Vacation don’t always have to be a long trip. Sometimes, short and sweet weekend getaways, especially road trips, can refresh your mind, body, and soul. I really enjoy road trips because I get to feel the wind in my hair and stop for some strong ginger tea at a roadside dhaba, which I love.

Recently, when my husband couldn’t take a week off as planned, we decided to go on a mini vacation for the weekend. We looked for options near Delhi like Jim Corbett National Park but most places were crowded, or we had already been there. That’s when we found Morni Hills during our online search. It’s about 277 kms from Delhi, which takes around 5-6 hours by road. Morni Hills, nestled in the Shivalik ranges, seemed like a great option. We quickly booked a resort at TikkarTaal in Morni Hills and started getting ready for the weekend.

On Friday morning, we started our road trip to Morni Hills. We left early and easily got out of Delhi thanks to the new flyovers. During vacation time, you can see many cars heading to popular places along the way. There are famous dhabas and restaurants on the highway. We stopped in Karnal for breakfast. They serve delicious stuffed paranthas with white butter, along with lassi or tea. While waiting for our food, the kids played on the swings and in the mini park. After a tasty breakfast, we continued our journey. After Kurukshetra, we took a turn towards Raipur Rani. The last hour of the drive from Raipur Rani to TikkarTaal was memorable, as we drove through lush green fields on both sides. The last half-hour drive was through the hills since the destination is at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges.

We reached our resort and were greeted with a refreshing welcome drink. The resort near Chota Taal had a beautiful view. We rested and had lunch. After lunch, we played indoor games at the resort. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the views were amazing.

The next morning, we visited the Sikh Gurudwara Nada Sahib, as recommended by the resort staff. It’s a serene spot with the Shivalik ranges on one side and the Ghaggar – Hakra river on the other. We sat by the river and enjoyed the calming sound of the water hitting the rocks. A truly peaceful experience. We returned around lunchtime and took a break. In the evening, we went to the nearby Adventure Park, created by the Haryana Government. It had rope courses and swings for kids, and even a Bhoot Bangla for some fun. The kids had a blast, and we joined them in various games.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we went boating in a nearby lake. After lunch, it was time to head back. We couldn’t visit Morni Fort and Thakurdwara temple this time, which are other attractions. Nevertheless, we had a relaxing weekend as we wished. It’s a great spot for a quick getaway for people in Delhi and Punjab due to its proximity. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with activities for kids, Morni Hills is a good choice.