Chittoor, very close to the revered temple at Tirupati, is also close to two eminent wildlife sanctuaries and the famous Horsley hills, a famous hill resort named after W.D Horsley.

Situated in the valley of the Poini river, Chittoor is a market for grain, sugarcane, and peanuts; its industries include oilseed and rice milling. The city is surrounded by mango and tamarind groves, and cattle are bred in the area. A district administrative centre, Chittoor was a British military post until 1884.