Top 10 Hill Stations in Andhra Pradesh

For individuals who want to experience nature's beauty and relax their minds for a few days or weeks then, there are many hill stations in Andhra Pradesh that will help them rejuvenate their minds and soul. Here one can explore the untouched natural beauty and diverse tribal culture. Moreover, the hill stations here have soothing weather and lush green landscapes, offering picturesque views to tourists throughout the year. So, if you plan to visit the various hill stations in this state, then keep reading.

Andhra Pradesh has a lot to offer travellers who want to hike around lush green mountains. Here is a list of some of the top hill stations in Andhra Pradesh.

1. Araku Valley

Araku Valley is one of the most famous hill stations in Andhra Pradesh. The surrounding lush greenery in the area allows one to rejuvenate one's mind and soul. Moreover, this place's topography is characterised by waterfalls, brooklets and caves. This valley is located around 115 km from Vizag and offers tourists a host of physical activities. It is also renowned for its rich tribal culture and exquisite coffee. As a result, the valley boasts of growing India's first tribal farmer-produced sustainable coffee brand. Araku Valley enjoys perfect weather all year so that tourists can visit anytime.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Top Things to Do: Sightseeing, Hiking, Walking on the Beach
• Top Places to Visit: Borra Caves, Bheemili Beach, Tribal Museum, Chaparai Waterfalls, Katiki Waterfalls, Tadimada Waterfalls, Padmapuram Gardens
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 18,062 - ₹ 20,045 per person (4 Days and 3 Nights)
• How to Reach: Road, Rail and Air

2. Papikondalu

The mountain ranges here parallel the Godavari River, and visitors get majestic views of the glistening river waters and the mountains. Moreover, this place derived its name from "Papidi Kondalu", which means the middle partition of hair which woman often does with their hair. This is because the valley looks like a middle partition. Papikondalu is ideal for thriller-loving trekkers who prefer to trek through rocky and rugged terrains. Over here, one can enjoy not only diverse flora and fauna but also visit various sacred temples for religious fulfilment.

• Best Time to Visit: October to January
• Top Things to Do: National Park visit, Temple visits, Trekking
• Top Places to Visit: Pattisam island, Bhadrachalam temple, Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary, Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1,250 onwards per person (1 Day Trip)
• How to Reach: Road, Rail and Air 

3. Horsley Hills

Horsley Hills is a hidden gem tucked away in the state's interiors. This hill station offers some of the best views to its visitors. Even though Horsley Hills is a small hamlet, there are a wide variety of places to stay, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hotels. One can also indulge in local Andhra cuisine from Hotel Horsley, opposite the zoo. Another fun fact about Horsley Hills is that it is named after the then Kadapa District's collector WD Horsley. Nonetheless, there are many places to go for sightseeing here, so ensure you take full advantage of your stay at Horsley Hills.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
• Top Things to Do: Sightseeing, Hiking, Zoo Trips, Try Andhra cuisines
• Top Places to Visit: Mallamma Temple, Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Chennakesava Temple, Horsley Hills Zoo, Kaigal Falls
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 8,500 - ₹ 9,341 per person (2 Days and 1 Night)
• How to Reach: Road, Rail and Air 

4. Maredumilli

Maredumilli village is a fairly unknown hill station in Andhra Pradesh but offers a rejuvenating ambience to its visitors. The village is covered with palm trees, tall eucalyptus trees and bamboo grooves. Moreover, the pristine water streams and big waterfalls provide picture-perfect scenery for visitors. Individuals who love adventure camps, hiking and trekking should try Jungle Star Nature Camp and explore the Eastern Ghats. Further, Maredmuilli is 241 km away from Vizag, and the village is located on the Bhadrachalam - Rajahmundry highway. Also, try the famous Bamboo Chicken while you are here.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Top Things to Do: Picnic, Sightseeing, Trekking, Hiking
• Top Places to Visit: Amruthadhara Falls, Manyam Viewpoint, Jalatharangini falls, Sokuleru Vagu, Rampa waterfalls, APFDC coffee and pepper plantations
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1,250 - ₹ 2,500 per head (2 Days, 1 Night)
• How to Reach: Road, Rail and Air 
  

5. Lambasingi

Lambasingi is popularly referred to as the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh. Attributes like close-knit forests and freezing temperatures make the nickname apt for this place. During winters, the temperature goes as down as 1 degree C. Here one can easily find luxurious resorts and homestays to spend their trip. However, this place is not as commercialised as the other hill stations in Andhra Pradesh, but visitors will easily find small shops selling spices, coffee and tea indigenous to the place. Lambasingi is just 107 km from Vishakhapatnam airport. So, tourists can easily reach this place and avoid the hassle.

• Best Time to Visit: November to January
• Top Things to Do: Camping, Sightseeing, Pilgrimage
• Top Places to Visit: Thajangi Reservoir, Kothapalli waterfall, Annavaram Temple, Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary, Yerravaram Waterfalls
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000 per person (approx. 1 Day Trip)
• How to Reach: Road, Rail and Air 

6. Ananthagiri Hills

Ananthagiri hills are just 26 kilometres away from Araku Valley. Moreover, these hills are considered the oldest location of a forested civilisation in the Ranga Reddy district. Here the tourists can wake up to clear skies and the chirping of various birds or walk under the star-studded night skies. Additionally, in the afternoon, the coffee plantations and the clouds floating over the valley create a view straight out of a painter's canvas. Ananthagiri hills are perfect for both family vacationers and honeymooners.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, Temple visits, Kayaking
• Top Places to Visit: Ananthagiri Hills Viewpoint, Ananthagiri Temple, Bhavanasi Lake, Musi River
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 4,000 - ₹ 5,000 per night (hotel tariff)
• How to Reach: Road, Rail and Air

7. Nallamala Hills

This is the largest hill station in the state and is spread across five districts. Further, it also stretches across some districts in the neighbouring state of Telangana. It is located south of the Krishna River and runs parallel to Coromandel Coast. Nallamala Hills are rugged and sparsely populated; most of its parts are composed of slates and quartzites. Nonetheless, this hill station has a lot to offer its visitors, from forests, flower fields, valleys, peaks and farmlands. Individuals looking for less crowded and little explored places can add Nallamala Hills to their vacation itinerary.

• Best Time to Visit: October to January
• Top Things to Do: Sightseeing, Temple visits, Historical site visits
• Top Places to Visit: Srisailam Dam, Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve, Mahanandi, Cumcum Lake, Amareswara Temple, Nagarjunakonda, Ahobilam
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1,450 - ₹ 3,807 per night (Hotel Price)
• How to Reach: Road, Rail and Air 

8. Nagari Hills

Nagari Hills is considered a really good picnic spot as the Kushasthali river flows alongside the dense forests of the hill and provides scenic beauty to the area. Further, lots of hikers and trekkers also visit this hill quite frequently. This place's prime attraction is that Nagari Nose resembles the shape of an actual nose. Moreover, this place is suitable for day trips, and overnight trips are impossible as there are no hotels or resorts on the hilltop. Nagari Hills is far from any human inhabitation, especially at the hilltop. It is just 35 km away from Tirupati, so pilgrims can also come for a day trip to Nagari Hills after their pilgrimage.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Top Things to Do: Picnic, Photography, Hiking, Trekking
• Top Places to Visit: Gurramkonda Fort, Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 5,000 - ₹ 10,000 per person (2 Days and 1 Night)
• How to Reach: Road, Rail and Air 

9. Tirumala

Tirumala is located in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district, a spiritual town. Every year many devotees visit Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy temple. It is known for its rich history and culture. Tirumala has a wet and dry climate; however, the temperature drops to 10 degrees as one goes near the temple, which is nestled in the interiors of the hill. Since the town is under the Tirupati Urban Development Authority, it is strictly vegetarian due to its religious significance. Visitors here are advised to maintain decorum as it is a religious place, and pilgrims come here for spiritual reasons.

• Best Time to Visit: September to January
• Top Things to Do: Pilgrimage
• Top Places to Visit: Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy temple, Akasa Ganga waterfall
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 28,550 onwards per person (4 Days and 3 Days)
• How to Reach: Road, Rail and Air

10. Nagalapuram

Nagalapuram or Nagala hills is a part of the Eastern Ghats and is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. If you are looking for a quaint town with a serene ambience to spend your vacation, this hill station is a perfect choice. This place has beautiful rock formations and waterfalls, and trekkers can enjoy the topography of this place throughout the trekking route. Moreover, paid parking facilities are available at the beginning of the trekking route.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Top Things to Do: Camping, Trekking, Photography
• Top Places to Visit: Ubbalamadugu waterfalls, Veda Narayanaswami temple, Shiva Temple falls, Mini Courtallam
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1,850 onwards per person (2 Days Trip)
• How to Reach: Road, Rail and Air