Hill Station Tours from Tirupati by Cab
Cooler hills reachable by taxi from Tirupati, from a one-day trip to Horsley Hills to longer drives towards Yelagiri and Yercaud.
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Photos: PJeganathan, CC BY-SA 4.0; K A UDAY, CC BY-SA 4.0; Ashwin Kumar, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Drive timeAbout 1 hour 15 minutes (Talakona) to about 5 to 6 hours (Yercaud) one way
- Total trip timeOne day for Horsley Hills or Talakona, an overnight stay for Yelagiri or Yercaud
- Best timeMonsoon and winter, roughly July to February. Waterfalls are strongest after rain; summers are warm even on the hills.
Hill station tours from Tirupati: what is realistic
Tirupati is ringed by the Eastern Ghats, which makes cool, green escapes easier than many visitors expect. Hill station tours from Tirupati by taxi are practical for Horsley Hills and Talakona as day trips. Yelagiri and Yercaud are possible, but they are long drives and are best done as overnight trips. Ooty and Coorg are several hundred kilometres away, so we do not suggest them as quick breaks; if you want them, plan a multi-day vehicle hire and confirm the route and days with us first.
The distances below are approximate road figures from public sources, which differ by a few kilometres between maps. Please confirm locally.
Horsley Hills
Horsley Hills, also known as Yenugu Mallamma Konda, is about 127 to 140 km from Tirupati, roughly 3 to 3.5 hours one way via Madanapalle. It is a breezy hilltop with eucalyptus forest, viewpoints and a forest-department setting. Many families do a Tirupati to Horsley Hills taxi trip in one long day, with a round trip of about 270 km. Because of the winding last stretch, an early start is wise.
Talakona
Talakona, about 49 to 58 km from Tirupati and around 1 hour 15 minutes away, lies inside the Sri Venkateswara National Park and is known for the tallest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh. A cab from Tirupati to Talakona is an easy half-day or day trip. Forest rules, entry timings and any trekking access are set by the forest department, so confirm locally, especially in dry months when flow is low.
Yelagiri and Yercaud
Yelagiri in Tamil Nadu is roughly 180 to 185 km from Tirupati, about 3.5 hours one way. It is a gentle hill with orchards, a lake and a quiet pace, and it suits a two-day weekend. Yercaud, in the Shevaroy hills of Salem district, is much further, roughly 290 to 335 km depending on route, so plan an overnight stay. Travellers arrange their own hotels; we provide the vehicle and driver.
Planning the trip
Plan one hill destination per day rather than stacking several, because winding roads and viewpoint stops take longer than the kilometre count suggests. Pack a light jacket, water, snacks and motion-sickness tablets if anyone in the family needs them. Mobile coverage can drop on forest stretches, so share your plan with relatives before leaving and check the weather forecast the evening before.
Hill roads are curved, so choose an experienced driver and a comfortable vehicle; sedans suit couples, while an SUV, tempo traveller or Urbania is easier for large families. Carry water and snacks, since facilities on the way can be limited. See the related pages for the Horsley Hills and Talakona two-day package and for the fleet and outstation options.
Timings and dress code
- Timings
- Viewpoints are open in daylight. Forest-area entry, Talakona access and any stay arrangements are set locally, so confirm before travelling.
- Dress code
- No dress code. Wear comfortable shoes with grip, and carry a light layer for the hilltops.
Last checked October 2026. Timings and rules can change, so please confirm locally. We provide taxi service only. Temple entry and any tickets are arranged by the pilgrim directly with the temple.
Taxi cost by vehicle
About 270 km round trip. Under 300 km, the fare is the day rent plus a ₹1,000 driver fare.
Toll, parking, checkpost tax and invoice tax are extra. Overnight driver stay on multi-day trips is extra.
Book on WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
Which hill stations are closest to Tirupati?
Talakona is the nearest at about 49 to 58 km, then Horsley Hills at about 127 to 140 km. Yelagiri is about 180 to 185 km away.
Can I do Horsley Hills in one day from Tirupati?
Yes, with an early start. The round trip is about 270 km and the drive is roughly 3 to 3.5 hours each way.
What is the best time to visit hill stations near Tirupati?
Roughly July to February. Waterfalls such as Talakona look best after the rains, so confirm locally before going in summer.
Are Ooty or Coorg possible from Tirupati by cab?
They are far, several hundred kilometres each way, so only as multi-day trips. Please check the route and days with us in advance.
Which vehicle is best for a hill trip with family?
An SUV or tempo traveller is comfortable on winding roads. Booking is vehicle and driver only; any entry or stay is arranged by you.