Morni and Tikkar Tal
Situated in the lower reaches of the Shivalik range, Morni is ideal for a holiday with its cool clime, beautiful natural vistas and myriad opportunities for trekking, rock-climbing and other adventure sports. Just five hours away from Delhi and 45 kms. from Chandigarh, Morni in Panchkula district combines the best of an idyllic retreat with action, adventure and fun.
At an elevation of 3,600 feet above sea level, Morni has 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 colour, presenting a delightful sight. The trees were introduced in the hills as an experimental venture, even though the climate was not really cold enough for the trees to flourish. As a result, pine of the area has small cones. Morni is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers with its teeming population of birds like quails, sand grouse and doves as well as animals like jackals, hyenas, sambhars and even a jungle cat or two.
There are two large 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. 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. The remains of an old fort speak of the history of the place.
Morni offers many interesting trekking options. One can trek to the two tals and the old fort and for the more adventurous, there are treks to the bank of the river Ghaggar, which flows past Morni.
At Morni, Haryana Tourism caters to tourists here with its Mountain Quail tourist resort. This is a comfortable motel that is situated ideally on the hill top overlooking a beautiful valley. A delightful restaurant and a bar with lush green lawns beckons tourists.
Lakes of Morni afford an opportunity for wonderful camping and relaxing amidst nature.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Location
Morni, Bhoj Balig, Haryana