Top 9 Hill Stations in Andhra Pradesh to Escape This Summer

Hill stations in Andhra Pradesh might surprise you as a hidden gem for hill station getaways in South India. Instead of the usual crowds, you’ll find tranquility and serenity amidst breathtaking landscapes. Imagine waking up to misty mornings with waterfalls cascading down lush green valleys. Picture yourself strolling through fragrant meadows with a gentle breeze carrying away your worries.

These aren’t just hill stations; they’re experiences. In some spots, the aroma of coffee beans fills the air, while others offer the perfect climate for a romantic walk. It’s like the very atmosphere is a breath of fresh air, rejuvenating you both mentally and physically. If you’ve been yearning for an escape from the city chaos, Andhra Pradesh’s hill stations are calling your name! Pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Trust us, you won’t regret adding these 8 stunning locations to your travel list!

7 Offbeat Hill Stations in Andhra Pradesh

1. Araku Valley

• In Andhra Pradesh, India, the district of Alluri Sitaram Raju sits at the hill station known as Araku Valley.
• Visakhapatnam city is around 114 kilometers (71 mi) away.
• The valley is renowned for its unspoiled beauty, which includes tribal settlements, coffee plantations, and waterfalls.
• It is a well-liked vacation spot, particularly for visitors from Visakhapatnam and neighboring Andhra Pradesh cities.

Getting there:

• The most popular way to get to Araku Valley hill station is by train. The Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Passenger train journey is known for its scenic views.
• You can also reach Araku Valley by road from Visakhapatnam. The drive takes about 3-4 hours.

Things to do in Araku Valley:

• Explore the largest cave system in India, the Borra Caves.
• Climb to the summit of Galikonda Hill, the Eastern Ghats’ highest point.
• View the waterfalls, including the Dumbriguda and Sangda Kotta Waterfalls.
• Visit the Tribal Museum to learn about the culture of the indigenous people.
• Take a tour of a coffee plantation.
• Savor the beauty of nature while unwinding in the chilly weather.

Best time to visit Araku Valley:

• The best time to visit Araku Valley is from October to March when the weather is pleasant.
• The monsoon season (July to September) can be dangerous due to landslides.

2. Papikondalu

• Papikondalu is a hill range located on the banks of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush green forests, towering hills, and the meandering Godavari River flowing through it. 
• Papikondalu is a popular tourist hill station destination, especially for those who love nature and adventure.

Here are some of the things you can do in Papikondalu:

• Take a boat cruise on the Godavari River: This is the best way to experience the beauty of Papikondalu. The boat cruise takes you through the narrow gorge between the hills, offering stunning views of the scenery. You can also stop at some of the islands along the way, such as the Perantalapalli Island, which is home to a Shiva temple.
• Trekking is recommended. Papikondalu offers a variety of trekking routes, from easy to challenging. The trails lead you past waterfalls, through forests, and up hillsides to see some of the most beautiful scenery.
• Visit the Tribal Museum: The Papikondalu Tribal Museum presents the customs and culture of the local tribal population.
• Savor the wildlife: A wide range of animals, including deer, monkeys, and birds, may be seen in Papikondalu. Some of them may be visible to you when you visit.

How to get to Papikondalu:

• The distance between Papikondalu and Rajahmundry, the closest big city, is roughly 60 kilometers. The most convenient means of transportation from Rajahmundry or Polavaram to Papikondalu is by boat.

Best time to visit in  Papikondalu:

• When the weather is nice, from October to March, is the ideal time to visit Papikondalu. It can get very hot throughout the summer, so avoid going from April to June.

3. Maredumilli

• Maredumilli, often called the “Andhra Ooty,” is a hill station and village located in the Alluri Sitaram Raju district of Andhra Pradesh, India. 
• Maredumilli is nestled amidst the Eastern Ghats mountain range, approximately 90 kilometers from the city of Rajahmundry. Maredumilli is known for its stunning natural beauty, with cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Here are some of the things you can do in Maredumilli:

• Visit the waterfalls: Maredumilli is home to several beautiful waterfalls, including the Kothapalli Waterfall, the Rajatarangini Waterfall, and the Amruthadhara Waterfall. These waterfalls are perfect for swimming, picnicking, and taking in the scenery. 
• Go trekking: There are several trekking trails in Maredumilli, ranging from easy to challenging. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests.
• Explore the Tribal Museum:  The Tribal Museum in Maredumilli showcases the culture and traditions of the tribal communities that live in the area.
• Go birdwatching: Maredumilli is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great place for birdwatching.

• Visit the Manyam View Point and Sokuleru Viewpoint: These viewpoints offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forests. 
• Relax in a hammock: Maredumilli offers several locations where you may unwind in a hammock and take in the tranquility of the surroundings.
• The best time to visit Maredumilli from October through March are the ideal times to visit Maredumilli because of the lovely weather. 

4. Lambasingi

• Lambasingi hill staion, also known as Lammasingi, is a small village nestled in the Eastern Ghats mountain range in the Chintapalli Mandal of Andhra Pradesh, India. 
• Lambasingi sits at an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, making it the highest point in Andhra Pradesh and one of the coolest places in South India. Lambasingi is often referred to as the “Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh” due to its scenic beauty and chilly climate.

Things to do in Lambasingi

There are many things to see and do in Lambasingi, including:

• Trekking: There are several trekking trails in the area, ranging from easy to challenging. One popular trail is the one that leads to the peak of Kotta Massif, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• Birdwatching: Lambasingi is home to a wide variety of birds, making it a great place for birdwatching. Some of the birds that can be seen in the area include the Indian robin, the gray-headed thrush, and the Indian paradise flycatcher.
• Visiting the Coffee Plantations: There are a lot of coffee plantations in the Lambasingi area. You can discover how coffee is cultivated and processed by going on a tour of a coffee farm.
• Visiting the Tribal Museum:  The Lambasingi Tribal Museum presents the customs and culture of the local tribal populations.
• Savoring the waterfalls: The region is home to some waterfalls, notably the Kuntala and Thumuluru waterfalls.

How to get there in Lambasingi

The nearest airport to Lambasingi is Visakhapatnam Airport, which is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a car to Lambasingi. The journey takes about 2-3 hours.

5. Horsley Hills

• Horsley Hills, also known as Yenugulla Mallamma Konda, is a captivating hill station located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. 
• Horsley Hills is nestled amidst verdant hills and valleys, it offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Where It Is and How to Get There

• Horsley Hills is located in the southwest corner of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, 4,100 feet (1,265 meters) above sea level. From Bangalore, it is roughly 165 km, from Chennai, 274 km, and from Tirupati, 144 km.
• Madanapalle, the closest town, is nine kilometers away. Major cities can readily be reached by road to the hill station, and regular bus and taxi services are offered.

Viewpoints of Horsley Hills

• Wind Rocks, or Gali Bandalu are a rocky incline with expansive vistas of the valleys and hillsides around them.
• View Point behind Governor’s Bungalow: Enjoy stunning vistas of the entire valley and nearby forests.
• Kalyani: A giant Eucalyptus tree with a height of 40 meters and a circumference of 4.7 meters.
• Horsley Hills Zoological Park: Home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and deer.
• Horsley Hills Museum: Exhibits artifacts related to the history and culture of the region.
• Waterfalls: Horsley Hills boasts several waterfalls, including Talakona Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh.
• Festivals: Horsley Hills comes alive during the annual Flower Festival, held in May, and the Mango Festival, held in June. These vibrant celebrations showcase the local culture and offer a unique experience for visitors.

6. Nagari Hills

• Nagari Hills is situated in Andhra Pradesh, India, to the north of Nagari town at 855 meters above sea level, the highest peak.
• Nagari Hills is a sanctuary for hikers, photographers, and lovers of the natural world and provides stunning vistas of the surroundings.
• Not overly marketed, so it’s a tranquil retreat.

Best time to visit Nagari hills

• October through February is a good time of year to visit.

Places to see and activities to do

• Trekking: Explore the many trails that wind through the hills.
• Picnicking: Enjoy a meal with stunning views.
• Photography:Capture the beauty of the natural landscape.
• Birdwatching: Look for a variety of birds, including eagles, owls, and kites.
• Visit the Nagari Nose: A towering cliff shaped like a nose.
• The Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide range of creatures like elephants, tigers, and leopards. 
• The famous Gurramkonda Fort was constructed in the thirteenth century. 

How to get to Nagari Hills

• About 100 kilometers away, Visakhapatnam Airport, is the closest airport.
• Another option is to get to Nagari town by train, and then rent a rickshaw or taxi to go up to the hills.

7. Tirumala

• Tirumala is frequently described as a hill station, but it’s vital to remember that it’s more famous as a pilgrimage town.
• Tirumala is location of the revered Venkateswara Temple.

Location of Tirumala hill station

•  Tirumala is situated in Andhra Pradesh, India’s Chittoor district. It is located at an elevation of roughly 3,200 feet (980 meters) above sea level on the seven hills of the Seshachalam range, which is a portion of the Eastern Ghats. 

Religious Significance

•  The Venkateswara Temple, sometimes referred to as Tirumala Tirupati Temple or just Tirupati Balaji Temple, is located in Tirumala. One of the holiest Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites in India is this temple, which honors Lord Venkateswara, a Vishnu incarnation. Every year, millions of pilgrims come to the temple. 

Other Attractions of Tirumala

While Tirumala is primarily known for its religious significance, there are also other attractions for visitors, including:

• Scenic beauty: The Seshachalam hills offer stunning views, and there are several waterfalls and trekking trails in the area.
• Wildlife:  The hills are home to a variety of animals, including deer, monkeys, and even leopards.
• Museums: The Sri Venkateswara Museum and the Silathoranam are worth visiting for their collections of temple art and artifacts.
• Other temples of Tirumala: There are several other temples in Tirumala, including the Govindaraja Temple and the Kodandarama Temple.
• Accessibility of Tirumala: Tirumala is easily accessible from Tirupati, the nearest major city. There are regular buses and taxis available, and there is also a ghat road that connects the two towns. 
• Accommodation of Tirumala: There are a variety of hotels and guesthouses available in Tirumala, but it is important to book in advance, especially during peak season.
• Dress code of Tirumala: Devotees are expected to dress modestly when visiting the temple. Men should wear dhotis or pants and shirts, and women should wear sarees or salwar kameez.
• Photography of TIrumala: Photography is not allowed inside the temple, but it is permitted in other areas of Tirumala.

8. Nallamala Hills

• The Nallamala Hills, which are a mountain range in eastern Andhra Pradesh and western Telangana, India, are often spelled Nallamalai. 
• Nallamala Hills offer a unique blend of scenic beauty, a plethora of animals, and historical significance, making them a naturalist’s paradise. The following information relates to the hill station in Nallamala Hills

Location of Nallamala Hills

• The eastern and western parts of Telangana, as well as the eastern part of Andhra Pradesh, are home to the Nallamala Hills. 
• Nallamala are a component of the Eastern Ghats mountain range, which spans an area of over 16,000 square kilometers and has an average elevation of 700 meters above sea level. 
• Nallamala hills are located in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool, Prakasam, Guntur, Nellore, and Kadapa, and Telangana’s Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, and Khammam. There is excellent rail and road access in the area, and major cities like Hyderabad and Vijayawada are nearby. 

Things to do in Nallamala Hills

• Trekking and hiking: There are a number of basic to difficult hiking and trekking trails available in the Nallamala Hills. The treks to Belum Caves, Srisailam, and Gundla Brahmeswaram are a few of the well-liked excursions.
• Observing wildlife: A diverse range of animals, such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and sambar deer, can be seen in the Nallamala Hills. To see these species, you can go on nature walks or car safaris. 

9. Ananthagiri Hills

• Ananthagiri Hills is a small hill station located in the Vikarabad district of Telangana, India. It is about 80 kilometers from Hyderabad and is a popular weekend getaway for people from the city. 
• Ananthagiri hills are part of the Eastern Ghats range and have an average elevation of about 2,000 feet. 

The main attraction of Ananthagiri hill station 

• Ananthagiri Hills is the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is said to have been built around 400 years ago by the Nawab of Hyderabad. The temple is known for its unique architecture and its moving idol of Lord Vishnu.
• The Ananthagiri Caves and the Vikarabad Fort. The fort provides breathtaking views of the surroundings, and the reservoir is a well-liked location for fishing and boating. There are rumors that the caves contain old Buddhist sculptures.

• Numerous paths wind across the hills, providing breathtaking vistas of the surroundings. The path that ascends Ananthagiri Peak, which provides sweeping views of the surroundings, is the most well-liked one. 

Here are some additional details about Ananthagiri Hills

• Best time to visit: October to March
• How to get there: By road from Hyderabad (80 km) or by train to Vikarabad (30 km)

Things to do in Ananthagiri Hills

•  Visit the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, go trekking or hiking, boat on the Ananthagiri Reservoir, explore the Vikarabad Fort, visit the Ananthagiri Caves
• Places to stay: There are several resorts and hotels in the area, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury

Things to pack: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, water bottle, snacks