Horsley Hills: An Unspoilt Hill Station

90% of the journey is through state highways which I always tend to avoid because in most of the states ( including Karnataka) SHs are maintained in poor conditions. But some travelogues in team-bhp advised to take this route as its very scenic and its not in a bad shape. So I decided to take this route.The journey was impeccable! First 10 KMs of the road after Hoskote is bad ( but not very bad in Indian standards) but after that it was like a twist in a movie! SH82 was well tarred, well-marked and had canopies of colorful trees in most of the stretch. Beautifully scattered hillocks here and there and clear blue sky was adding magic to the scene.

We took the bypass to avoid Chintamani and continued till Madanepalle. I was able to maintain steady speed between 80 and 100. I do not cross 110 considering Alto is an unsafe car on highway ( no ABS, no air bag, weakly built) but one can do 120+ at stretches. We were stopped after crossing the AP border by the police. They were looking for alcohol in our luggage.

After reaching Madanepalle I took assistance from Google Maps to find our way through the congested town roads. Soon we reached the entry point and after paying entry fee of Rs 20 we started to drive up. Drive uphill was not very difficult and in some of the stretches of 8 KM I managed to drive in 3rd gear. There are 5 hair pin bends which need careful drive, otherwise the drive was enjoyable.We reached the resort around 11.45 AM , so it took 4 hours point to point with 45 mins break for various reasons.

DAY1-Once all formalities were done and caution money of 500 was paid in reception we headed for our room which is at Governors Bungalow.After dropping our luggage we headed towards the restaurant to have lunch followed by a little stroll. The little one was ready to jump into the pool but it was too crowded so we decided to try it next day.DAY2-We woke up at 8 and got ready quickly to head for breakfast . It was South Indian breakfast with usual Idli, plain dosa, porial, sambar etc. After filling our stomachs we went to the swimming pool and had plunge. Next we headed to the Eco Park just opposite to the resort which is run by AP Forest Department . The Eco park has some birds, crocodiles, rabbits and other small animals which kids enjoy a lot. There was a forest bungalow which I believe has the best view of the valley but getting a booking in such FD property itself is no less than adventure!While returning me and Anindita did some outdoor activities like archery, dirt biking and Sanjivani enjoyed the trampoline.After having lunch at restaurant we came back to our room for a nap. In the evening we went to the other view point, around 200 meters from the police station. Uniqueness of this site is you can see both Sunrise and Sunset and have wider view of the valley.We sat on the rock and enjoyed the Sun set. The sky was painted with endless shades of blue and orange! The view and the ambiance was amazing and one can spend hours just sitting there!On our way back we decided to try the Kerala Massage at the Ayurvedic Massage Center next to the pool. I got a full body and head massage ( Rs 1000) and wify had face and head massage ( Rs 350).After such a relaxing massage, steam bath , few drinks and awesome dinner I was sure to miss the Sunrise yet again and I was not wrong!DAY-3Day 3 ( 5th May 2014)As usual missed the Sunrise but woke up early to wrap up things. Before going for breakfast we explored the uncovered areas and found another view point towards Windfall block. This one has the widest view of the valley and we found another hotel just next to it. There were some tea and snack stalls and I believe this spot is open for general public.Panorama VP4We came back to room, had shower, packed things and were ready to checkout. After checking out from the rooms we had to collect the bills and the caution deposit from reception.Started at 11.45 from the Horsley Hills and followed the same route. This time got stuck in nasty traffic at NTR Circle of Madanapalle, it was utter chaos. Anyway as the road was already known, I was able to manage a steady speed and reached home within 3 hours plus 1 hour of lunch break.The holiday is over but we are still engrossed in the memories of trip.About Haritha ResortThe resort is located on hill top and spread across 2 sq kms. It has various kind of accommodations like AC/NON AC Bungalows, Suits, Cottages, Double bedded rooms and dormitories. APDTC has converted some colonial stuff to accommodation besides some newly erected blocks. All accommodations and facilities are spread across different levels and the entire area is covered with beautiful trees.When we called APTDC before booking they suggested to book AC room as during day time the temperature is going above 36 degrees. So we booked AC room at the Governors Bungalow. But we found AC is not absolutely necessary. The room was big with typical British style high celling a big bathroom and separate changing closet. The linen and towels were clean and well arranged. 36 inches LCD TV had Tata Sky with all major channels available and I was delighted to see a mini fridge to keep my beers chilled. We paid Rs6134 for two nights. Considering the room and huge property they manage it was value for money.None of the rooms in this resort has a direct valley view except the Horsley Suit, but it is for larger group of travelers. But there is one view point just behind the bungalow which you can avail whenever you want.The resort has a common restaurant where you get complimentary South Indian breakfast (need to pay for the kid above 3 years) . In addition to the South Indian Veg buffet Rs140/ head) you can order some non-veg side sides. They can serve dinner at room and offer some Chinese / North Indian varieties and the taste is really good. Haritha Resort has a bar but I had my own stock so cannot comment on it.Guests get free coupons ( 2 adults and 1 child per room) for using the swimming pool for 1 hour per day. Between 8 to 12 it is reserved for boarders but open for outsiders after that, its utter chaos in pool after 12. Earlier you go better it is. There is an Ayurvedic Massage Center next to the pool where you can get Kerala Massage and you can also try some outdoor activities.

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