A rejuvenating retreat amid nature’s grace in Morni Hills and Tikkar Taal
Spending two serene days — 3 and 4 October — at Morni Hills and Tikkar Taal in Panchkula district of Haryana was an experience that blended refreshment, learning, and reflection in the lap of nature. Accompanied by my wife, Smt Mitra Ghosh ji, I found these days not merely a break from the routine but an opportunity to reconnect with the environment and rediscover the subtle harmony between nature and the human spirit.
Nestled in the lower Shivalik ranges, Morni Hills offered a mesmerising panorama of lush greenery, mist-kissed mountains, and serene walking trails. The air was crisp, the silence therapeutic, and the calmness deeply rejuvenating. The visit to Tikkar Taal, with its twin lakes surrounded by forested hills, was equally enchanting — an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and observation of local flora and fauna. The experience of boating amidst nature gives one a sense of deep and lasting connection with it.
If one seeks an escape from the crowded plains and wants to reconnect with nature, Morni Hills and Tikkar Taal deserve a place at the top of their travel list. Morni Hills offer a cool climate, scenic vistas, and multiple opportunities for trekking, rock-climbing, and other adventure pursuits — an ideal retreat combining peace and activity.
At an elevation of approximately 3,600 feet, Morni Hills are home to diverse flora and fauna. Pine trees blanket the hilltops, while the slopes are adorned with neem, oak, jamun, and flowering trees that bring colourful views during their bloom. Wildlife and bird-watching enthusiasts, in particular, will appreciate spotting quails, doves, jackals, sambhars, and even jungle cats in these hills.
A highlight, as I mentioned earlier, is the twin lakes known as Tikkar Taal. Though separated by a hillock, the water levels in both remain mysteriously synchronised. Locals regard them as auspicious, with a small temple on their banks containing a Trimurti figure dating back to the 12th century. For visitors, these lakes offer not just tranquillity but scenic beauty and photographic appeal.
The food served at the Mountain Quail Tourist Complex, Morni, and the Tikkar Taal Tourist Complex, Tikkar Taal, under Haryana Tourism, was of excellent quality — sumptuous, flavourful, and truly satisfying. The staff at both locations were courteous and attentive, offering commendable service. Their warm hospitality and genuine care for guests reflect the standards every tourist hopes to experience from their hosts.
The region also boasts heritage value. The Morni Fort has been converted into a museum and learning centre, showcasing flora, fauna, and environmental conservation themes. Moreover, an ambitious World Herbal Forest project is underway in Morni, planting hundreds of medicinal species to elevate ecological awareness and tourism appeal.
Let us also take note of the fact that tourists play a far greater role in the local economy than what meets the eye. Every visitor who travels to a destination contributes not only through direct spending on hotels, food, and travel but also through a ripple effect that touches almost every layer of society. Tourism creates jobs, nurtures small businesses, preserves culture, and encourages infrastructural development, making tourists active partners in our collective progress.
When you visit a tourist destination, you bring demand for a wide range of goods and services — from accommodation, transportation, and restaurants to handicrafts, local produce, and entertainment. This demand generates employment opportunities for local residents, including guides, artisans, drivers, and hospitality workers.
The money spent circulates within the community, benefiting farmers, shopkeepers, and service providers alike.
Moreover, tourism stimulates investment in infrastructure such as roads, communication networks, sanitation, and healthcare, improving living standards not only for tourists but for residents as well. Tourism also preserves local art, crafts, and traditions that might otherwise fade with time. When visitors show appreciation for regional cuisines, music, and handicrafts, it gives artisans both economic support and a sense of pride.
Environmentally responsible tourism promotes eco-awareness and encourages local authorities to conserve natural habitats, wildlife, and heritage sites.
Such practices ensure that development and sustainability go hand in hand. In essence, every tourist acts as a silent ambassador of progress. By choosing to explore responsibly and spend locally, tourists help communities prosper, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and fuel the inclusive growth of the nation.
Therefore, easily accessible — about 45 km from Chandigarh and less crowded than many other hill destinations — Morni Hills and Tikkar Taal are perfect for weekend getaways or extended stays. Whether you are a nature lover seeking calm, an adventurer seeking thrill, or someone interested in local heritage and ecology, these destinations offer a unique blend of all.
Plan your visit when the weather is pleasant, pack your walking shoes and camera, and experience the charm that Morni Hills and Tikkar Taal so naturally bestow on each visitor!
The writer is the Governor of Haryana
