Anantapur, often celebrated for being a religious town, is also celebrated for its natural surroundings. Be it the beauty of the dense forests or the charm of the peaceful environment, these hill stations near Anantapur are ideal for a weekend getaway. These hilltops also have nearby gems like Ahobilam Temple, ISKCON Temple, Anantapur, VeeraBhadra Temple and Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple. The next time you are exploring Anantapur and want to immerse yourself in the lap of nature, there are quite a few popular getaway spots you can explore.
10 Hill Stations Near Anantapur
Perfect for escaping the sweltering heat and chaos, numerous hill stations near Anantapur welcome you with peace and serenity:
1. Horsley Hills
Photo: rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons
Starting the list with Horsley Hills, which is reportedly one of the nearest hill stations to Anantapur. Located at an elevation of 1,290 metres above sea level, Horsley Hills is named after W.D. Horsley, a British collector, who built his home in the hill station. Occasionally, you might encounter wildlife like bears, wild dogs, and various bird species around the area as well. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the hill station is the Horsley Hills Zoo
Distance From Anantapur: 164 km
Major Attractions: Gali Bandalu, Horsley Hills Zoo, Kalyani Tree, and Adventure Activities
2. Nandi Hills
Photo: Jnanaranjan sahu / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the popular hill stations to visit near Anantapur is Nandi Hills. The hills stand at an elevation of 1,478 metres and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. One of the main reasons why it is called Nandi Hills is because of the ancient Nandi Temple that is perched on the top. While you are exploring the hill station, ensure to experience and witness the ancient Nandi Temple, Tipu’s Drop and the well-maintained gardens that are located around the area.
Distance From Anantapur: 185 km
Major Attractions: Nandi Temple, Tipu’s Drop, Sunrise View, and Trekking
3. Yelagiri Hills
Photo: cprogrammer / Wikimedia Commons
Yelagiri Hills is a popular and untouched hill station located near Anantapur. This tranquil hill station is located at an elevation of 1,110 metres and is known for its pleasant climate, lush green valleys, and breathtaking landscapes. The beauty of this hill station is further accentuated by the orchards, rose gardens, and green forests, enabling you to truly soak in the beauty of nature around you. The Swamimalai Hill, the highest point in Yelagiri, offers an exciting trekking experience with stunning panoramic views.
Distance From Anantapur: 326 km
Major Attractions: Swamimalai Hill, Punganur Lake, and Jalagamparai Waterfalls
4. Kolli Hills
Photo: P Jeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the must-visit hill stations around Anantapur is Kolli Hills, which is located in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district. The hill station is located at an elevation of around 1300 metres above sea level and is renowned for its untouched natural beauty, serene environment, and rich cultural heritage. One of the main attractions in the hill station is the ancient Arapaleeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It involves a trek that involves 1000 steps, making it a fairly challenging experience.
Distance From Anantapur: 492 km
Major Attractions: Agaya Gangai Waterfalls, Arapaleeswarar Temple, Medicinal Herbs, and Trekking
5. BR Hills
Photo: Prashanthns / Wikimedia Commons
Biligiriranga Hills, more commonly known as BR Hills, is another unique hill station that you can consider visiting from Anantapur. It lies at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats in Karnataka and one of the main attractions there is the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary. Beyond tigers, the sanctuary is also home to elephants, leopards, and over 200 species of birds. Another tourist attraction near BR Hills is the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple.
Distance From Anantapur: 397 km
Major Attractions: Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, Wildlife Sanctuary, Trekking, and Bird Watching
6. Nallamala Hills
Photo: Abdaal / Wikimedia Commons
Among the hill stations to go near Anantapur is Nallamala Hills, which is located 4-5 hours drive from the main city. The main attraction of the Nallamala Hills lies in the vast biodiversity of the Nallamala forest. Since the forests around this mountain range are dense, you get a chance to encounter a variety of wildlife including leopards, tigers, sloth bears, and sambar deer. There are picturesque waterfalls around, which add to the charm of the place further.
Distance From Anantapur: 370 km
Major Attractions: Srisailam Temple, Nallamala Forest, and Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
7. Madanapalle
Photo: Azmathulla Shaik / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located nearby, Madanapalle is a popular getaway spot from Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. It is located in the Chittoor district and is renowned for its comfortable and pleasant climate throughout the year. Madanapalle is also famous as the birthplace of the renowned Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti. While you are there, stop to explore Rishi Valley, a beautiful valley surrounded by hills, and the serene Kaigal Falls where you can host picnics and go for nature walks around.
Distance From Anantapur: 171 km
Major Attractions: Rishi Valley, Kaigal Falls, and Silk Weaving
8. Chikmagalur
Photo: Mallikarjuna Sarvala / Wikimedia Commons
Chikmagalur is probably the best hill station you will visit from Anantapur. Be it for coffee plantations or the dense forests and trekking trails, Chikmagalur has something for every traveller. The hill station is located around the Mullayanagiri range in Karnataka and is often termed the “Coffee Land of Karnataka.” Some of the other sightseeing spots around include Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Hebbe Falls, and the historic Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu.
Distance From Anantapur: 298 km
Major Attractions: Mullayanagiri Peak, Coffee Plantations, and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
9. Kemmangundi
Photo: Vijay Sawant / Wikimedia Commons
Featuring well-manicured gardens and enchanting mountains, Kemmangundi is another hill station worth visiting from Anantapur. It is located at an elevation of 1434 metres above sea level and is renowned for its remote location, surrounded by dense forests. The major attractions in Kemmangundi include the Hebbe Falls, which is a 168-metre waterfall surrounded by dense forests, and the Kalhatti Falls, falling from a height of 122 metres. The area is also renowned for its extensive trekking trails.
Distance From Anantapur: 288 km
Major Attractions: Hebbe Falls, Kalhatti Falls, and Raj Bhavan
10. Devarayanadurga
Photo: Srinivasa83 / Wikimedia Commons
Last on the list is Devarayanadurga, which is one of the least explored hill stations located in the Tumkur district in Karnataka. It is located at an elevation of 1200 metres above sea level and is home to mist-covered hills, and ancient temples. The name Devarayanadurga translates to “Fort of the God’s Mountain” and has historical significance that dates back to the time of the Wodeyar dynasty. For trekking and adventure, head to Devarayanadurga State Forest.
Distance From Anantapur: 190 km
Major Attractions: Yoga Narasimha and Bhoga Narasimha temples, and Namada Chilume
There is a long list of hill stations near Anantapur, each standing out with its charming slopes, dense forests and adventure activities. On your next vacation around Andhra Pradesh, you can plan a quick weekend getaway from Anantapur to any of the hill stations that catch your attention. For a more seamless travel experience, ensure that you secure all your travel bookings with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Srinivasa83 / Wikimedia Commons