Memories Of Mori, Uttrakhand

A peaceful getaway in the lap of nature

 

Mori is a small village in north-west Garhwal region in the Uttarkashi district (Uttrakhand) at a distance of about 410 kilometers from Delhi. This is one of the best tourist destinations I have ever been to. All the major tourist destinations or hill stations you would find full of crowd, hotels, shops with tourist leftovers. But Mori was different, Mori is situated along the river Tons, it was a very quiet and peaceful hill station. 

On April 2009 that was the first time I have ever visited Mori and before that I had never heard of it. At first I thought it would be like any other hill station but when we reached there and I saw first glimpse of it, I was amazed. Wooded hills, lush green paddy fields, the Tons River, picturesque waterfalls, pleasant walks, yellow mimosas and pine trees, lakes etc made Mori one of the beautiful hill stations. The tallest pine forest in Asia is among the thickly populated forest in Mori.

It was like a small village in the midst of valley surrounded with the pine forest and a river (tons river) was flowing along the village. First, I thought maybe I was in another world because finding a place which was quite, relaxing, refreshing and with beautiful vistas and panoramic views.

 Our camps, where we had to stay, were situated at along the river tons and the view, from our camps, of the river flowing was mesmerizing.

The camps where we stayed were organized by Camp Megatons and they also provided the best campsites, camp equipment, best rafting sites, raft equipment, hiking equipment, best hiking trails and trekking sites, trekking equipment including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Apart from river rafting, guided nature-walks and bird watching, diverse flora and fauna are part of the enchanting experience. Trekking on the undulated hilly terrains, Camping, Rock climbing, Kayaking are the other activities.  

There were lots of places to see in Mori like, Icchari dam which is one of the main attraction in Mori and it is located on the Tons River. According to the people the river tons was born of the tears of the Shurpnakha, sister of the King Ravana. 

 Second is Duryodhana Temple which was constructed by the Pandavas and it is dedicated to Duryodhana (the eldest among the hundred Kaurvas). This temple was beautifully wooden crafted.

Lunagad Creek is another place to look for in Mori. It was 30 minute walk from Mori surrounded by Asia’s tallest Pine forest. It was a beautiful place with a narrow ravine and a cute pond with a small waterfall.

Netwar is another beautiful rectangular wooden structure temple devoted to Karna, friend of duryodhana. This temple was located approximately 11 kilometers from Mori.

That trip was like much needed dose to bring back refreshment in life.

Jakhol, it was a small village in the upper Tons Valley located at a distance of approximately 20 kilometers from Mori. Set amidst a canopy of thick deodar forests, the village has the only Duryodhan temple which boasts an actual idol of the lord.