Discover Amazing Tehri Garhwal

Tehri Garhwal, a district in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a destination that perfectly captures the dramatic blend of old-world history and modern engineering marvels. Its identity is uniquely defined by the Tehri Dam Project, which led to the creation of the colossal Tehri Lake the largest man-made reservoir in Asia and now the undeniable hub for water sports in Uttarakhand.

Travelers consistently like the contrast: the peaceful, ancient hill-top temples offering sweeping Himalayan views stand in stark relief to the high-energy jet skiing and boating on the vast, blue lake below. It is the ideal destination for those seeking a spiritual journey combined with water adventure and trekking. This guide is designed to provide seamless logistics, ensuring that visitors can easily navigate this geographically diverse district, from the modern New Tehri town to the surrounding high-altitude villages and revered temples.

How to Reach Tehri Garhwal

Reaching Tehri Garhwal involves getting to the Himalayan foothills first, followed by a rewarding uphill drive through picturesque scenery.

Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (RKSH)

• Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH): This is the most convenient and nearest railhead to the central points of the district, located approximately 70 to 80 kilometers from the New Tehri town. Rishikesh is often called the "Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas."
  • Connectivity: Rishikesh is well-connected by numerous express and passenger trains from major metropolitan hubs like Delhi and Kolkata. The railway journey provides the most comfortable start to the trip.
  • Transfer to Tehri: From Rishikesh station, one can hire a private taxi, take a shared cab, or board a state-run bus. The scenic drive to New Tehri, passing through the beautiful town of Chamba, takes around 2 to 3 hours. This road trip is a popular segment of the Tehri Garhwal weekend tour.
• Haridwar Railway Station (HW): Located slightly farther away (about 100-110 km), Haridwar is a much larger railway junction with superior connectivity to the rest of India, making it a viable alternative starting point.

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)

• Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED): Located around 80 to 90 kilometers from New Tehri, DED is the nearest commercial airport serving the district. It offers regular domestic flights from cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
  • Transfer: From the airport, taxis are easily available for the scenic 3 to 4-hour road journey to New Tehri. The journey often passes through the yoga capital of Rishikesh.

By Road: The Hill Station Drive

• Route: Tehri Garhwal is well-connected by National Highway 34 (NH34) and National Highway 7 (NH7). The road distance from Delhi to New Tehri is approximately 320 kilometers.
• Self-Drive/Taxi: The drive is popular, taking about 7 to 8 hours from Delhi. The route is smooth through the plains and becomes a winding, beautiful ascent after Rishikesh, offering a fantastic Himalayan road trip experience.
• Bus Services: Direct buses (both government and private operators) run from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to major towns like Rishikesh, Chamba, and New Tehri, providing an affordable and regular travel option for visiting the Tehri Dam and Lake.

Best Time to Visit: Water Sports and Clear Views

Tehri Garhwal's diverse altitude means it offers something special almost year-round, but the best time depends on whether you seek adventure or tranquility.

Peak Season (March to June): Water Sports and Pleasant Climate

• What to Expect: This is the best time to visit Tehri Lake for water sports. The weather is warm and inviting, with temperatures ideal for being on the water (ranging from 18°C to 30°C). The skies are generally clear, and all adventure activities are fully operational.
• Best For: Jet skiing, speed boating, kayaking, and other aquatic adventures at Tehri Lake. The higher altitude areas like Dhanaulti and Kanatal enjoy perfect trekking weather.

Post-Monsoon (September to November): Clear Views and Lush Greenery

• What to Expect: The landscape is revitalized and incredibly lush after the monsoon rains. The most significant feature is the crystal-clear visibility of the majestic Himalayan peaks like Bandarpunch and Gangotri. The weather is crisp and cool, perfect for spiritual treks.
• Best For: Himalayan temple visits (Surkanda Devi, Kunjapuri), photography, and high-altitude trekking like the Panwali Kantha Trek.

Winter (December to February): Snow and Serenity

• What to Expect: Cold temperatures, with some higher areas like Dhanaulti receiving snowfall, turning them into a winter wonderland near Delhi. Tehri Lake remains accessible, offering a peaceful, uncrowded experience.
• Best For: Snow viewing at Dhanaulti and Kanatal, serene lakeside walks, and travelers seeking a quiet, cozy retreat. Water sports may be limited due to the cold, but boating often continues.

History and Legacy: The Submerged Capital

The history of Tehri Garhwal is one of the most compelling and dramatic narratives in modern Indian history, marked by the powerful sacrifice of the old town for national progress.

The Seat of the Garhwal Kingdom

The original town of Tehri was established in 1815 by Sudarshan Shah, who founded the Tehri Garhwal Kingdom (also known as the Shah Dynasty). The town became the capital after the British annexed the eastern part of Garhwal, forcing the King to settle in the western part. For over 150 years, Old Tehri thrived as the cultural and political capital, sitting peacefully at the sacred confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers.

The Mighty Tehri Dam Project

• A Monumental Sacrifice: The construction of the Tehri Dam, one of the tallest dams in the world (260.5 meters), was a colossal engineering feat but came at a profound cost: the complete submergence of the original, historic town of Old Tehri and over 100 surrounding villages.
• Environmental Activism: The project, initiated in 1978, faced decades of fierce opposition, led famously by environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna through the Anti-Tehri Dam Movement. Protests centered on the immense environmental risks (the dam sits in a seismic zone) and the displacement of thousands of inhabitants, demanding better compensation and a safer design.
• The New Capital: In a massive resettlement effort, the residents of Old Tehri were relocated to the newly constructed, planned hill town of New Tehri, perched on a ridge overlooking the vast reservoir that replaced their ancestral home. The new town, built with modern infrastructure, now serves as the administrative headquarters.

Today, the sprawling blue waters of the reservoir, known as Tehri Lake, are a constant, visible reminder of the powerful history and the cultural loss and gain associated with the Tehri Dam.

Places to Visit: Confluences, Heights, and Water

Tehri Garhwal offers a fantastic mix of pilgrimage, panoramic views, and the central attraction: the largest man-made lake in India.

1. The Tehri Lake and New Tehri Hub

• Tehri Lake (Tehri Dam Reservoir): The crown jewel of the district. This massive, deep-blue reservoir, spanning over 42 sq. km, is not only a source of hydroelectric power but a premier adventure water sports destination in North India. The sheer scale of the lake against the backdrop of the Aravalli and Himalayan foothills is truly mesmerizing.
• New Tehri: The modern, administrative capital built on a hill overlooking the lake. It is a well-planned town that serves as the main tourist base, offering resorts, hotels, and all logistical support for visiting the dam and lake.
• Tehri Dam Viewpoint: The dam structure itself is a marvel of engineering. Visitors can drive to designated viewpoints around Koti to grasp the sheer height and scale of the rock and earth-fill dam.

2. High Altitude Spiritual Treks

• Surkanda Devi Temple: Located near Dhanaulti at an altitude of 2,757 meters, this is one of the most revered temples and part of the holy Devi Darshan circuit. It requires an easy trek (around 1.5 km) from the road head. The temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Greater Himalayas (including Nanda Devi) and the vast Doon Valley below. This is a must-do for spiritual treks in Tehri Garhwal.
• Kunjapuri Devi Temple: Also a Shakti Peeth and part of the same circuit, this temple sits atop a hill offering one of the most spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayan peaks like Swarga Rohini, Gangotri, and Chaukhamba. It is a short drive from Rishikesh and a rewarding visit.
• Sem Mukhem Nagraja Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Nagraja (the King of Snakes, a form of Lord Krishna). Located at a high altitude, it requires a short 2 km trek from the road head. It is a major pilgrimage spot, especially for local Garhwali devotees, and provides a secluded, deeply authentic spiritual experience.

3. Scenic Hill Stations and Confluences

• Dhanaulti: A serene and picturesque hill station, famous for its tranquility and the Eco Park (a preserved patch of deodar and pine forest). Dhanaulti is a popular stop for a peaceful mountain retreat and for enjoying the snow in winter.
• Kanatal: A charming, slightly more offbeat hill station offering captivating views and a peaceful atmosphere. It is known for its pleasant climate and is a base for various adventure and trekking camps.
• Devprayag: This sacred town marks the vital confluence (Prayag) of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, where they officially merge to form the holy Ganga (Ganges) River. It is one of the five sacred confluences (Panch Prayag) and a major pilgrimage center, featuring the famous Raghunathji Temple. Witnessing the distinct colors of the two rivers merging is a powerful experience.

Things To Do: Water Thrills and Trekking Trails

Tehri Garhwal is the perfect combination of adrenaline-pumping activities and quiet, soul-soothing mountain pursuits.

• Water Sports at Tehri Lake: This is the district's biggest draw. The large, deep lake is perfect for a wide range of activities. You can indulge in high-speed thrills with jet skiing and speed boating, or enjoy more leisurely pursuits like kayaking, banana boat rides, and Zorbing. The lake is positioning itself as the Adventure Capital of Uttarakhand Water Sports.
• Trekking the High Passes: The district is the starting point for some legendary Himalayan treks. These include the difficult Khatling Glacier Trek and the more accessible but equally stunning Nag Tibba Trek (a great beginner's trek), which offer spectacular views of the snow line. The Panwali Kantha Trek is another popular summer and autumn choice.
• Cable Car Ride in Surkanda Devi: For a smooth and spectacular ascent to the Surkanda Devi Temple, a recently introduced ropeway (cable car) offers stunning aerial views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, making the temple accessible to a wider range of visitors.
• Camping and Glamping: The shores and surrounding hills of Tehri Lake, and the meadows near Kanatal and Dhanaulti, are prime spots for lakeside camping in the Garhwal region, offering a stunning natural backdrop for an overnight stay.
• Yoga and Meditation in Narendranagar: The town of Narendranagar, within the district, is famed for its luxurious and world-class yoga and wellness resorts, leveraging the peace and clean air of the Himalayan foothills for spiritual and health retreats.