Horsley Hills is a beautiful hill station located in Andhra Pradesh, known for its cool climate and scenic views. Tirupati, a major city famous for the Tirumala temple, serves as the nearest urban hub for travelers heading to Horsley Hills. This route is popular among tourists and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape from the city.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Tirupati to Horsley Hills. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer train, bus, or self-drive, this article covers all you need for a smooth journey.

Getting from Tirupati to Horsley Hills – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Tirupati towards the nearest railway stations to Horsley Hills is a less direct option but useful if you want to combine rail travel with road transport. The train is popular among budget travelers and those who prefer a relaxed pace.

• Tirupati railway station is a major junction with frequent trains connecting to nearby towns like Madanapalle, which is the closest railhead to Horsley Hills, about 32 km away by road.

• Trains from Tirupati to Madanapalle take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from ₹50 to ₹150 depending on the class and train type.

• From Madanapalle station, you will need to hire a taxi or take a local bus to Horsley Hills, which can take around 1 to 1.5 hours on hilly roads.

• Train frequency varies, so check IRCTC or local station timings in advance, especially during festival seasons when trains can be crowded.

• Monsoon season may cause minor delays due to track maintenance, so plan accordingly if traveling between June and September.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Horsley Hills from Tirupati. State-run and private buses operate regularly, making this a convenient choice for most travelers.

• Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs direct and connecting buses from Tirupati bus station to Madanapalle, the nearest town to Horsley Hills.

• The bus journey to Madanapalle takes around 3 to 4 hours, covering approximately 110 km via NH716 and SH61, with fares typically between ₹100 and ₹200.

• From Madanapalle, you can catch local buses or shared jeeps to Horsley Hills; these vehicles run frequently but may be crowded during weekends and holidays.

• Private taxis and cabs can also be hired from Tirupati bus station or Madanapalle for a more comfortable and direct journey to Horsley Hills.

• During peak tourist seasons, buses can be full, so booking tickets in advance through APSRTC online or at the station is advisable.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Tirupati to Horsley Hills is an excellent option if you want flexibility and comfort. The route offers scenic views and well-maintained roads for most of the journey.

• The distance between Tirupati and Horsley Hills is about 110 km and takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours by car via NH716 and SH61, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through towns like Pileru and Madanapalle, where you can stop for refreshments and fuel; several toll plazas are on NH716, so keep some cash handy.

• Self-drive cars or rental cabs are available in Tirupati, with popular services like Ola and Uber offering outstation options to Horsley Hills.

• Road conditions are generally good, but the last stretch towards Horsley Hills involves hilly terrain with winding roads; drive carefully, especially during the monsoon season.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid city traffic in Tirupati and enjoy daylight driving through the hills.

Flight

There is no direct flight option between Tirupati and Horsley Hills as Horsley Hills does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport itself, so flights are relevant only if you are arriving from other cities before continuing your journey by road or rail.

• Tirupati Airport connects to major Indian cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, making it a convenient entry point for Horsley Hills travelers.

• From Tirupati Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the city center, then proceed to Horsley Hills by car or bus as described above.

• Flight timings and fares vary; booking in advance is recommended, especially during festival seasons when Tirupati sees heavy passenger traffic.

• Airport taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available 24/7, but fares may be higher during peak hours or late nights.

• There are no direct flights or helicopter services to Horsley Hills due to its small size and terrain.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Tirupati to Horsley Hills. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or APSRTC online portals to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush, especially during holidays.

• If traveling by train, arrive at Tirupati railway station at least 30 minutes early to find your platform and avoid confusion in the busy station.

• On reaching Madanapalle by train or bus, confirm local transport options to Horsley Hills; shared jeeps or taxis are available but may not run late in the evening.

• If you prefer comfort, pre-book a taxi from Tirupati or Madanapalle for direct travel to Horsley Hills; this saves time and hassle with luggage.

• Carry water, snacks, and a small first-aid kit for the hilly road trip, as food options on the way may be limited or basic.

• Keep your mobile phone charged and have offline maps downloaded, as network coverage can be patchy near Horsley Hills.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Tirupati and Madanapalle to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during your trip.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach; carry some light snacks from Tirupati for the journey to Horsley Hills.

• Book bus or train tickets at least a day in advance during weekends and festival seasons to avoid sold-out situations common in this region.

• Local transport from Madanapalle to Horsley Hills can be infrequent; consider hiring a private taxi if traveling late or with heavy luggage.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, as Horsley Hills can be cool, especially in early mornings and evenings, even in summer.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and prone to landslides; check weather forecasts and avoid traveling during heavy rain.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Horsley Hills is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be warm in Tirupati but cooler in the hills, while monsoon brings heavy rains and slippery roads.

Travel conditions vary with seasons, so planning your trip accordingly will ensure a comfortable and safe journey.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Brahmotsavam in Tirupati, as transport services get crowded and prices rise sharply.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause delays due to roadblocks and landslides on the hill roads leading to Horsley Hills.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic in Tirupati and allow you to reach Horsley Hills before dusk, which is safer on hilly roads.

• Winter months bring cool temperatures in Horsley Hills, so carry warm clothing and plan for shorter daylight hours.

Arrival at Horsley Hills & What to Expect

When you arrive at Horsley Hills, you will find a small but well-maintained hill station with limited local transport options. Most visitors rely on private cabs or hotel vehicles for local travel.

The main areas to stay are near the Horsley Hills resort and the viewpoint areas. Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are not common here, so arrange your return transport in advance or through your hotel.

Walking is a good way to explore the immediate surroundings, but be prepared for steep paths. Local eateries offer simple South Indian meals, and small shops sell snacks and essentials.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Horsley Hills from Tirupati is by combining a train or bus journey to Madanapalle followed by a taxi or local transport to the hills. Alternatively, self-driving offers flexibility and comfort, especially for groups or families.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will make your trip smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently prepare for your journey and look forward to the serene beauty of Horsley Hills without any travel stress.