Visiting Morni Hills, Panchkula, Haryana

On May 29, 2010, I visited Morni Hills in Panchkula Distt. of Haryana state–it is hailed as the only hill station in Haryana and truly is worthy of visit. We, the team members of 2INDYA, have been thinking about visiting this place for quite a long time but till now could not make it; we chose a very hot and dry time to visit this place but it was all worth it. We enjoyed our stay and did a lot of fun-activities.

Taken from Wikipedia:

Morni is a tourist place in Morni Hills in Panchkula district of Haryana in India. Morni Hills are the offshoots of Shivalik range of the Himalayas, which run in two parallel ranges. The village of Morni (Bhoj Jabial) lies on the mountainside, at 1220 meters above mean sea level. Traditions assign the name of Morni to a Queen who is believed to have ruled this area. Among the spurs of hills, lie two lakes, the larger is about 550 meters long and 460 meters broad and the other about 365 meters either way. A hill divides the two lakes but there is some Hidden channel, as the level of two lakes remains the same. The people look upon the lakes as sacred. There is an old fort, which is now in ruins. The hills are covered by pine trees. The climate is salubrious and the area is suitable for trekking. The Haryana Government has developed this hill resort and provides facilities to tourists, a motorable road was constructed to connect the Morni hills with Haryana State Highway near Panchkula. A Forest Department rest house “Lal Munia” and a PWD rest house were also constructed to accommodate tourists and trackers. There are also small playgrounds for children. There is a roller skating rink and a swimming pool. It is an ideal place for tourists who want to avoid crowds and for those who love nature.There are a number of resorts that add to accommodation options and variability in and around Morni.It is a place that is frequented by nature starved people(whose tribe is ever growing in cities) on the weekends or holidays and it might be difficult to grab a decent meal at times in the high season.A decently stocked liquor vend and an attached snack shop that serves turmeric laden omelettes and toasted bread ,does for the meals to famished tourists. The best season to visit is September to March, because it might get hot or humid during the rest of the months and venturing might be overly-humid.

It has 2 small man-made lakes called Tikkar Taal, bada tikkar and chota tikkar. Tikkar Taal offers good attraction for tourist and campers to frequent Morni. Campers accommodation in dormantories is made available by Haryana Tourism at Tikkar Taal.

The road that descends from the zenith of the hillstation brings you to a seasonal waterfall that drops into a muddy lake but is aloof from crowds , so gives relaxation space and time .Further up the road takes you into Himachal pradesh.On the high point where the road forks for the steep descent for the twin lakes,at clear nights,especially after showers one can see the lights of chandigarh.The geometrically placed streetlights,neon or sodium vapour, & occasionally bright signboards, howsoever blurred tend to mesmerize you.

There are three roads that connect Morni to chandigarh or other nearby towns(courtesy Haryana government), so one wont get stuck up in case of a blockade on any road, likely landslides in the rains.The town has grown so has time required to absorb the milleu and soak the nature and experience that it provides.

The tikkar taal is just 10 km from the Morni and these lakes are not man made but natural lot of villager are depended on it tikkar taal also offer best camping and treking from oct to april.

While moving towards Morni Hills from Panchkula, there is a check-post of Haryana’s forest department where they warn you not to smoke or do any activitiy that invites the attack of monkeys and langoors also. So, right from that spot, you are able to notice the black-faced langoors. The path leading to Morni hills is very curve-ridden but you will enjoy it.

At Tikkar-tall, we spent our time in the theme park developed by the Haryana Government. The theme park is a beautiful place, peaceful and offering multiple activities like tree-house, ghost-house, maze, various types of fun-activities and a cool environment to sit and relax. The fee they charge per person is 50 INR per adult and they usually adjust it for children like 2-3 children per ticket for an adult.

The main point that we liked about Morni Hills is that it is peaceful and does not receive too much crowd at a time. Instead of crowd, it is secluded and offers little activities but excellent scenic views and peaceful atmosphere. In the larger lake at Tikkar Taal, you can also enjoy boating, which we actually skipped due to hot weather.

If you want to spend some quality time with your friends, family members, and even colleagues, this place is worth visiting.