MORNI HILLS-A HILLSIDE DESTINATION IN HARYANA

The Morni hills are a delightful hillside destination  just 45 km from Chandigarh. These hills are an off-shoot of the Shivaliks and run in two parallel ranges from south-east to north-west. Between them, the ground is broken by projecting spurs. Through these valleys the river  Ghaggar makes its way.

Haryana Tourism caters to tourists here from its Mountain Quail tourist  resort. A comfortable motel is situated ideally on the hill top overlooking a beautiful valley. A delightful restaurant and a bar with lush green lawns beckons tourists. 

Among the spurs of the hills, lie two lakes.  The larger is about 550 metres long and 460 metres  broad. The other lake is 365 metres either way. A small hillock  divides the lakes, but there is some hidden connection between  the two, as the water level of the two lakes remains the same. In the hills the remains of an old fort speaks of the history of the place. Locals tell us that the fort belonged to the Queen of Morni Hills. The upper  crest of  the hills are covered by pine trees. The climate is salubrious and the hills provide ample opportunities for trekking. 

For water sports like boating, canoeing, kayaking and sailing, a minimum depth of  5 to 6 feet is required, which is also available in the lakes we see here.

The picturesque location of Morni hills, is an excellent retreat from maddening crowds and pollution.  Crowned by pockets of pine trees, the hills look green and blue.

Opportunities for trekkers and explorers
As Morni hills are relatively unexplored, they offer a rich opportunity for adventure seekers  and explorers. Trek to the lakes named Tikkar Tal, are sure to be a source of pleasure.  Trek to Ghaggar offers another chance to explore the unknown. Morni is a splendid green hillside dotted with flowering trees. The river Ghaggar cuts a deep valley within these hills as it flows down the mountains. A number of small villages lie here. For the  adventure conscious, a trek to the Ghaggar river bank can also be made. Morni hills must have been a centre of historic interest for ruins of an old fort lie in the hills. This fort is believed to have been built by the Queen of Morni Hills. Narrow paths lead to these centres of attention. The locals follow agriculture as main profession.

Flora and Fauna
The Morni hills abound with fascinating specimens of greens. The low hill tracts of Morni are filled with neem, pepal, jamun, dhak, amaltas, jacaranda trees and yes, the delightful pine. And as a result, the brown and green of the hills are tinged with splashes of colour each time the trees flower. The pine or 'chil' as the locals call it, crowns the hill tops and is one of the most delightful sights of the Morni Hills. The trees were introduced in the hills as an experimental venture, even though the climate was not really cold enough for the tree to flourish. As a result, pine of the area has small cones. Birds that nest in the hilly and scrub cover of Morni hills are the common doves, quails and sand grouse. Some wild life-like the sambhar, the hyena and even an occasional jungle cat can also be seen here.

Camping at Lake side
Lakes of Morni afford an opportunity for wonderful camping and relaxing amidst nature.  The flora and fauna is there to give company and serenity of  the lake  to bless you.

Recognizing the Tourism potential of the area and the possibility of Adventure sport, Haryana Tourism has drawn up delightful tour packages. Packages are subject to availability. A minimum 15 participants form a package. Participants coming for the package are advised to bring their own toiletries. Sleeping bags are provided for stay in tented accommodation. Packages are exclusive of to and for transport. Participants have to arrange their own transport.