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Being the bustling cultural hub of Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada is often considered a perfect getaway to Andhra Pradesh. With an operational airport and a railway junction, you get to explore Vijayawada and the surrounding hill stations around. There are a few different hill stations near Vijayawada, which enable you to break free from the city’s scorching heat and chaos. With a tranquil ambiance around, the cool climate makes these hill stations a refreshing retreat for travellers.
10 Top Hill Stations Near Vijayawada
Be it for adventure, solitude or scenic beauty, there are numerous hill stations near Vijayawada that offer a myriad of experiences.
1. Araku Valley
Photo: Billjones94 / Wikimedia Commons
When talking about Andhra Pradesh hill stations, Araku Valley is the crown jewel. Known for its lush green coffee plantations and pleasant weather, Araku Valley is one of those destinations that offers respite from the chaos of the plains. The highlight is the train journey from Vizag that takes you through winding roads, dense forests, and numerous tunnels. The valley is home to the indigenous tribes of Andhra Pradesh, so you can explore the local culture and traditions at the Tribal Museum. You can also explore Borra Caves, famous for its stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Distance From Vijayawada: 428 km
Major Attractions: Borra Caves, Tribal Museum, Coffee Plantations
2. Horsley Hills
Photo: rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons
Horsley Hills is another charming hill station near Vijayawada famous for its cool climate, laidback nature and the rich flora and fauna around. Named after W.D. Horsley, who used to be a British collector, the hill station offers a perfect getaway from the heat. The drive up to the Horsley Hills is quite enamouring. Lined with eucalyptus trees and dense forests on either side of the roads, the experience is truly unmatched. Also, the hill station is home to the oldest Eucalyptus tree, Kalyani. You can also visit the Horsley Hills Zoo to get a glimpse into the local wildlife and bird species; and enjoy rappelling, rock climbing, and trekking.
Distance From Vijayawada: 500 km
Major Attractions: Horsley Hills Zoo, Gali Bandalu (Wind Rocks), Mallamma Temple
3. Lambasingi
Photo: Splits / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the best hill stations near Vijayawada is Lambasingi.It is also one of the coldest places in South India where the weather often goes to freezing temperatures too. Located in the Visakhapatnam district, the quaint town is a perfect place for you to unwind, relax and even enjoy misty mornings and chilly weather. While you are there, don’t miss out on exploring the dense forests, coffee plantations, and picturesque landscape, a haven for nature lovers. You can also explore the fruit orchards like apple and strawberry orchards around.
Distance From Vijayawada: 325 km
Major Attractions: Thajangi Reservoir, Kothapalli Waterfalls, Coffee Plantations, Apple Orchards
4. Papi Hills
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
Located along the banks of the Godavari River, Papi Hills is another popular hill station that you can consider visiting from Vijayawada. Surrounded by dense forests, river streams, and waterfalls, here you can enjoy activities like overnight camping, trekking and boating on the Godavari River. During the scenic boat ride, you get to soak in the views of the surrounding lush greenery, adding to the charm of the place. The region is also home to several tribal communities, and visitors can explore the local culture and traditions.
Distance From Vijayawada: 256 km
Major Attractions: Boat ride on Godavari River, PapiKondalu Hills, Papikonda National Park
5. Ananthagiri Hills
Photo: Praveen120 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Vikarabad district, Ananthagiri Hills is one of the oldest inhabited places in Telangana. This hill range is primarily known for its coffee plantations, dense forests, and historical significance. One of the most vital tourist attractions in the area is the Ananthagiri Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is a popular pilgrimage site surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful ambiance for visitors. Around the hills, you can also explore the Kotpally Reservoir. The hill station is also popular among trekkers, with several trails leading through the forests.
Distance From Vijayawada: 367 km
Major Attractions: Ananthagiri Temple, Kotipalli Reservoir, Coffee Plantations
6. Maredumilli
Photo: Nakkeeran Naveendran / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Among the less-explored hill stations around Vijayawada is Maredumilli. Located in the East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, this hidden gem is surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, and pristine beauty. There are numerous waterfalls like Jalatharangini Waterfalls, Rampa Waterfalls and Amruthadhara Falls around that let you drench in nature. To witness a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape and lush greenery, you can also trek to one of the many viewpoints around, including Manyam Viewpoint and Sokuleru Vagu Viewpoint. You can also visit the nearby spots like Rajahmundry and Bhadrachalam from there.
Distance From Vijayawada: 231 km
Major Attractions: Rampa Waterfalls, Jalatarangini Waterfalls, Manyam Viewpoint, Sokuleru Vagu Viewpoint
7. Nallamala Hills
Photo: Abdaal / Wikimedia Commons
Nallamala Hills is part of the Eastern Ghats, a vast and unexplored region that enables you to adventure and tranquillity around. The hills are also a getaway to the nearby town of Srisailam which has a spiritual significance to it. Also, the hills are home to Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, which is the largest tiger reserve in the country. The hill station is known for its scenic beauty, with several trekking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints. Since Nallamala Hills was formed from volcanic activity, you can spot unique rock formations in the area.
Distance From Vijayawada: 183 km
Major Attractions: Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
8. Tirumala
Photo: Nikhilb239 / Wikimedia Commons
Up next on the list of popular hill stations around Vijayawada is Tirumala, a renowned pilgrimage site from where you can seek blessings and then explore the nearby hills for adventure and laid-back fun. The town is home to one of the largest national parks named Sri Venkateswara National Park. While exploring the natural wonders around the hill station, be sure to explore Silathoranam, which is a geological wonder that features a natural rock arch. The arch was formed from natural erosion due to weathering by the wind and water. You can also trek around the hill station and the dense forests.
Distance From Vijayawada: 438 km
Major Attractions: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Silathoranam
9. Nandi Hills
Photo: Aranyaparva / Wikimedia Commons
A little farther out in Karnataka, Nandi Hills is one of the most hyped yet beautiful hill stations you can visit. It is known for its ancient temples and scenic beauty. Named after the Nandi Bull, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, it is home to the ancient Nandi Temple. The hill station offers stunning views of the sunrise and is a popular spot for early morning treks. The Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, located at the hilltop, is a major attraction offering a glimpse into the history of the region. You can also explore the local vineyards around the hill station.
Distance From Vijayawada: 679 km
Major Attractions: Nandi Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Sunrise Viewpoint
10. Yercaud
Photo: Thangaraj Kumaravel / Wikimedia Commons
Yercaud is another one of the popular hill stations that you can consider adding to your itinerary. Located in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, it is famous for its pristine landscapes, soothing climate and comfortable surroundings. The hill station’s unfiltered beauty often explains why it is called the “Jewel of the South.” You can explore the coffee plantations, orange groves, and spice gardens located there. The Yercaud Lake, surrounded by lush greenery, is a major attraction and offers boating facilities for visitors. The hill station is also known for the Pagoda Point and Lady’s Seat, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Distance From Vijayawada: 725 km
Major Attractions: Yercaud Lake, Pagoda Point, Lady’s Seat, Botanical Garden
The hill stations near Vijayawada enable you to witness and experience a myriad of experiences, ranging from serene landscapes and cool climates to adventure activities and historical sites. Depending on the kind of travel experiences you wish to have, you can research the best destinations around and plan your trip accordingly. For a smooth travel experience, ensure that you book everything with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Saisumanth532 / Wikimedia Commons
