Mori tourism

The Village of Mori on the banks of the Tons River is in north western Garhwal 173 km North of Dehra Dun and 408 km North East of Delhi.

Mori is easy with your eyes closed. Just breathe in deep the pine scented air and then open your eyes and forest 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 the Tons were born of the tears of the 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 get the most out of the valley you have the option of pitching your own tent or putting up at an organized 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 lance, 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.

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, fragrant 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.

The Tons Valley is a base for treks to Kedar Kantha, the gorgeous Har-ki-Dum Valley and the pristine, remote Ruinsara Tal. You could also trek to kinnaur and on to the Yamuna and Bhagirathi water sheds. Plus there are several trails suitable for mountain biking.

There’s also lots 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. But be ready for some hard padding the crazy rapids do not allow for time 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 professional guides.

No surprise then that most of the jaunsari villages has beautifully carved wooden temples to Duryodhana. However the villages of jakhol occupy pride of place in this remarkable belt. It has the only Duryodhana temple which boasts an actual idol of the lord.

The Tons Valley comes with an excitement guaranteed tag for children. They can attempt rock climbing, rappelling, even river rafting or choose from cricket nature walks and bird watching.

Route: NH58 to Roorkee, NH72A to Dehra Dun, State highway to Mori via Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, Damta, Nowgaon, Purola and Jharmola.