistake; we will take you a mechanic soon.” The scorching sun on the Rayalaseema plains and the big town of Madanapalle. God saved us. We were not very far away from the town when the problem started. So we took him to a Mechanic in Madanapalle. Made him happy finally.