Posted 03 January 2023 in Travel wanderlust

7 offbeat hill stations in Andhra Pradesh that are worth exploring this season

If you are planning a vacation in the hills of South India, Andhra Pradesh can be one of the choices. This Indian state is home to some of the breath-taking hill stations in the country. The hill stations in Andhra Pradesh are one of the major attractions and attract a lot of tourists for their getaway. They are an escape from the chaos of city life. A day on the hill station will offer a perfect getaway for tourists looking for tranquillity and serenity. You will get to witness the perfect setting of nature with waterfalls, pleasant weather, green landscape, greenery and a mesmerizing experience.

1. Araku Valley

Araku Valley is one of the most enigmatic hill stations of Andhra Pradesh. You are on a trip to serenity and want a soul-soothing place, Araku Valley could be one of the places to visit. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh. Loosen up and rejuvenate in the lap of nature.

The hill station is fenced with lush greenery and serenity. One can witness rich flora and fauna at the hill station. It is one of the favourite hill stations to visit because of its weather.

One can find caves, brooklets, waterfalls and several other natural things to relax your mind and soul. The Araku Valley is situated at an altitude of 1300 metres from sea level at a distance of 115 km from Visakhapatnam. Other than the natural serenity that the valley offers, tourists can also enjoy several physical activities at the hill station.

Best places to visit near Araku Valley: Some of the must-see places in Araku Valley are Araku Tribal Museum, Damuku ViewPoint, Borra Caves and Sangda Waterfalls. You can take a tour of the valley in just a day.
Best time to visit: Winter season from October to March is the best time to visit Araku Valley.

How to reach?

By air: The nearest airport to Araku Valley is Vishakhapatnam Airport. The airport is located at a distance of 110 km from the Valley. You can get a taxi or a private cab from the airport.
By rail: Araku Junction is the nearest railway station to the hill station. Several trains make a stop at the Araku Junction. Any train coming from Visakhapatnam stops at the hill station. The valley is located just 1.5 km from the railway station.
By road: Araku Valley can be easily reached by road. There are several state-owned and private buses that run from Visakhapatnam to the hill station. You can get a bus or a cab from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley.

2. Horsley Hills

Horsley Hill is a small village nestled in the lap of nature in Andhra Pradesh. The hill station has been a favourite among the tourists for a long period. Situated at an altitude of 1265 metres from sea level, this captivating hill station has a different aura that can calm your mind and soul.

Horsley Hill is home to one of the popular wildlife reserves in the state. Surrounded by a lush green forest, the hill station is rich in flora and fauna. The hill station has been named after WD Horsley, then collector of Kadapa district.

Horsley Hill is one of the best places to visit if you want to escape heat waves and scorching heat. There is so much to do at the hill station for an unforgettable vacation including trekking and hiking. Nature lovers can also go for a nature walk along the natural trails.

Best places to visit near Horsley Hills: Some of the must-visit places near Horsley Hills are Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Tirupati and Mallamma Temple. Ideally, the hill station can be covered within a couple of days.
Best time to visit Horsley Hills: Summer season from April to June and after monsoon from September to November.

How to reach?

By air: The nearest airport to Horsley Hills is Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru. The airport is located at a distance of 135 km from Horsley Hills. The hill station can be reached within a 3-hours’ drive from the airport. The airport is connected with major cities of the country.
By rail: The nearest Railway Station to Horsley Hills is Madnapalle Railway Station. The junction is located at a distance of 26 km from the hill station. The railway station is connected with major metropolitan cities via regular trains.
By road: There are several state-run and private buses that run through the hill station. Horsley Hills is located at a distance of 121 km from Chittoor, 73 km from Kadiri, 155 km from Vellore, and 185 km from Bengaluru.

3. Nallamala Hills

Nallamala Hills is renowned as the largest hill station in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Also, it is one of the favourite hill stations for tourists. Sprawled over five different districts in the state, Nallamala Hills is situated at an altitude of 3608 ft above sea level. Because of its height, Nallamala Hills is one of the highest hill stations in India.

The hill station promises a splendid view of the natural beauty that includes forests, pristine rivers, lush green valleys, many orchards and other natural things. Furthermore, the hill station is also for adventure enthusiasts. The climate on the hill station is subtle and perfect for sightseeing.

Best places to visit near Nallamala Hills: Some of the best places to visit in Nallamala Hills are Cumbum Lake, Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary and Srisailam Temple. You can cover the hill station in just a day.
Best time to visit Nallamala Hills: Summer season from March to May and after monsoon months from September to November.

How to reach?

By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the nearest airport to Nallamala Hills. The airport is located at a distance of 213 km from the hill station.
By rail: Hyderabad Railway Station is the closest junction to the hill station situated on the Hubli-Guntur Route.
By road: The hill station is located at a distance of 213 km from Hyderabad. There are several state-owned and private buses that you can take from Hyderabad to reach the Nallamala Hills.

4. Lambasingi

Lambasingi is known as Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh and is easily one of the best hill stations to visit in Andhra Pradesh. It is considered an off-beat and dreamy hill station. Lambasingi is one of the most popular hill stations in the state for couples. It is considered Kashmir because of its beauty, rich flora and fauna and its heavenly landscape. The fresh and calming atmosphere and aura around the hill station makes it a seamless getaway from the monotony of your life in the city.

Lambasingi is surrounded by lush deciduous forests that make it a tranquil place and the weather is pleasant all year round. There are many plantations on the hill station. Tourists flock to the hill station during the summer season as the place is one of the coolest places in the state. During the winter season, the temperatures dip to 0°C sometimes.

Best places to visit near Lambasingi: Some of the best places to visit on the hill station are Kothapally Waterfalls and Hope Island. It will take you a couple of days to explore the hill station.
Best time to visit Lambasingi: Winter months from November to January and from April to June in summer.

How to reach?

By air: The nearest airport to Lambasingi is Vishakhapatnam Airport. The airport is located at a distance of 101 km from Lambasingi. You can get a taxi or a private cab from the airport to reach the hill station.
By rail: The nearest railway station from Lambasingi is situated at a distance of 20 km in Chintapalle. You can hire a private cab to the hill station from the railway station. It will take you almost one hour to reach the hill station from the station.
By road: The nearest city to Lambasingi in Visakhapatnam. Several state-owned buses and cars can take from Visakhapatnam to reach Lambasingi.

5. Ananthagiri Hills

Ananthagiri Hills is one of the famous hill stations in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Located at a distance of 10 km from Vikarabad, the hill station is nestled in the lap of Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar. It is renowned for its dense and lush jungle blanket and splendid views of the neighbouring low-lying areas.

Musi River, which flows through the hill station, is credited for lush greenery and swarming wildlife in Ananthagiri. This hill station is the best destination for many adventure enthusiasts including trekkers and hikers who want to explore the hill station and experience something adventurous.

Tourists will get to witness several medieval forts and old temples in Ananthagiri Hills. A road trip to the hill station is a great way to embark on this journey. It will take you around one or two days to explore the whole hill station.

Best places to visit near Ananthagiri Hills: Some of the must-visit places in and near Ananthagiri Hills are Bhavanasi Lake, Muchukunda River and Araku Valley.
Best time to visit Ananthagiri Hills: From October to March.

How to reach?

By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the nearest airport to Ananthagiri Hills. The airport is located at a distance of 80 km from the hill station.
By rail: Vikarabad terminus is the nearest to Ananthagiri Hills. The hill station is located at a distance of 7 km from the railway station. Tourists can reach Ananthagiri Hills in just 15-20 minutes from the railway station.
By road: There are several regular state transport buses from Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam to Ananthagiri Hills.

6. Nagari Hills

Nagari Hills is one of the perfect picnic spots in Andhra Pradesh. Situated north of Nagari town, the Nagari Hills is a favourite among tourists for a perfect getaway in Andhra Pradesh during the summer season. The hill station offers perfect shelter from the scorching heat. The highest peak of this hill station is located at an altitude of 855 metres above sea level.

The scenic beauty and splendid views of Nagari Hills make it one of the best hill stations in Andhra Pradesh during the summers. One can explore the valley in just two days and it is perfect for a weekend getaway. Because of its natural beauty and sceneries, the hill station attracts photographers and nature lovers. Locals often visit Nagari Hills to enjoy a picnic with family and loved ones.

Best places to visit near Nagari Hills: Some of the must-visit places near Nagari Hills are Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Gurramkonda Fort and Tirupati.
Best time to visit Nagari Hills: Nagari Hills can be visited all year round.

How to reach?

By air: Tirupati Airport is the closest airport to Nagari Hills located at a distance of 50 km. You can either hire a cab or take a taxi to the hill station from the airport.
By rail: Taduku Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Nagari Hills located at a distance of 44 km from the hill station.
By road: There are several state and private buses that you can catch for a trip to Nagari Hills.

7. Papikondalu

Papikondalu is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Andhra Pradesh. The hill station offers everything that a traveller expects from a hill station from natural scenery to lush green forest. Papikondalu is a generously beautiful and serene hill station in the lap of Papi hills and Godavari River.

The hill station attracts adventure enthusiasts who will have plenty of adventure activities to embark on at this place. The lush green forest of Papikondalu has several trekking trails, waterfalls and camping grounds for adventure enthusiasts. The scenery and landscape make Papikondalu a must visit hill station in Andhra Pradesh.

Some of the must-visit places in Papikondalu are Papikonda National Park, Pattiseema, Munivaatam Waterfall, Gandi Pochamma Temple, Perantallapalli Village, Jamalapuram Temple and Papi Hills.

Best time to visit Papikondalu: October to March

How to reach?

By air: Rajahmundry Airport is the nearest airport to Papikondalu. The airport is connected to several major cities of the country via regular flights from and to the airport.
By Rail: Rajahmundry railway station is the nearest railway station to Papikondalu. The railway station is a major stop in the state where trains from Hyderabad, Warangal and Visakhapatnam stop.
By road: There are several public transport options available from Rajahmundry to reach Papikondalu.

Travel tips

Do not honk unnecessarily while driving in hill stations
Your speed limit should not exceed the maximum speed limit prescribed for the area.
Respect the culture and traditions of the locals.
Do not do anything to harm the flora and fauna of the hill stations.
Always carry some warm clothes with you as it might be cold at night.
Do not light a match unnecessarily in the forests.

Conclusion

Andhra Pradesh is one of the culturally rich states in India. Its heritage and legacy are noteworthy. Other than the glorious past of the state, Andhra Pradesh is one of the beautiful places to visit for its greenery. There are several hill stations in the state that one must visit for a serene vacation.