Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a place that combines the thrill of adventure with the awe of engineering? A place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the power of technology at the same time? A place where you can witness one of the largest and highest dams in the world and indulge in some of the most exciting water sports in India?
If yes, then you should definitely plan a trip to Tehri Dam in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. Tehri Dam is not only a hydroelectric project that generates electricity for millions of people, but also a tourist attraction that offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Tehri Dam, its history, its features, its benefits, and its attractions. We will also give you some tips on how to reach Tehri Dam, when to visit it, what to see near it, and what to expect from it. By the end of this article, you will be convinced that Tehri Dam is a spectacular destination for adventure and engineering lovers and that you should visit it soon.
History and Development of Tehri Dam
Tehri Dam is a marvel of engineering that took decades to build and faced many challenges and controversies along the way. The idea of building a dam on the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers was first proposed in 1961 by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. However, it took several years of feasibility studies, environmental assessments, design modifications, and political negotiations before the construction of the dam began in 1978.
The construction of Tehri Dam was not an easy task. It involved displacing thousands of people from their homes, submerging hundreds of villages and temples, cutting down forests, diverting rivers, blasting rocks, and building tunnels. It also faced opposition from environmentalists, activists, locals, and religious groups who protested against the dam for various reasons. Some of the issues raised by the opponents were:
The dam would affect the natural flow and quality of the Ganga river, which is considered sacred by Hindus
The dam would pose a threat to the biodiversity and ecology of the region
The dam would increase the risk of earthquakes and landslides in the seismic zone
The dam would not provide adequate compensation and rehabilitation to the affected people
Despite these challenges and controversies, Tehri Dam was completed in 2006 after 28 years of construction. It is one of the largest and highest dams in the world, with a height of 260 meters (850 feet) and a length of 575 meters (1,886 feet). It has a reservoir capacity of 4.0 billion cubic meters (1.06 trillion gallons) and a power generation capacity of 2,400 megawatts. It serves multiple purposes such as:
Generating electricity for millions of people in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh
Controlling floods in the downstream areas
Providing irrigation water for thousands of hectares of land
Promoting tourism and recreation in the region
Tehri Dam is a testament to the vision and determination of the engineers, workers, planners, and leaders who made it possible. It is also a symbol of the balance between development and conservation that is essential for sustainable growth.
Activities and Sports at Tehri Lake
One of the most attractive features of Tehri Dam is Tehri Lake, which is formed by the reservoir of the dam. Tehri Lake is not only a scenic spot that offers stunning views of the Himalayas, but also a hotspot of adventure tourism that offers a range of activities and sports for visitors who love thrill and fun. Some of the activities and sports that you can enjoy at Tehri Lake are:
Boating:
You can take a leisurely ride on a boat or a cruise on Tehri Lake and admire the beauty of nature and the engineering marvel that surrounds you. You can also rent a houseboat or a floating hut and stay overnight on the lake.
Jet skiing:
You can experience the adrenaline rush of jet skiing on Tehri Lake and feel the wind on your face as you zoom across the water. You can also try other water scooters such as banana boats or bumper boats for more fun.
Water zorbing:
You can try water zorbing, which is a unique activity that involves rolling on the water inside a transparent plastic ball. You can also try water walking, which is similar to water zorbing but without the rolling.
Rafting:
You can challenge yourself with rafting on the rapids of the Bhagirathi river, which flows from Tehri Dam. You can also try kayaking or canoeing for a more relaxing experience.
Paragliding:
You can soar in the sky with paragliding and get a bird’s eye view of Tehri Dam and Tehri Lake. You can also try paramotoring, which is similar to paragliding but with a motorized propeller.
These are just some of the activities and sports that you can enjoy at Tehri Lake. There are many more options available for you to explore and discover. You can book these activities and sports online or through local operators. The prices, timings, and availability may vary depending on the season and demand. You can also find instructors and guides who can help you with the safety and equipment.
Tehri Lake is a paradise for adventure lovers who want to experience something new and exciting. It is also a great place for family and friends who want to have some fun and create some memories together.
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How to Reach Tehri Dam
Tehri Dam is located in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Delhi, the capital of India. You can reach Tehri Dam by road, train, or flight from different cities and modes of transportation.
By Road
The most convenient way to reach Tehri Dam by road is to take a bus or a taxi from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar. There are many private and government buses that ply regularly between these cities and Tehri Dam. The bus fare may range from 300 to 800 rupees ($4 to $11) depending on the type and distance of the bus. The taxi fare may range from 3,000 to 6,000 rupees ($40 to $80) depending on the type and distance of the taxi.
The road journey to Tehri Dam may take 6 to 10 hours depending on the traffic and weather conditions. The road is well-maintained and scenic, passing through hills, valleys, forests, and rivers. However, it may also be winding and narrow at some places, so be prepared for some bumps and turns along the way.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Tehri Dam is Rishikesh, which is about 75 kilometers (47 miles) away. You can take a train from Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar, or other major cities to Rishikesh. There are many trains that run daily between these cities and Rishikesh. The train fare may range from 100 to 500 rupees ($1 to $7) depending on the class and distance of the train.
The train journey to Rishikesh may take 4 to 8 hours depending on the speed and stops of the train. The train is comfortable and economical, offering different classes of seats and berths. However, it may also be crowded and noisy at some times, so be prepared for some hustle and bustle along the way.
From Rishikesh, you can take a bus or a taxi to Tehri Dam as mentioned above.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Tehri Dam is Dehradun, which is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away. You can take a flight from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or other major cities to Dehradun. There are many flights that operate daily between these cities and Dehradun. The flight fare may range from 2,000 to 10,000 rupees ($27 to $135) depending on the airline and distance of the flight.
The flight journey to Dehradun may take 1 to 2 hours depending on the speed and stops of the flight. The flight is fast and convenient, offering different classes of seats and services.
However, it may also be expensive and subject to weather conditions, so be prepared for some changes and delays along the way. From Dehradun, you can take a bus or a taxi to Tehri Dam as mentioned above.
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Best Time to Visit Tehri Dam
Tehri Dam can be visited throughout the year as it has a pleasant climate in all seasons. However, the best time to visit Tehri Dam depends on your preference and purpose of visit.
If you want to avoid visiting Tehri Dam, then the worst time to visit Tehri Dam is from July to August. These are the monsoon months when the weather is wet and humid, causing landslides and floods in the region. The temperature may range from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F) during these months, but the humidity may make it feel hotter and uncomfortable. These are also the risky seasons when Tehri Dam may face some operational issues or emergencies due to the heavy rainfall and water level.
Therefore, depending on your preference and purpose, you can choose the best time to visit Tehri Dam and plan your trip accordingly. However, no matter when you visit, make sure to check the weather forecast and the dam status before you go and follow the safety guidelines and rules while you are there.
Places to See Near Tehri Dam
Tehri Dam is not only a destination in itself, but also a gateway to many other places that you can explore while you are in the region.
There are many nearby places that offer different attractions and experiences for tourists who want to see more of Uttarakhand and its culture, nature, and history. Some of the places that you can see near Tehri Dam are:
Chamba:
Chamba is a small town that is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Tehri Dam. It is known for its picturesque views of the Himalayas and the Bhagirathi river. It is also a popular spot for camping, trekking, and birdwatching. You can visit some of the temples and monuments in Chamba, such as Surkanda Devi Temple, Chandrabadni Temple, Raja Sahil Verman Palace, etc.
Devprayag:
Devprayag is a holy town that is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Tehri Dam. It is the place where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet and form the Ganga river. It is considered one of the five sacred confluences or prayags in Uttarakhand. You can visit some of the temples and ghats in Devprayag, such as Raghunathji Temple, Dashrathshila Temple, Sangam Ghat, etc.
Dhanaulti:
Dhanaulti is a hill station that is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Tehri Dam. It is known for its serene and scenic environment and its pleasant climate throughout the year. It is also a great place for adventure activities such as zip-lining, rappelling, rock climbing, etc. You can visit some of the attractions in Dhanaulti, such as Eco Park, Surkanda Devi Temple, Potato Farm, etc.
Mussoorie:
Mussoorie is a famous hill station that is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Tehri Dam. It is known as the Queen of Hills for its beauty and charm. It is also a popular destination for honeymooners, families, and celebrities. You can visit some of the attractions in Mussoorie, such as Kempty Falls, Lal Tibba, Gun Hill, Mall Road, etc.
These are just some of the places that you can see near Tehri Dam. There are many more options available for you to explore and discover. You can access these places from Tehri Dam by road or by bus or by taxi. The distance and time required may vary depending on the traffic and weather conditions.
Tehri Dam is a spectacular destination for adventure and engineering lovers who want to experience something new and exciting. It is also a place where you can learn more about the history and development of one of the largest and highest dams in the world and its impacts on the region and the people. It is also a place where you can enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility of nature and the power of technology at the same time.
If you are looking for a unique and memorable trip that will leave you amazed and inspired, then you should definitely visit Tehri Dam soon. You will not regret it.
We hope this article has given you all the information you need to plan your trip to Tehri Dam. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.
And if you have already visited Tehri Dam or are planning to visit it soon, please share your experiences with us on Tripoto. We would love to see your photos and videos and read your stories.
