Horsley Hills is a beautiful hill station located in Andhra Pradesh, about 150 kilometers from Bangalore. Known for its cool climate and scenic views, it is a popular weekend getaway for Bangalore residents and tourists. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Bangalore to Horsley Hills using different transport modes.

You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and taxis, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Whether you prefer comfort or budget travel, this guide covers all essential details for your trip.

Getting from Bangalore to Horsley Hills – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a comfortable and affordable option if you prefer a relaxed journey. However, there is no direct train to Horsley Hills, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Horsley Hills is Madanapalle Road (MPL), about 25 km away from Horsley Hills. From Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC), several trains run to Madanapalle Road daily, taking around 3 to 4 hours.

• Train fares range from ₹150 to ₹400 depending on the class (Sleeper, Second Sitting, or AC Chair Car). Booking tickets via IRCTC or authorized agents is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Trains are frequent but can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter.

• From Madanapalle Road station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Horsley Hills, which takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour on winding hill roads. Ensure your taxi driver is familiar with the route for a safe journey.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Horsley Hills from Bangalore. Several state-run and private buses operate on this route, offering various comfort levels.

• Direct buses to Madanapalle or nearby towns depart from Bangalore’s Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) frequently, with journey times ranging from 3.5 to 5 hours depending on the service and traffic.

• From Madanapalle, you can take a local bus or shared jeep to Horsley Hills, which takes about 1 hour. The last-mile transport may be limited in frequency, so plan accordingly.

• Bus fares from Bangalore to Madanapalle generally range between ₹150 and ₹350, depending on the type of bus (ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo AC). Booking tickets online through KSRTC or private operators is recommended.

• During monsoon season, buses may face delays due to slippery roads and fog on the hills. It is safer to travel during daylight hours and check weather conditions before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Horsley Hills is a flexible and comfortable option, especially if you want to explore the region at your own pace. The route is scenic but involves hill driving near the destination.

• The distance from Bangalore to Horsley Hills is approximately 150 km via NH44 and SH61, taking around 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through towns like Chittoor and Madanapalle, with well-maintained highways and toll plazas. Toll charges may total around ₹150 to ₹200 one way.

• Rest stops with food options are available at Chittoor and Madanapalle. It is advisable to carry water and snacks for the hill climb, as amenities are limited on the final stretch.

• Driving during early morning or late afternoon avoids city traffic in Bangalore and ensures safer hill driving in daylight. Avoid night driving on the winding roads near Horsley Hills.

• Self-drive car rentals from Bangalore are widely available via platforms like Zoomcar or Revv, with daily rates starting from ₹1500 depending on the vehicle type.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or cab from Bangalore to Horsley Hills is convenient and comfortable, especially for groups or families. It offers door-to-door service without the need to change vehicles.

• Prepaid taxis can be booked from Bangalore airport or city taxi stands, or you can use app-based services like Ola Outstation or Uber Intercity for fixed fares and easy payments.

• The taxi fare for a one-way trip to Horsley Hills typically ranges between ₹3500 and ₹5000 depending on the vehicle type and service provider.

• The journey time by taxi is about 3.5 to 4 hours, with the driver usually taking NH44 and SH61 for the fastest route.

• Ensure the taxi driver is experienced with hill roads to avoid safety issues on the winding ascent to Horsley Hills.

• Booking your taxi a day in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays when demand is high.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Horsley Hills to help you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Step 1: Decide your preferred mode of transport based on comfort, budget, and time. Train and bus are economical, while car or taxi offers flexibility.

• Step 2: Book your tickets in advance through official portals like IRCTC for trains or KSRTC for buses to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush.

• Step 3: Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and a light jacket as the weather can be cool in Horsley Hills, especially in the evenings.

• Step 4: Start your journey early in the morning to avoid Bangalore traffic and reach Horsley Hills before dark, ensuring safer hill road travel.

• Step 5: On arrival at Madanapalle or nearby stations, arrange local transport in advance or confirm availability to reach Horsley Hills without delay.

• Step 6: Keep your phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as network coverage may be patchy in the hills.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in Horsley Hills to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in hill stations.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for local travel to avoid overcharging and ensure safety, especially if you arrive late in the day.

• Book train and bus tickets online well in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and weekends to avoid sold-out situations.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven hill terrain and carry a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon months (June to September).

• Keep your luggage light as local transport from Madanapalle to Horsley Hills may have space constraints and roads can be narrow.

• Be cautious while driving or traveling by road during early winter mornings when fog can reduce visibility on the hill roads.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Horsley Hills is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers are mild compared to Bangalore, making it a popular escape from city heat.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and slippery roads, which can delay travel and make hill driving risky. Plan your trip outside the monsoon for a safer and more enjoyable experience.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Sankranti when traffic on NH44 and buses can be heavily crowded.

• Fog is common in early mornings during winter months (December and January), so start your journey after sunrise for better visibility.

• Midday departures are ideal during summer to avoid early morning chill and to reach Horsley Hills with enough daylight for sightseeing.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling during monsoon to avoid landslides or roadblocks on the hill route.

Arrival at Horsley Hills & What to Expect

When you arrive at Horsley Hills, you will find a small but charming hill station with limited public transport. Most visitors rely on taxis, shared jeeps, or walking to explore the area.

Accommodation options are available near the main hilltop area, including government guesthouses and private resorts. Booking in advance is recommended during peak seasons.

Local transport is limited, so pre-arranged cabs or hotel pickups are common. Prepaid taxis and Ola/Uber services may not be available on the hilltop, so plan your last-mile travel accordingly.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Horsley Hills from Bangalore depends on your priorities. For budget travelers, train to Madanapalle Road followed by a taxi is economical and comfortable. For those seeking convenience, hiring a taxi or self-driving offers flexibility and scenic travel.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, starting your journey in daylight, and preparing for hill road conditions. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy the cool climate and natural beauty of Horsley Hills without travel stress.