Morni Hills
Morni Hills is a hill station situated on the outskirts of Panchkula in Haryana close to Chandigarh. Being the only hill station in Haryana, it is also a popular picnic destination for locals and tourists alike. The hills are 1,220 meters in height and have some stunning views to offer. In addition to being a grand vista point, Morni Hills is also an important archaeological site where carvings dating back to the 7th Century have been found in the Thakur Dwar Temple.
It is also a great place to engage in trekking and birdwatching. Popular birds sighted here include the Wallcreeper, Crested Kingfisher, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Blue Peafowl, Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Grey Francolin, Quails, Himalayan Bulbul, and Oriental Turtle Dove.
Situated at a mere distance of 45 kilometers from Chandigarh, the entire route from the city to these quaint hills makes for a beautiful journey. Forests and mighty pine trees line the way up to the foothills of the Shivaliks before you finally alight at Morni Hills.
There are two lakes here as well which are interconnected despite the existence of a hillock in between, such that the water level in both of them remains the same. The lake is believed to be auspicious by the locals and is a focal point during many celebrations. The remains of the Morni fort are present quite close to the hills as well. In addition to the landscape, a wide variety of flora and fauna is also present here, which makes it a delight for every nature lover.
A hidden haven of nature, Morni Hills is a must-visit for anyone looking for a quick weekend getaway from Chandigarh. The scenic setting of the Nature Camp can be best made out from the view-point high up on the other side of the Ghaggar River.
Activities at Morni Hills
In addition to being a natural retreat, Morni Hils also has several activities to offer its visitors. The lake has a boating facility that will take you on a tranquil excursion across the hills, and you can also go for leisurely nature walks in the forests nearby.
Beckon the adrenaline junkie in you and trek your way to the lake or up to the old Morni fort here, and if you're feeling more adventurous you can also try hiking up to the Ghaggar River that flows close to the Morni Hills.
An Adventure Park is also developed nearby which provides activity options like rope climbing, commando nets, Burma bridge, rappelling, and rock climbing.
You can also find a tree house there with fountains and a cafeteria. Other than these, several swings and rides are available for children as well. The park's entry fee is INR 50 for adults and INR 30 for children under 10 years of age.
Wildlife at Morni Hills
It has a great coverage of flora and a lot of wild animals can also be seen here. The animals that make this their home include jackals, langurs, hares, hyenas, neelgai, wild boars, barking deer, sambar, and even leopards. Trees like neem, oak, pipal, jamun, amaltas, and jacaranda cover the slopes, while several birds make an appearance here as well.
Wallcreeper, Crested Kingfisher, Bar-tailed Treecreeper, Blue Peafowl, Kalij Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Grey Francolin, Quails, Himalayan Bulbul, Oriental Turtle Dove, quails, sand grouse, and common doves are some of the more frequently sighted birds here.
