Andhra Pradesh’s Horsley Hills set to become major tourist attraction

Andhra Pradesh’s Forest Department has chalked out a plan to promote overnight camping at Horsley Hills to attract tourists by offering all necessary facilities.

Known as Ooty of Andhra Pradesh, these hills are a major tourism spot located near Madanapalle town in Annamayya district.

The Department will be arranging trekking facilities and also a viewpoint at Gangotri tank as special attractions for tourists. Apart from trekking other proposals include sightseeing of tourism spots, ecotourism restrooms and rain sheds. For the wildlife lovers, a zoo housing rare bird species is also planned.

The hills have a stony terrain with jacaranda, gulmohar, eucalyptus and mahogany trees interspersing. Among the exotic trees are the largest banyan tree and the oldest eucalyptus in the world. The area boasts of more than 300 species of birds.

With the aim to implement these plans, Y. Madhusudhan Reddy, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests paid a visit to the hill station. He told the media: “We are taking steps to attract tourists and make them spend their leisure time on the hill station. We are going to provide more amenities for the benefit of tourists. The place is also ideal to explore your adventurous side. The scenic hill resort with views of misty mountains guarantees a relaxed time and for those who enjoy a trek, moments of adventure.”

A minimum entry fee is also planned for generating revenue.

Madanapalle is the nearest town to Horsley Hills and it is well connected by road and rail and tourists from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and several parts of AP flock here during winter and summer.