Travel Guides
nothing lonely about the planet
Mori
(Uttarakhand)
Chill by the River
Experiencing Mori is easy with your eyes closed. Just breathe in deep the pine-scented air, and then open your eyes and feast on the sight of the grey river meandering across the valley. Once you've soaked it all in, count your options. You could give company to the Tons River as it lazily winds its way to the plains. Or shop for the best rafting deal on the river. Or swim in a deep pool formed by a laughing creek or bike down a boulevard of yellow mimosas and pine trees. If nature's your call, you can't go too wrong by responding to the lure of the Tons Valley.
Legend has it that the Tons was born of the tears of demoness Surpanakha. Some of the angst survives in the treacherous rapids; though from a distance the river looks beguilingly calm, you are advised to test the waters only in the company of experienced guides and life-jackets.
To See & Do
To get the most out of the Valley, you have the option of pitching your own tent or putting up at an organised campsite on the sandy banks of the Tons River. The day begins with a wake-up call from the birds and the surreal sight of the entire valley bathed in the quiet of the first rays of the sun. The day brings options of rafting, cycling, trekking or simply lazing around by the riverside under the shade of the tallest pine tree in Asia. For people who like walking down the historical lane, a visit to the ancient temple built by the Pandavas is a must. The Tons Valley also boasts of the only Indian temple dedicated to Duryodhana, complete with his image.
If you?re not the active type, you could still be persuaded to do the walk to the Lunagad Creek. From the Aquaterra Adventures campsite, it's just 30 minutes away, through a narrow gorge, pine forests and Gujjar huts, and at the end of it, there's a clear blue pool with a small waterfall. Just like in the movies only, here you can be almost sure there are no prying eyes. Looking up the mountainside, you can see clouds coming down the valley, interwoven with strands of golden sunlight... ethereal!
The Tons Valley comes with an excitement-guaranteed tag for children. They can attempt rock-climbing, rappelling, even river rafting. And if you'd rather let them loose while you laze in the sun, the children can choose from among cricket and volleyball, short nature walks and birdwatching sorties.
|
|
|
To-do Trail |
|
|
|
| |
For trekkers, the Tons Valley is a base for treks to Kedar Kantha, the gorgeous Har-ki-dun Valley and the remote Ruinsara Tal. You could also trek to Kinnaur and onto the Yamuna and Bhagirathi watersheds. Plus there are several unused trails suitable for mountain biking.
There's plenty of trout in the Tons, but you need special permits from the office of the DFO at Purola if you plan to go fishing in the river.
Rafting or kayaking down the river is highly recommended at Mori. If you do not have your own equipment, the camps here will arrange it for you. But be ready for some hard paddling; the crazy rapids do not allow for much opportunity to soak in the sights.
Warning: Check the boat before you step into it and make sure there are lifeboats on board. This stretch of the Tons River is not for unescorted beginners, so venture in only with the professional guides.
|
|
Content Source:
Outlook Traveller
Contributed by:
Shailja Nagpal
|