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On the opposite hillside of the Pinjore
valley, 45 kms from
Chandigarh
lie the Morni Hills, past the township of Panchkula. Past sleepy hamlets
and cultivated terraces, one witnesses the calm altitudes of the Morni
Hills, on chugging up a hill climb of above 3900 ft. with wilderness all
around. Situated in the lower reaches of the Shivalik range, Morni is
ideal for a holiday with its cool climate, beautiful natural vistas and
myriad opportunities for trekking, rock-climbing and other adventure
sports. The best time for visiting Morni Hills is from September to
March.
Crowned
by a pocket of pine trees, the hills look green and blue. The area is
quiet, with hardly a bus moving up the hillside. The greens are yet
undisturbed. The hills delight with their patches of green trees of pipal,
jamun, dhak, the amaltas and the purple flowered jacaranda trees. The
river Ghaggar cuts past the hills
that are dotted with natural attractions. Two water bodies lie in these
hills and are ideal for trek routes. Morni Hills have some villages, where
farming is the main occupation.
Exotic Flora And Fauna
Morni Hills have a fascinating range of flora and fauna. Pines crown the
hilltops and trees like neem, oak, pipal, jamun, amaltas and jacaranda
cover the slopes. When the flowering trees blossom, the hillsides are
awash with color, presenting a delightful sight. Morni is a paradise for
wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers with its teeming population of birds
like quails, partridges, sand grouse and common doves as well as animals
like jackals, hare, hyenas, neel gai, sambhars and even leopards.
Other Attractions
The Old Fort
Ruins of a fort can also be seen here. The locals believe that the fort
belonged to the Queen of Morni Hills.
Lakes:
There are two lakes or tals, which seem to be interconnected mysteriously
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.
Trekking
Morni offers many interesting trekking options. One can trek to the two
'tals' and the fort and for the more adventurous; there are treks to the
bank of the River Ghaggar, which flows past Morni. Goat tracks lead out of
the tourist complex for those keen on walks. The tourist authorities are
examining the viability of hang-gliding in Morni, introducing yet another
special attraction.
Where To Stay
Mountain Quail: For tourists, Mountain Quail tourist resort has
been opened here. Restaurant and guestroom facilities are available.
Packed lunch for trekkers can also be ordered for.