Everything you need to know before visiting Tehri Dam – history, timings, activities, and how to reach
Standing at a staggering height of 260 meters, the Tehri Dam is not just a dam — it is India’s engineering legacy carved into the Garhwal Himalayas. Recognised as one of the 10 tallest dams in the world and the tallest in Asia, Tehri Dam sits on the mighty Bhagirathi River and generates over 1,000 MW of electricity for northern India.
For travellers visiting New Tehri via clemoraestate.in, the dam is the undisputed centrepiece of any itinerary. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply someone in awe of human achievement, this destination delivers on every count.
History of Tehri Dam
The construction of Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi river submerged the entire Old Tehri town — a settlement rich in history, culture, and religious significance. New Tehri was built as a planned township to rehabilitate the displaced population. Today, the submerged ruins of Old Tehri lie silently beneath the reservoir, giving the lake an eerie yet fascinating history that draws curious travelers from across India.
The project, managed by THDC India Ltd., harnesses water from both the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers — making it a multi-purpose dam serving irrigation, drinking water, and power generation needs of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi.
Things to Do at Tehri Dam
1. Ropeway Ride Across the Reservoir
The ropeway above Tehri Lake offers breathtaking aerial views of the turquoise reservoir, the surrounding Himalayan peaks, and the dam structure itself. This is hands down one of the most scenic ropeway rides in Uttarakhand.
2. Water Sports at Tehri Lake
The reservoir has developed into a premier water sports hub. Jet skiing, speed boating, kayaking, banana rides, and surfing are available at the lake shore. Private operators offer hourly packages for groups and families.
3. Photography & Viewpoints
Multiple viewpoints around the dam offer stunning panoramas. Sunrise from the upper viewpoint when the mist rises above the lake is an experience that no photographer should miss.
How to Reach Tehri Dam
- By Road: Tehri Dam is 13 km from New Tehri town. Regular taxis and shared jeeps are available.
- From Rishikesh: 87 km via NH 94 — approx. 3 hours by road.
- From Dehradun: 110 km — approx. 3.5 hours.
- Nearest Railway: Rishikesh (87 km), Haridwar (96 km).
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (130 km).
Best Time to Visit
- The dam can be visited year-round, but the ideal months are October to June. Monsoon (July–September) can cause landslides on approach roads and water sports are suspended during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Entry to the dam viewpoint is free. However, the ropeway ride and water sports activities are separately charged by the operators.
During summer months when the water level drops slightly, remnants of old structures may be visible near the reservoir edges. However, underwater visibility for divers is limited.
At 260.5 meters, Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India and among the top 10 tallest dams globally. It is taller than the famous Hoover Dam in the USA (221 meters).
Stay close to Tehri Dam — book your comfortable room at Clemora Estate, New Tehri and wake up to Himalayan views every morning.
