A modern town and the headquarters of the Tehri-Garhwal district, New Tehri is an adventure tourism hub. Overlooking the massive Tehri Lake and dam, the well-planned town draws tourists, who come here for its natural beauty and the opportunity to enjoy innumerable water sports in the lake. The dam is the highest of its kind in India and is regarded among the world's largest hydroelectric projects. It stands on the Bhagirathi River.
Tehri (also referred to as Old Tehri now) was a small town situated at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers in Uttarakhand. It was the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Garhwal. This town was submerged under the lake formed during the construction of the Tehri dam. The residents were relocated to New Tehri.
New Tehri is perched high on a hill and offers the serenity of a hill station. Surrounded by beautiful temples and dense forests, and set against soaring Himalayan peaks, New Tehri is an ideal vacation spot. Several adventure events are organised here throughout the year like the Acro Festival featuring international paragliding athletes.
When to Visit New Tehri
New Tehri enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year although the best time for a visit is between April to June and October to December, when it receives snow.
Attractions
Kunjapuri
Kunjapuri is a peak that is home to the Kunjapuri Temple, one of the most revered sites in the Tehri district. This temple is not only popular, but the peak also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayan mountains. From Kunjapuri, you can see several snow-covered peaks, including Swargarohini, Gangotri, Banderpunch, and Chaukhamba, as well as the valley of the Bhagirathi River. In the distance, you can catch glimpses of Rishikesh, Haridwar, and even the Doon Valley.
Gautam Rishi's Temple
This is a sacred site, where it is said Gautam Rishi, a sage and a devotee of Lord Shiva, had resided. Peaceful and surrounded by forest, the temple draws devotees and tourists, who come here to meditate. There is a lake nearby where devotees take a dip.
Chamba, Uttarakhand
Just 11 km away from New Tehri, nestled amidst dense forests, lies the town of Chamba. Set an elevation of 1,600 m, it is a serene and unpolluted hill-town offering scintillating views of the snow-capped mountains and the deep and lush Bhagirathi valley.
Tehri Dam
The Tehri dam is nestled in the pine-covered hills of Tehri Garhwal. The dam is built on the Bhagirathi river and is considered to be the tallest dam in India. It also finds a place amongst the five highest dams in the world. An engineering marvel, the dam can generate 2,400 MW of power and it also provides water for drinking and irrigation. A viewing point near the Bhagirathipuram bus stop offers a majestic view of the entire dam.
Buda Kedar
Around 59 km from New Tehri, stands the old Shiva temple of Buda Kedar (Old Kedar). Located at the confluence of Dharam Ganga and Bal Ganga rivers, Buda Kedar is believed to be the spot where Duryodhan from the epic Mahabharata had offered tarpana ( a water ritual). It is also a birdwatcher's paradise.
Sem Mukhem
Situated at a height of 2903 m and around 60 km away from New Tehri, the Sem Mukhem temple is dedicated to the snake god. To reach the temple you have to trek around 7 km from Khamba Khal.
Devalsari Village
Just 10 km away is the Devalsari village, which serves as the base camp for the Nag Tibba trek. While for trekkers, this quaint village is the base of the trek, you can also experience unspoilt rural life here.
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