New Tehri is the municipal board and administrative headquarters of the Tehri Garhwal District. Situated at an altitude of 5,740 feet, it was established after the submergence of Old Tehri Town. The town is also famous as the site of Chipko movement, led by Sundar Lal Bahuguna, to protest against the construction of the dam. New Tehri is known for its beauty, rich culture, religious sites, and scenic vistas. It is surrounded by some popular tourist destinations that attract numerous travellers throughout the year. Prominent places which are usually
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New Tehri is the municipal board and administrative headquarters of the Tehri Garhwal District. Situated at an altitude of 5,740 feet, it was established after the submergence of Old Tehri Town. The town is also famous as the site of Chipko movement, led by Sundar Lal Bahuguna, to protest against the construction of the dam. New Tehri is known for its beauty, rich culture, religious sites, and scenic vistas. It is surrounded by some popular tourist destinations that attract numerous travellers throughout the year. Prominent places which are usually thronged with the tourists are Kunjapuri Temple, Mahasar Taal, Sehtra Taal, Chandrabadani Devi, Khatling Glacier and others. The town offers pleasant weather throughout the year, except in winters when one can experience extreme cold.
Tehri City
Located just 104 km from Dehradun ISBT and 73 km from Rishikesh bus terminal, New Tehri town can be accessed easily by road. Nestled in the foothills of Himalayas, Tehri awestruck beauty attracts visitors from far and wide. The dizziness felt during the journey, thanks to its serpentine road, vanishes once you reach the place. Now the town is making its way into list of top hill stations in Uttarakhand.
Set against the backdrop of soaring Himalayas, New Tehri is encircled with various temples, dense forest, and gigantic Bhagirathi river, making it an ideal destination. The Tehri Lake festival, usually celebrated in December every year, is gaining popularity among the adventure enthusiasts.
History of Tehri City
Tehri Garhwal, the city of Royal families, known for its princely state ruled by the Parmar Shah dynasty. Over the years, Tehri has experienced a lot and undergone significant changes. After independence, the people began opposing the monarchial rule of the Tehri State. Due to this, the 60th King of Tehri Riyasat, King Manvendra Shah, accepted the jurisdiction of the Indian government and merged the district with Uttar Pradesh. With its vast history, Tehri is known for its rich cultural heritage.
Tehri Lake
The Old Tehri Town, now known as the Tehri Lake, is one the main attractions of the city. Being the capital of Garhwal division, the Old Tehri Town was nestled at the confluence of two mighty rivers, Bhilangana and Bhagirathi. However, after the construction of Tehri Dam, the town was submerged under the lake. The Tehri Dam is now considered as the highest in India and largest hydroelectric project in the world. The residents of this town were relocated to New Tehri, which is considered the most planned city in Garhwal.
Located just 13 km away from the new town, the dam offers a variety of thrilling water sports, making it a hub for adventure lovers. Every city is often recognized not just for its beauty but also for its locals. The warm hearted locals of Tehri are such a gem, that further enhances its charm. The hospitality is truly unique which is hard to find elsewhere.
Activities in Tehri Dam
In recent times, Tehri has emerged as a hub for water sporting events. Visitors can indulge in several activities to pimp their adrenaline. Some exciting activities that you can enjoy are : -
- Trekking : - Adventure enthusiasts who love trekking will be excited to know that there are many scenic trails in Tehri such as Bhatwadi Forest Trail, Chandrabani Peak, Panwadlikantha Meadows, Sem Mukhem Temple Trek, and Surkanda Devi Temple Trek.
- Camping : - If you love camping, then Tehri won't let you down. Near the Lake, several operators offer camping facilities. Camping in Tehri offers the breathtaking view of nature, especially at dusk and dawn. If you want to experience the true beauty of the Himalayas, Camping near the Tehri Lake will be an ideal choice.
- Boating : - Visitors can choose from various types of boating services in Tehri Lake, such as Pedal Boating, Chappu Boat ride etc.
- Banana Ride : - Well this is something unique, as the name suggests the ride is banana shaped, tugged by a speed boat. During the ride, you will be flipped into the water for a thrilling experience.
- Zorbing : - In this activity, you will roll around in an orb (which is a transparent plastic) in the water. You can do acrobatic moves inside the orb without getting wet.
- Scuba Diving : - If you want to explore the underwater world of Tehri Dam, scuba diving is the best option.
- Water Jet Skiing : - Among all water sports, it is one of the most popular water sports in Tehri Dam, which gives you an exhilarating experience to race across the lake at high speed.
- Parasailing : - Parasailing looks like paragliding but parasailing involves a parachute canopy tied to a speed boat. As the board moves, the canopy ascends in the air, offering a 360 degree aerial view of the lake.
- Paragliding : - Soaring above the largest man made lake while enjoying a panoramic view of Tehri. It is a unique experience for adventure enthusiasts, especially those who have never paraglided over the water before.
- Flyboarding : - This highly admired and captivating sport was recently introduced. Flyboarding is an exciting water sport where you will fly above the water with the help of a Jet powered device called flyboard.
Tehri Lake Cruise Ship
To attract tourism, the authority offers different activities at Tehri Lake. Recently, a cruise ship was tested, which is definitely going to offer a breathtaking view of the lake. Now, you don't need far to experience a thrilling Cruise Ship Journey.
Tehri Floating Huts
Once in your life, Many of you must have dreamt visiting Maldives or Bali to stay in floating huts. If that's a big Yes, then you do not need to travel abroad to experience it because Tehri is now offering floating huts accommodations in India. Le Roi Floating Huts and Eco Rooms offer you an extraordinary stay in the midst of Tehri Lake. These floating huts captivate visitors from afar providing an unparalleled view of the Lake.
Accommodation in Tehri
After Mussoorie and Nainital, Tehri is now becoming the most preferable destination for tourists. In recent years, Tehri tourism has experienced a huge influx of tourists. To accommodate them, Tehri offers a range of stays, from affordable to luxury. Camping, Homestays, hotels, Airbnb, and multiple resorts are ready to welcome you. GMVN also offers lodging facilities to its visitors, which can be booked directly from their website.
Location and Connectivity
Being the municipal board and administrative headquarter of Tehri Garhwal district, the city offers excellent road connectivity. Government buses, private buses, shared taxis and cab facilities are some of the transportation modes to reach the town.
Important Tips for Travellers
- The ideal time to visit this comely place is from March to June and October to December.
- Avoid visiting during monsoon season, as it may bring several challenges.
- When participating in adventure sports, always follow the rules provided by the guide and wear life support jackets.
- Book your accommodation prior and verify the same with the service provider.
- If travelling by personal vehicle, drive cautiously because the hilly terrain can surprise you.
- Before engaging in any water sport, confirm the price and the service included.