New Tehri: The City of Dam

Reckoned to be the only planned city in Uttarakhand, New Tehri boasts one of the world’s largest hydroelectricity projects. Adorned by an emerald reservoir that is formed by the cascading of Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers, New Tehri is a beautiful place to see in Uttarakhand. The city is also the headquarters of the Tehri Garhwal District, and thus, seems of more importance to the state. For tourists, apart from its imposing dam, the city offers watersports like jet skiing. There are a few Hindu temples that dot the city and add an aura of spirituality.

The Old Tehri town also lies a short distance away from the city, fully submerged in the water though.

Our New Tehri travel guide is overflowing with information on best places to visit and amazing things to do, which makes it quite essential for the travellers looking for an impeccable travelling experience. Also, handcrafted for you are the varied holiday packages by Tour My India that ensure a vacation unlike any other.

New Tehri: The City of Dam

New Tehri, a scenic town in Uttarakhand, sits at 1,750 meters above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas, renowned as the “City of the Dam” for the colossal Tehri Dam, Asia’s highest dam. Built after the submersion of Old Tehri by the Tehri Lake, New Tehri blends modern planning with natural beauty, offering stunning views of the Bhagirathi River and Himalayan peaks. Located 80 km from Dehradun and 320 km from Delhi, it’s an emerging destination for weekend getaways, attracting adventure seekers, nature lovers, and pilgrims. Famous for water sports, trekking, and temples, New Tehri is a gateway to the Char Dham Yatra. This guide covers all New Tehri tourist places, adventure activities, best time to visit, hotels, and travel tips for your New Tehri tour.

Why Visit New Tehri?

New Tehri offers a unique mix of modern engineering and Himalayan charm. The Tehri Dam, a marvel at 260.5 meters, creates a vast Tehri Lake perfect for boating and water sports. The town’s serene lakeside views, lush forests, and proximity to spiritual sites like Surkanda Devi Temple draw diverse travelers. Adventure enthusiasts enjoy trekking, camping, and jet skiing, while families love the calm vibes and Garhwali culture. With its planned layout, vibrant markets, and nearby attractions like Dhanaulti (30 km) and Rishikesh (75 km), New Tehri is ideal for relaxation and exploration. A New Tehri tour promises a refreshing escape with a blend of nature and adventure.

Top New Tehri Tourist Places

New Tehri is rich with tourist places, from engineering marvels to spiritual and natural gems. Here are the must-visit attractions:

  1. Tehri Dam (New Tehri) Asia’s tallest dam at 260.5 meters, Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River offers stunning lake views and guided tours (₹150). It’s the centerpiece of New Tehri tourist places.

  2. Tehri Lake (New Tehri) The vast reservoir formed by Tehri Dam, Tehri Lake spans 42 sq km, ideal for boating, jet skiing, and picnics. It’s a scenic New Tehri tourist place.

  3. Surkanda Devi Temple (Near New Tehri) A sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, 33 km from New Tehri at 2,750 meters, reachable by a 2-km trek. It offers Himalayan views and is a spiritual New Tehri tourist place.

  4. Devprayag (Near New Tehri) Located 45 km from New Tehri, this sangam (confluence) of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers forms the Ganga. It’s a serene New Tehri tourist place for pilgrims.

  5. Chandrabadni Temple (Near New Tehri) A temple dedicated to Goddess Sati, 40 km from New Tehri at 2,277 meters, reachable by a short trek. It’s a peaceful New Tehri tourist place with panoramic views.

  6. Sem Mukhem Nag Temple (Near New Tehri) A revered temple dedicated to the Serpent God, 15 km from New Tehri, it’s a cultural New Tehri tourist place amidst forests.

  7. Eco Park (New Tehri) A green park in New Tehri town, offering Himalayan views, walking paths, and picnic spots. It’s a family-friendly New Tehri tourist place (entry: ₹20).

  8. Dhanaulti (Near New Tehri) A hill station 30 km from New Tehri, Dhanaulti features pine forests, Eco Parks, and Himalayan views. It’s a relaxing New Tehri tourist place.

  9. Kanatal (Near New Tehri) A quaint village 40 km from New Tehri, Kanatal offers camping, trekking, and apple orchards. It’s an offbeat New Tehri tourist place.

  10. Budha Kedar (Near New Tehri) A spiritual site 30 km from New Tehri, home to an ancient Shiva temple at the confluence of Bal Ganga and Dharma Ganga. It’s a tranquil New Tehri tourist place.

Adventure Activities in New Tehri

New Tehri offers thrilling adventure activities around Tehri Lake and the Garhwal Himalayas:

  • Boating and Water Sports: Enjoy boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and banana boat rides on Tehri Lake (₹300–₹1,500 per activity), with guided sessions by the lake.

  • Trekking: Hike to Surkanda Devi Temple (2 km, easy), Chandrabadni Temple (1.5 km, moderate), or Nag Tibba (60 km, moderate) for Himalayan views.

  • Camping: Pitch tents by Tehri Lake, Kanatal, or Dhanaulti for stargazing and mountain views (₹1,500–₹3,500 per night).

  • Paragliding: Soar over Dhanaulti or Kanatal with guided paragliding sessions for panoramic vistas (₹2,500–₹4,000).

  • Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Try guided rock climbing or rappelling in Kanatal or near Tehri Lake (₹1,000–₹2,000).

  • Nature Walks: Stroll through Eco Park or Dhanaulti’s pine forests to enjoy Himalayan scenery and fresh air.

  • Birdwatching: Spot Himalayan birds like monals and eagles in Kanatal or Dhanaulti, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

These adventure activities make New Tehri a dynamic destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

Best Time to Visit New Tehri

The best time to visit New Tehri depends on your preferences:

  • March to June: Summers (15–30°C) are ideal for boating, trekking, and sightseeing, with clear Himalayan views and pleasant weather.

  • September to November: Autumn (10–25°C) offers cool weather, perfect for water sports, camping, and nature walks in Dhanaulti.

  • December to February: Winters (0–15°C) bring occasional snowfall in higher areas like Kanatal, ideal for cozy hotel stays and snow activities.

  • July to August: Monsoons bring lush greenery but heavy rain and landslides make trekking and water sports risky. Indoor visits to temples are best.

March to June and September to November are peak seasons for a New Tehri tour, balancing adventure and scenic beauty.

How to Reach New Tehri

New Tehri is well-connected, making it an accessible weekend getaway:

  • By Road: New Tehri is 320 km from Delhi (7–8 hours) via NH7 through Haridwar (90 km) and Rishikesh (75 km). Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses, private taxis, or Volvos connect Delhi, Dehradun (80 km), and Rishikesh. The New Tehri-Dehradun road is scenic but winding.

  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (75 km), with trains like Yoga Express from Delhi. Haridwar (90 km) has major trains like Shatabdi Express, followed by taxis or buses to New Tehri (2–3 hours).

  • By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (85 km) offers daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Taxis or buses reach New Tehri in 2.5–3 hours.

Note: Check road conditions in winter for snowfall and monsoons for landslides.

New Tehri Hotels and Travel Tips

New Tehri hotels range from budget guesthouses (₹800–₹2,000) in New Tehri town to mid-range resorts like Hotel Tehri or GMVN rest houses (₹1,500–₹4,000). Luxury options in Kanatal or Dhanaulti, like The Terraces (₹6,000–₹12,000), offer lake views. Book early for peak seasons. Travel tips include:

  • Pack warm clothes for winters, trekking shoes, and rain gear for monsoons.

  • Carry cash for local markets; ATMs are limited in New Tehri town.

  • Try Garhwali dishes like kafuli, phaanu, and bal mithai at local eateries or GMVN restaurants.

  • Use local taxis or jeeps for short distances; walking is ideal in New Tehri town.

  • Book Tehri Lake water sports in advance, especially in summer (March–June).

  • Respect local customs at temples like Surkanda Devi; dress modestly and remove shoes.

  • Check snowfall forecasts for winter visits to Kanatal or Dhanaulti.

FAQ's: New Tehri: The City of Dam

Why is New Tehri called the City of the Dam?

New Tehri is named for the Tehri Dam, Asia’s highest dam, which created Tehri Lake and defines the town’s modern identity.

What are the top New Tehri tourist places?

Must-visit New Tehri tourist places include Tehri Dam, Tehri Lake, Surkanda Devi Temple, Devprayag, Chandrabadni Temple, Sem Mukhem Nag Temple, Eco Park, Dhanaulti, Kanatal, and Budha Kedar.

When is the best time to visit New Tehri?

March–June and September–November for water sports and trekking; December–February for snowfall in Kanatal. Avoid monsoons (July–August) due to landslides.

What adventure activities can I do in New Tehri?

Enjoy boating, jet skiing, trekking, camping, paragliding, rock climbing, and birdwatching around Tehri Lake and Dhanaulti.

How do I reach New Tehri by road?

Drive 320 km from Delhi via Rishikesh (7–8 hours), or take buses/taxis from Dehradun (80 km) or Haridwar (90 km).

What’s the nearest railway station to New Tehri?

Rishikesh (75 km), with trains like Yoga Express from Delhi, followed by taxis or buses to New Tehri.

Does New Tehri have snowfall?

Occasional snowfall occurs in December–February, especially in Kanatal or Dhanaulti, ideal for snow activities.

Where can I stay in New Tehri?

New Tehri hotels include guesthouses (₹800–₹2,000), GMVN rest houses, and resorts like The Terraces in Kanatal (₹6,000+). Book early for peak seasons.

What food is famous in New Tehri?

Try Garhwali dishes like kafuli, phaanu, and bal mithai at local eateries or GMVN restaurants.

Is New Tehri safe for families?

Yes, New Tehri is family-friendly with tourist places like Eco Park and Tehri Lake. Stay in well-lit areas and follow safety guidelines.