Tehri Lake,Uttarakhand
Tehri Lake is a large man-made reservoir created by the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River. It is one of Uttarakhand's most important infrastructural and scenic landmarks — combining hydropower generation, irrigation benefits and a new landscape that has become a center for lakeside and adventure tourism. The lake reshaped the local geography and economy after the dam's construction, creating a unique high-altitude reservoir surrounded by Himalayan foothills.
Places to visit
- Tehri Lake (reservoir) — scenic waterfront for boating, sunsets and photography
- Water sports center — jet-skiing, speed-boats, kayaking and river rafting/organized adventure activities
- New Tehri town — viewpoints, local markets and cafes overlooking the lake
- Tehri Dam viewpoint — panoramic views of the dam and reservoir
- Nearby short treks and hill viewpoints for Himalayan vistas
Unique Aspects
- Expansive man-made lake framed by steep, green Himalayan slopes
- Spectacular sunrise and sunset reflections on the water
- Seasonally changing shoreline — islands and peninsulas appear when water levels fall
- Good birdwatching opportunities around the reservoir edges
- Combination of engineering marvel (dam) and natural scenic beauty
Things to do
- Boating and paddle-boats for relaxed lake exploration
- Motorized water sports: jet-skiing, speed boat rides (book with licensed operators)
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (seasonal, operator-dependent)
- Photography, picnics and lakeside relaxation
- Short nature walks and viewpoint visits around New Tehri
- Day trips to nearby temples, hill villages and small treks in the Garhwal foothills
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to November — pleasant weather, clear skies and ideal conditions for boating and outdoor activities. Winters (December–February) are cold and can be foggy; monsoon (July–August) brings heavy rain and higher water levels which may limit some activities.
Weather Conditions
Temperate to cool mountain-climate. Summers are mild to warm during the day and cool at night. Winters can be chilly, often near or below freezing at night. Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and slippery roads.
Accessibility
Tehri Lake is reachable by road from major Uttarakhand gateways. Nearest major airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun). Nearest railheads: Dehradun or Rishikesh (road transfer required). Road travel time: typically a few hours from Dehradun/Rishikesh depending on traffic and weather. New Tehri serves as the primary stay base with local roads to lake viewpoints and water-sport operators.
Recommended Duration
1–2 days for a lakeside getaway with water sports; 3–4 days if combining visits to nearby hill towns, temples and light treks.
Clothing & Gear Tips
Layered clothing (mornings/evenings can be cold), light rain jacket in monsoon, sunscreen and hat for daytime, comfortable shoes for walking, and a spare set of clothes if doing water sports.
Local Food & Souvenirs
Try local Garhwali dishes (home-style dals, kafuli, local breads) at eateries in New Tehri. Souvenirs include local woolens, handicrafts, regional honey and herbal products.
