Are you looking for a unique and exciting destination to visit in Uttarakhand? If yes, then you should definitely check out New Tehri, a modern hill station with a spectacular lake and dam. New Tehri is not only the district headquarters of Tehri Garhwal, but also a planned town that was built after the old Tehri town was submerged due to the construction of the Tehri Dam. New Tehri offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism that will appeal to all kinds of travellers.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about New Tehri, its attractions, activities, and how to plan your trip.
Tehri Dam and Lake
One of the main attractions of New Tehri is the Tehri Dam and Lake, which is Asia’s largest and highest dam and one of the world’s largest hydroelectric projects. The dam is built on the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers, and has a height of 260.5 m and a length of 575 m. The dam not only provides electricity, irrigation, and flood control to the region, but also creates a massive reservoir that covers an area of 42 sq km. The lake offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests, and is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy boating, rafting, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, banana boat ride, and more on the lake. You can also stay in one of the floating cottages that are available on the lake, which offer a novel and memorable experience.
Places to Visit in and around New Tehri
New Tehri is also a base for exploring some of the popular places to visit in and around the town. Some of these places are:
Surkanda Devi Temple: This is a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati, located at an altitude of 3030 m. The temple is accessible by a 2 km trek from Kaddukhal village, which is about 22 km from New Tehri. The temple offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, etc. The temple is also one of the 51 Shaktipeethas, where the head of Goddess Sati fell after her self-immolation.
Kunjapuri Temple: This is another Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Sati, located at an altitude of 1645 m. The temple is about 25 km from New Tehri, and can be reached by road or by a 3 km trek from Hindola Khal village. The temple offers scenic views of the sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas, as well as the Ganga river valley. The temple is also one of the 52 Shaktipeethas, where the chest of Goddess Sati fell after her self-immolation.
Devprayag: This is the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, forming the Ganga river. Devprayag is considered as one of the five sacred Prayags (confluences) in Uttarakhand, and has a number of temples and ashrams on its banks. Devprayag is about 70 km from New Tehri, and can be reached by road.
Chamba: This is a picturesque hill station with lush green meadows, pine forests, apple orchards, and majestic views of the Himalayas. Chamba is about 18 km from New Tehri, and can be reached by road. Chamba is an ideal place for relaxing and rejuvenating in nature’s lap.
Kanatal: This is a serene and secluded hill station with dense forests, rich flora and fauna, and adventure activities like paragliding and skiing. Kanatal is about 38 km from New Tehri, and can be reached by road. Kanatal is a perfect place for enjoying some thrill and adventure in the hills.
Things to Do in New Tehri
New Tehri has something for everyone when it comes to things to do. Some of the fun and adventurous things to do in New Tehri are:
Trekking and Camping: If you love hiking and camping, then New Tehri has plenty of options for you. You can explore the natural beauty and diversity of New Tehri by trekking to various destinations like Surkanda Devi Temple, Dhanaulti Eco Park, Kodia Jungle, etc. You can also enjoy camping under the stars in the midst of nature at places like Kanatal Camp, Camp Carnival, etc.
Paragliding and Skiing: If you are looking for some adrenaline rush, then you can try paragliding or skiing in Kanatal. You can experience the thrill of flying in the sky by paragliding over the scenic landscapes of Kanatal. You can also enjoy skiing on the snow-covered slopes of Kanatal during winters. There are several operators that offer these activities in Kanatal, such as Kanatal Adventure Camp, Kanatal Heights, etc.
Attending the Tehri Lake Festival: If you want to witness the culture, cuisine, and adventure of Uttarakhand, then you should not miss the annual Tehri Lake Festival. The festival is held in February or March every year, and showcases a variety of events and activities on the banks of the lake. You can witness cultural performances, musical concerts, exhibitions, competitions, etc. You can also participate in water sports, yoga, meditation, etc. The festival attracts thousands of tourists and locals every year, and is a great way to experience the spirit of Uttarakhand.
Best Time to Visit New Tehri
New Tehri has a pleasant weather throughout the year, and can be visited anytime. However, the best time to visit New Tehri depends on your preferences and interests. Here are some suggestions for different seasons:
Summer (April to June): This is the ideal time to visit New Tehri if you want to escape the heat and enjoy the cool breeze of the hills. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C, and the sky is clear and sunny. You can enjoy sightseeing, water sports, trekking, camping, etc. in this season. You can also attend the Tehri Lake Festival in this season.
Monsoon (July to September): This is the time when New Tehri receives moderate to heavy rainfall, and the landscape becomes lush green and vibrant. The temperature ranges from 12°C to 25°C, and the air is fresh and humid. You can enjoy the beauty of nature, waterfalls, rainbows, etc. in this season. However, you should be careful of landslides and roadblocks in this season.
Winter (October to March): This is the time when New Tehri experiences cold and chilly weather, and sometimes snowfall. The temperature ranges from 5°C to 20°C, and the atmosphere is foggy and misty. You can enjoy skiing, paragliding, bonfires, etc. in this season. You can also witness some festivals like Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, etc. in this season.
How to Reach New Tehri
New Tehri is well-connected by road to different parts of India. You can reach New Tehri by flight, train or bus from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, etc. Here are some details about how to reach New Tehri:
By Flight: The nearest airport to New Tehri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 93 km away. You can take a flight from Delhi or other cities to Dehradun, and then hire a taxi or take a bus to New Tehri. The flight time from Delhi to Dehradun is about an hour, and the road journey from Dehradun to New Tehri takes about 3 hours.
By Train: The nearest railway station to New Tehri is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is about 76 km away. You can take a train from Delhi or other cities to Rishikesh, and then hire a taxi or take a bus to New Tehri. The train time from Delhi to Rishikesh is about 5 hours, and the road journey from Rishikesh to New Tehri takes about 2 hours.
By Road: New Tehri is well-connected by road to various cities and towns in Uttarakhand and nearby states. You can take a bus or drive your own vehicle to New Tehri from different places like Delhi (300 km), Dehradun (93 km), Haridwar (105 km), Rishikesh (76 km), Mussoorie (77 km), Chamba (18 km), Dhanaulti (42 km), Kanatal (38 km), etc.
Where to Stay in New Tehri
New Tehri has a range of accommodation options for different budgets and tastes. You can choose from budget hotels, luxury resorts, guest houses, homestays, etc. that offer comfortable and convenient stay facilities. Some of the features and amenities that make them suitable for travellers are:
Budget Hotels: These are affordable hotels that offer basic facilities like clean rooms, attached bathrooms, hot water, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. Some of the budget hotels in New Tehri are Hotel Hill View, Hotel Classic Hill View, Hotel Shubham, Hotel Tehri Himalaya Residency, etc.
Luxury Resorts: These are upscale resorts that offer premium facilities like spacious rooms, balconies, views, swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant, bar, etc. Some of the luxury resorts in New Tehri are The Tehri Retreat, The Hermitage Kanatal, The Terraces Kanatal, Amritara Raga on the Ganges, etc.
Guest Houses: These are homely and cozy places that offer decent facilities like comfortable rooms, common areas, home-cooked food, etc. Some of the guest houses in New Tehri are GMVN Tourist Bungalow New Tehri, GMVN Tourist Bungalow Chamba, GMVN Tourist Bungalow Kanatal, etc.
Homestays: These are private homes that offer a personal and authentic experience of staying with a local family. You can enjoy the hospitality, culture, and cuisine of the hosts, as well as interact with them and learn more about their lives. Some of the homestays in New Tehri are Himalayan Eco Lodges and Camps Kanatal, Himalayan Roots Kanatal, The Goat Village Kanatal, etc.
Conclusion
New Tehri is a modern hill station with a spectacular lake and dam that offers a unique and exciting destination to visit in Uttarakhand. You can enjoy the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism of New Tehri and its surroundings. You can also find a variety of accommodation options to suit your budget and taste.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to New Tehri today and experience its beauty and charm.
