Morni Hills- A Weekend Getaway Just Five Hours From Delhi

For the people dying for a mini-vacation, Morni Hills is the place for you to head over to! It’s easy to lose your mind in the humdrum of monotonous city life. Working day and night eventually becomes stressful and there comes a time when you reach a saturation point. At such times, what can one do to catch a quick break and release the stress you’ve been accumulating?

My personal favourite is to just pack up for a couple of days and leave to see a new place! Travel always shakes you out of the funk work-pressure puts you in. It is good for your health and your soul, and you have the added advantage of taking some pretty awesome pictures of yourself living the best life. Today we’re going to look at the gorgeous pride of Haryana, Morni Hills. The best part? It is just 5 hours away from Delhi, so your spontaneous weekend road trips have a new destination on the list! Here is everything you need to know about Morni Hills in Haryana.

About Morni Hills

Named after a Queen who reigned over the place, Morni Hills is a beautiful hill station situated in Panchkula district of Haryana. The laid back vacation hub is the only hill station of the state and hence their pride and joy. Once you reach there, you won’t need to worry about the quality of air because some clean and fresh O2 will wake up your foggy mind. The crisp air is thoroughly enjoyable, as is the view. You can witness the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas that surround the village. Due to its convenient location, Morni Hills receives visitors from Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab all the time. It is one of those quick getaways that everyone looks forward to. At an altitude of 4,157 feet, be prepared to forget about the mundane problems in life and embrace the wonder of nature at its best. Even though it wasn’t very popular in the recent past, people found this underrated gem and now can’t stop visiting after just one trip.

Best Time To Visit Morni Hills

The best time to go visit Morni hills is undoubtedly the winters which begin in October. The weather stays pretty pleasant until the month of April. Summer visits are inadvisable since it gets way too hot. But armed with sunscreen and lots of water, there’s nothing stopping you from embracing the serenity of Morni hills all year round!

Reaching Morni Hills From Delhi

Just a 5-hour drive away, Morni Hills is about to become your favourite getaway because of how easy it is to get there. If you have your own car or are hiring a private cab, maps and NH44 are your best friends. However, if you decide to enjoy the journey and pick a bus service, you can take a bus from ISBT Delhi to Chandigarh. Get down at Zirakpur to get another bus to Morni Hills or take the local transport that will take you safely up the hills.

Biking to Morni Hills is also a memorable experience, so if you crave motor speed rush, it sounds like a great plan. Remember to pack your safety gear and obey all biking and traffic rules!

Here’s the proper route: Take NH3 Zirakpur – Kalka-Shimla Highway – After around 3 km Turn Right Towards Nadha Sahib Gurudwara – Pass By Gurudwara – Turn Left after Jai Gugga Jahar Veer Jee – Pass by Holy Child School – Morni Hills!

Places To Visit In Morni Hills

Morni hills is an understated hill station with hidden gems of places that are time capsules of bygone eras. Once you reach there, you can either rest or start exploring the area at once!

1. Morni Fort

The Morni Fort or the Morni Rani Fort belonged to the queen who once reigned over the land there. This 17th-century fort looks humble yet imposing situated atop the hill. It was once in ruins until it was restored into a luxurious resort. The place has since then been well preserved and has green lawns for you to sit and relax. You will need to go on a trek to reach this fort, so laying back on the green grass here is a great thought to catch your breath!

2. Adventure Park

The adventure park in Morni Hills has recreational and adventurous yet safe activities such as zip-lining, climbing nets and a Burma bridge. This was established by the Government of Haryana in order to encourage tourist activity. Even though it is fun for the kids to play here and a nice picnic spot, this place still has a lot of potential for growth.

3. Thakur Dwar Temple

On your way to Tikkar Taal or back, you will find a small pink structure that will coax a second glance from you. This is a 10th-century ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is credited to the Pandavas. If you love art, you’ll love the intricately carved stone structure. Presently, a modern cemented structure surrounds the temple, the dome creating a beautiful contrast between the past and present. As legend has it, the Tikkar Taal Lake is the lake from Yaksha Prashna in Mahabharata and the temple is called Pandava Temple.

3. Tikkar Taal

A short drive downhill on a narrow road will bring you to this tranquil lake called Tikkar Taal. Surrounded by mountains, this waterbody exudes vibes that takes relaxation to the max. Just sitting there would calm your frayed nerves as you listen to the birds chirping away. You can find perfect solitude here even with the presence of a popular picnic spot. The lake is maintained by the Haryana Tourism Department, so you will find a small restaurant selling snacks and drinks. The kids will love it the most since there are camping and other activities held here during the summers.

4. Nanda Sahib Gurudwara

Nada Sahib Gurudwara is a place where you can sit and embrace your inner spirituality. A place beloved by the Sikhs around the area, it is believed that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, had spent some time resting at this spot before heading towards Anandpur. He was journeying to Anandpur subsequent to the victory at Bhangani in 1688 AD. Another thing to note is how the river Ghaggar-Hakra that flows near the Gurudwara creates an atmosphere of spirituality and oneness with God and nature. If you’re not religious, you’ll still appreciate the calmness and positivity emanating from this place.

Where To Stay Around Morni Hills

Since Morni Hills is a small hill station, your options for accommodation will be pretty limited. There are a few beautiful resorts that have a spectacular panoramic view of the hills that you’ll love. When you visit, this is the perfect opportunity to chill and do nothing. Have a hot cup of chai, read your favourite book or just gaze at the beautiful views in front of you. All the hotels have green surroundings regardless of their tariff, so figure out what suits you best!

Travel Tips

Remember to stay warm and carry an additional sweater as the nights and early mornings get cold!
For your trip to the Adventure Park, carry food to have a nice picnic since there aren’t many options for food there.
The trek to the fort is about 1200 metres so wear appropriate clothing to avoid scrapes and scratches!
The descent back from Morni Hills is a bit steep, so try not to travel after dark.
Remember to carry your safety gear and follow the map correctly since the place is not all that crowded.
Avoid driving yourself in the thick of winter as the fog may hinder your vision on your way.

Conclusion

Visiting Morni Hills is not a life-changing experience, but it is a welcome break from your life when you feel yourself beginning to drag your feet. Finding a balance between work, leisure and recreation is important for your mental and physical health, so the next time you feel like the work pressure is getting to you, grab a couple of comfy clothes, a sweater and head right to Morni Hills! The days are fresh and beautiful, but the nights are even more serene with the distant lights glowing softly. I hope you have an amazing time refreshing and resetting at Morni Hills!