Haryana’s only hill station, Morni, turned into a bustling hub today as thousands of tourists arrived to escape the smoggy plains of Delhi and the routine of Chandigarh.
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Sun-Kissed Getaway: With the sun shining bright across the Shivalik range, the temperature at Morni Hills hovered around a pleasant 18°C during the day, making it the ideal spot for outdoor picnics and sunbathing.
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Boating and Adventure at Tikkar Taal: The twin lakes of Tikkar Taal were the center of attraction. The Haryana Tourism department reported a record number of boating tickets sold. Adventure sports like paragliding and zip-lining also saw high demand, with many tourists having to wait in queues for their turn.
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Traffic and Parking Challenges: The surge in visitors brought its own set of challenges. The winding road from Panchkula to Morni witnessed “slow-moving” traffic for most of the morning and evening. Parking lots at Tikkar Taal were overflowing by noon, forcing many to park their vehicles along the roadside, further narrowing the passage.
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Boost to Local Economy: Local dhaba owners and tea stalls reported a “brisk business,” with many seeing their highest sales of the season so far. “We had to order extra milk and vegetables twice today to keep up with the demand for snacks and tea,” said a local vendor near the Morni Fort.
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Security Measures: The Panchkula Police set up temporary nakas at the entry points of the hills to prevent over-speeding and ensure that tourists adhere to safety norms. Patrol vehicles were seen making rounds to discourage any public nuisance or littering in the eco-sensitive zone.
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Travel Advisory: For those planning to visit on Sunday, authorities suggest reaching before 10:00 AM to secure parking and avoid the afternoon peak traffic.
