I am an adventure freak and I indulge into adventure activities whenever I get some scope. Zorbing is one of my favorite activities and it is conducted here in the Horsley Hills. Trekking and rappelling were also done here, but I chose zorbing to try. Luckily, there were more than 20 people who agreed on going in groups, as zorbing is only done if you have a group of 20 people in it.
It was the sixth day of my journey. As my trip was slowly coming to an end, I was getting nostalgic to the place. On the sixth day I planned to make a trip to the Horsley Hills in Tirupati. The Horsley Hills is kind of a summer hill resort where people come to spend their quality time with friends and family. It is about 144 kilometers from Tirupati and Mandanapalle is the closest town near the hills of Horsley. The place always remains occupied throughout the year owing to the apt climate and existence of the Mallamma temple. A wildlife sanctuary called Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is also present near the Horsley Hills which is about 87 kilometers away. The Horsley Hills are named after the erstwhile British officer W.D. Horsley who was then the Collector of the district. The Governor of Andhra Pradesh uses this place now as his summer residence. I took a bus to Mandanapalle as it was the closest connecting town to the Horsley Hills. I reached to Horsley Hills via another bus. The entire lengths of the hills are surrounded by lush green shrubs and herbs. I could also find trees grown on either side of the roads to the Horsley Hills. Medicinal plants like eucalyptus, allamanda, gulmohar, jacaranda, reetha, shikakai, beda etc. are few of them which are grown here. The presence of these lush green trees creates an amibience of a special environment. Few other tourist places around the area are Environmental park, High View Seeing Place, Lake Gangotri, Gaalibanda etc. I am an adventure freak and I indulge into adventure activities whenever I get some scope. Zorbing is one of my favorite activities and it is conducted here in the Horsley Hills. Trekking and rappelling were also done here, but I chose zorbing to try. Luckily, there were more than 20 people who agreed on going in groups, as zorbing is only done if you have a group of 20 people in it. The hills are situated at an altitude of 1265 meters from the sea level and the luxurious area is known for the rich vegetation of flora. The Hills are mostly occupied in the summers as during this season, the place can be enjoyed the most. After a tiring day, I returned back to my hotel with full content in heart.
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It was the fifth day of my trip to Tirupati. I had already spent the previous days in much fun-filled activities. I visited some historic places and a few places that hinted interest in natural resources. On the fifth day, I decided to give a visit to the Regional Science Center in Tirupati. Every city has its science center, which is a place that keeps models and dummy projects of different scientific works. The one here at Tirupati is maintained and functioned by the Central Government, and it is often referred to as the ‘Scientific Temple’. The Regional Science Center acts as a good place where knowledgeable facts are spread, particularly for school children and students. Educative working models with appropriate description about each project are clearly mentioned in the open lawn of the Regional Center. The Center is more or less like a park. I could see a few swings, see-saws and recreational games, which can be enjoyed by children. As the center is run by the Government of India, the ticket for entry is as low as Rs.2/- per head. At such a low entry fees, the knowledge distributed is really very high. Taramandal Show and Children’s Gallery are also there for special attraction. Taramandal Show hosts a show about our universe and different galaxies inside it. It is mostly enjoyed by children. Regional Center’s operating time is from 11:30 in the morning to 7 in the evening. I took a bus from my hotel to the Alipiri Toll Gate and got down there. From Alipiri Toll Gate, I took a walk to the Regional Science Center as it is just at a distance of 1 kilometer from the toll gate. The Science Center conducts different educational programs and holds a few functions and competitions, which allow the students to showcase their talents. Science exhibitions are held, wherein a large number of students participate every year, and every time a winner is declared with the best science project. The winner then competes in the next higher level, and so on. A clear and vivid description of the human life, different natural resources and different forms of science are projected in the Science Center as exhibitions. My day in the Regional Science Center was knowledgeable and joyful.
S.V. Museum Tirumala : Have always seen people talking meditation as one of the most beneficial way to recover body, mind, and soul though I feel music, doing something happening. In this trip, due to one of my bestest friend had to visit sv museum tirumala an ultimate art marvel where saw photos, fine works by artisans , historical weapons , idols and meditation centre which gave peace to soul for a change was happy to be there.
I am always enthusiastic and full of life when it comes to going around with for a joyride amidst the nature. I planned a visit to Tirupati in my winter holidays to make a trip of seven days. Having a great zeal towards nature and my affinity to photography has always made me go for fun trips all by myself. So this time during my stay in Tirupati, I looked for some budget hotels that would fit to my necessities and provide luxury as well. While I arrived at the Railway Station, I started enquiring about the budget hotels in the city with a few taxi drivers. Most of them recommended Annapurna Residency hotel. The hotel is located strategically at a distance of just 2 kilometers from the Main Railway Station and is in close proximity to other lookout places of Tirupati. For a shopaholic like me, the market place is also nearby which worked as an added advantage for me. Few other famous attractions near the hotel are Tirumala, Tiruchanur, Kapila Teertham, and Sri Kalahasti etc. The interior of the hotel is well furnished and aptly equipped with all the modern amenities. The hotel staff is gratifying and welcomes every guest with a warm smile on their face. My stay in Annapurna Residency Hotel, Tirupati provided me with luxurious options and multiple choices of foods to choose from. There are about three floors in the hotel that houses 30 well maintained rooms. All the rooms are luxurious having polished floors and walls painted with warm color. Rooms are fitted with air conditioner, cable television sets, and temperature controller, weighing machine, tea/coffee maker, thermo flask and complementary fruits. Wi-Fi connection is an added advantage in these rooms. The cordial ambience and spacious rooms replete with all modern amenities and provide its guests with a cozy lodging. The aura of the rooms fills the mind and soul with cheerful delights. One can never feel short for anything in the rooms. The spa within the hotel is known for its rejuvenating spa therapies and massage it gives to its patrons. Overall the experience of my stay in Annapurna Residency Hotel, Tirupati was fulfilling and full of comfort.
It was the fourth day and I was all set to kick start my day with some power punched dosage. I planned a lot early that morning and finally concluded on visiting Kalyani Dam for a change. Kalyani Dam is one of the best visiting places of Tirupati and is visited by lot of tourists. As I was there for my holidays, I didn’t want to leave any stone unturned. I took a local bus and reached near the dam with my camera to capture the best shots for memory. The place was already occupied by large number of visitors and picnickers who came in groups; small and big. Kalyani Dam is the central reservoir for water resources for the local residents and pilgrims who visit Tirupati every now and then in the year. It is located in the Bakarapeta Forest and the catchment area of the dam is about 49 sq kilometers with the water reservoir touching to approximately 900 feet. This bewitching water reservoir is set amidst the hilly mountains and it is a treat for the eyes for all the visitors and tourists. As I traveled through the way to the dam, I experienced the rich forests and dense plantations. The walk way is immensely populated with rich flora and its abundance makes you feel like heaven. I could also feel the chirping birds as I walked through the way. Their voices were enticing and so appealing that it made the entire environment like a fresh morning every time. The roads to the dam were planted with multiple tinted flowers on both the sides. Red, yellow, pink, orange and purple colors made the area cheerful and lively. The distance of Kalyani Dam from Tirupati is about 18 kilometers. Chittor is also well connected both by road and rail. Buses and other means of transport also follow from other places to Chittoor. The area surrounding the Kalyani Dam is an awesome place for recreation. I had a quality time near the dam and I also gathered a good bunch of knowledge about water reservoir and electricity production systems here. Overall, it was a great day and yet another contenting day for me.
Japali Theertham, Tirupati : Finally, we all friends headed for a trek to thick woods, the Japali theertham, tirupati was a treat once we reached there. The shrine seemed like a site of Hindu Mythology as seen on screen. The Hanuman shrine is one of the best among all. Overall, my friends and I enjoyed the place being calm and less crowded.
In the third day of my historic trip to Tirupati, I planned to spend some time within the natural resources and rich flora of the city. I decided to make a trip to the S.V. Zoological Park here which is well known for the rich variant of flora it has and the large number of species of animals residing here. All the animals are conserved here in their natural habitat. Established in the year 1987, the zoological park sprawls over an extensive area of 5500 acres, which is about 22 square kilometers. The park is located in the foothills of the Sheshachalam Hills and serves as an awesome place for numerous visitors. People come here for picnic and for getting together. The S.V. Zoological Park is a home for large numbers of animals and birds from different species. Several endangered species and rare species are also found in this sanctuary. The major attractions of the park are the white tigers and white peacocks. I could also see number of giraffes, leopards, baboons, chinkara, blackbucks, nilgai, porcupines, sloth bears, Indian Munjtac, chital, hyena, wolf, lions, tigers etc. A large number of birds like parrots, peafowl, painted storks, parakeet, duck, swan, flamingo, raptors, pelicans and white ibis are also seen the zoological park. The best time to visit the place is in the months of monsoon. Usually the time starts from January to June, as the best part of the place can be viewed during this period. The wildlife park has a growth of mixed deciduous trees which provides good tan from the sun. The best part of the zoological park is that the viewers are allowed to take in their four wheelers. People can also hire a four wheeler and take it inside the park for a view inside it. We formed a group of five people and hired a vehicle and went inside the park. I had a wonderful time within the park and enjoyed having ride. An enchanting atmosphere is created with the abundance of lush green trees and dense forests and few water bodies within the sanctuary. The water bodies flowing in the park aggravates the flow of cool breeze and creates a natural environment for ultimate satisfaction.
It was the second day of my Tirupati journey. I started off from my hotel with my bag and a route map. The day was gloomy and I was planning to visit some historical repositories of the city. I located an ancient fort in the Travel map known as Chanragiri Fort. I decided to visit the fort and made a ticket in the local bus. Thereafter I booked a cab from the nearest bus stand and reached at my destination. The Chandragiri Fort is located in the suburbs of Tirupati, and therefore it wasn’t difficult for me to find the place. The fort was built a long ago in the 11th century when Chandragiri was ruled by the Yadava Naidus. There is also the Raja Mahal or palace within Chandragiri and the fort is surrounded by as many as eight ruined temples of Saivite and Vaishnavites, Rani Mahal and few other architectures. Chandragiri was once the capital town of Vijayanagara Empire and the fort built here marks the presence of the Aravidu dynasty. The temple was built long ago, and dates back to 1000 A.D. The Government has made every possible effort to maintain the dignity of the fort and has maintained it to help it remain beautiful. There is a hill which is about 183 meters in height and the fort is built over the hill. The lower side of the hill is occupied with walls and a deep trench which was excavated to prevent intruders from getting into the fort. The main building of the fort is known as Raj Mahal or palace and is majestic in appearance. The other two parts of the hills are built by stone and brick separately. Chandragiri is now a modern town and the palace is decorated in the night with colorful lights that acts as a treat to the eyes of the beholder. The entrance of the Chandragiri Fort is led by a Hanuman Ji temple which symbolizes the protection. Great stone carvings, pillars and temples make the fort more attractive. Apart from all these there are several small temples around the fort as well. A model gallery showcases Paleolithic Tools, knives, head shields, draggers etc.
Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple, Tirupati : As a child, I loved hearing stories from Grand mom, especially about lord Ram – Ramayana, grand mom use to mention about Sri Kodandaramaswami temple, tirupati were all three deity Ram, Laxman and Seeta found together. Just felt so peace full here, the 10th AD built structure by King Chola until date looks so clean and attractive.
It was the second half of the first day of my journey and I was planning for some fun-filled adventures amidst nature. Tirupati is known for its vast natural resources and scenic beauties. The Talakona Waterfall is one such place in Tirupati that offers serene atmosphere to all the visitors. I was already thinking about being at the place and enjoying there. I took a bus from the nearest bus stand from my hotel and traveled near the Falls. The Waterfall is tucked up at a distance of 49 kilometers from Tirupati, near Shri Venkateswara National Park in the Chittor district. As I had spent the first half of my day at Venkateswara temple, I decided to make it to the Talakona Waterfalls on the same day itself, as it was nearer to the temple and also convenient for me to cover both places on the same day. The Talakona Falls are surrounded by dense lush green forests and grasslands. The entire environment is a class apart from the rest of the city as the ambience is of different kind. The flora around the region is powerful and there are certain plants in the area which are believed to serve for medication purpose. The place was also declared as the Bio-Sphere Reserve in the year 1889-90 owing to the rich forests and medicated trees. While I roamed around the waterfalls, I found a temple called as Lord Siddheswara Swamy temple which is known to be built by Appa Swami in the 1811 A.D. The temple attracts large number of devotees every day and the number reaches sky high during special Hindu festive occasions like Maha Shivratri. The best time to visit the place is from November to January, and there is no such thing like ‘peak time to visit’, although during festivals the place gathers more crowds. The Talakona Waterfalls is said to be the origin point of ‘Seshachalam Hills’ which are extended to the Tirumala Hills. There are also few adventure sports near the area, like I did a good trekking from Siddheswara Swamy temple to the falls. The trek was about 2 kilometers that are about 30 minutes walking through lush forests and slippy roads. I enjoyed a lot and came back with a contented heart.
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About Author.
Hello, I am Ayushi Manroa. I love travelling and have also dabbled in photography. Being a student, I mostly end up back-packing! I started this blog to record my travelogues about the amazing places that I have been to. Be it frolicking in Goa, taking a dip in the Ganges, trekking in Coorg or hitching a ride up the Western Ghats, it is all listed here along with some of my best shots. Hope you like it. Happy reading!
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