Walk in the Clouds

An offshoot of the Shivalik Range, Morni Hills got its name after a queen who is believed to have ruled this area.

Morni combines the best of an idyllic retreat with adventure

An offshoot of the Shivalik Range, Morni Hills got its name after a queen who is believed to have ruled this area. The village of Morni Bhoj Jabial lies on the mountainside, at 3600 feet above sea level. Its cool climes and beautiful natural vistas provide myriad opportunities for bird watching, trekking, rock-climbing and other adventure sports. Just 45 km from Chandigarh, Morni in Panchkula district Haryana, combines the best of an idyllic retreat with action, adventure and fun. The best time to visit is from September to March.

Nature walk: Morni Hills have a fascinating range of flora and fauna. Pines crown the hilltops and trees like sal, neem, mango, ritha, pipal, jamun, shisham, amaltas and jacaranda cover the slopes. The place is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers with its teeming population of birds like Wallcreeper, Crested Kingfisher, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Blue Peafowl, Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Grey Francolin, Black Francolin, Quails, Himalayan Bulbul and Oriental Turtle Dove as well as animals like jackals, langur, hare, hyenas, neegai, wild boar, sambar, and even leopards.

Blue Spread: There are two lakes or tals, which seem to be mysteriously interconnected, even though they are separated by a hillock. The water level in both the tals always remains the same, as there is a hidden channel under the hill connecting them. The larger is about 550 meters long and 460 meters broad and the other about 365 meters either way. Locals consider the lake auspicious and gather here on ceremonial occasions. A small temple on the banks contains a Trimurti the Hindu Trinity, which dates back to the 12th century AD when a Shiva temple was also supposed to have existed at the site.

Action 038; Adventure: One can trek to the two tals and the fort, there are treks to the bank of the river Ghaggar. Goat tracks lead out of the tourist complex for those keen on walks. Authorities are also examining the viability of hang-gliding in Morni. It8217;s also ideal for rock climbing and hiking.

Stay: The Mountain Quail tourist complex of Haryana Tourism is built close to the ruins of an old fort. A motorable road connects the Morni hills with the Haryana state highway near Panchkula. A forest tourist hut, Lal Munia and a PWD rest house are open to tourists and trekkers.

For Booking and Reservations: Tel: 01733-250166
Delhi Office: Haryana Govt. Tourist Bureau, 36, Janpath Chanderlok Building, New Delhi.
Tel: 011-23324910-11. Fax: 23713373.
Email: haryanatourism74hotmail.com
The writer is a city-based gemologist and owns, clubfootloose.com. Mail him at solisethigmail.com