About Tehri Dam
Opening Hours: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Offline
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh railway station, about 80 km away
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, about 85 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Bus stop New Tehri, 17 km away
Tehri Dam is India's tallest dam and one of the tallest earth-rock embankments in the world, and one of the best places to visit in Tehri. It rises 260 m above the Bhagirathi River and is a beautiful combination of human engineering and Himalayan grandeur. Tehri Lake, its huge reservoir, covers about 50 km² and is surrounded by forested slopes and alpine peaks. It's a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Visitors can glide across the emerald-blue waters on motorboats or paddleboats. They can also get their adrenaline pumping with jet skiing, speed boating, banana rides, water skiing, kayaking, and canoeing. The dam, lake, and rugged Garhwal ranges are all visible from the air in a hot-air balloon or while paragliding. Trails around the dam are great for hikers and campers, especially for bonfires under the stars.
The botanical garden by the lake and the cultural markets and temples in New Tehri are peaceful places to relax after all the excitement. Every year, the Tehri Lake festivals bring music, aerial stunts, and water sports to the area. Tehri Dam is best between April and June. It's a great place to escape and experience the beauty of engineering and the thrill of the Himalayas.
Tehri Dam Highlights
• Marvel at Tehri Dam, India’s tallest embankment dam, soaring 260.5 m above the Bhagirathi River, a monumental fusion of engineering and Himalayan majesty.
• Traverse the expanse of Tehri Lake, formed by the dam’s 50 km² reservoir, reflecting pine‑clad slopes and Himalayan peaks.
• Immerse in aerial adventure, with paragliding or parasailing overhead, revealing breathtaking bird’s‑eye perspectives of the dam, bridge, and mountainous landscape.
• Witness eco‑engineering and power legacy, a multipurpose hydro complex generating 1,000 MW, with pumped storage and robust flood‑control design.
How To Reach Tehri Dam
By car/taxi: The Tehri Dam is about 14 km away from the Tehri city centre via NH 707A. It will take you about 30 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Tehri Dam
Peak Season (March–June & September–November):
- Weather Insights: Clear skies, minimal rainfall. Spring: 10-30 °C; autumn: 10-25 °C
- Things to Do: Enjoy full access to water sports, trek from Tehri to Dhanaulti
Moderate Season (December–February):
- Weather Insights: Cool, crisp air, with daytime around 5-20 °C, nights near 0 °C; occasional light snowfall.
- Things to do: Scenic walks, lakeside photography, sunrise/sunset viewing
Low Season (July–August):
- Weather Insights: Frequent rain, temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C, humid and overcast conditions
- Things to do: Enjoy lush greenery, nature photography
Tehri Dam Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Follow the safety protocols while boating and wear a life jacket while riding on a boat.
- Check the weather forecast beforehand, as some activities may be restricted during rain.
- Follow safety protocols, ensure your safety, and the safety of people around you.
- Don't throw your trash in the water; collect it and dispose of it in designated bins.
- Carry your water bottle and sunscreen, as it might get hot.
- Respect the ecosystem and don't harm the environment in any way.
- Don’t take pictures or videos without prior permission from the authority.
Embark on Banana‑Boat & Sofa Inflatable Rides
Get on a banana boat or "sofa" raft with a group of people and ride the waves at thrilling speeds. Under the Himalayan ridges, you can expect splashes, laughter, and sudden flips. Great for families and friends who want to have a lot of fun while enjoying the beautiful views of the forested slopes around Tehri Lake.
Try Paragliding & Parasailing Over the Reservoir
Take off into the sky over Tehri Lake for stunning views from above. Paragliding or parasailing trips give you a bird's-eye view of the dam, the Himalayan peaks, and the impressive Dobra–Chanti suspension bridge below. It's like seeing this mountain-water wonderland from above.
Traverse the Dobra–Chanti Suspension Bridge
The longest single-lane motorable suspension bridge in India, it is 725 m long and 80 m above Tehri Lake. Built between 2006 and 2009, it cut down on the distance people had to go. During the day, you'll see engineering against blue water. At night, the bridge lights up in different colours, drawing crowds.
Partake in Water Sports & Motor‑Boats
You can glide along the turquoise waters of Tehri Lake in motorboats, kayaks, or paddleboards. Each offers a different way to connect with the scenery. Boats go under the bridge, which raises the dam's view from the lakeside and makes ripples that reflect the pine-covered mountains around it.
Tourism Board Alliances
Tehri Dam FAQs
What makes the Tehri Dam unique?
At 260.5 m, Tehri Dam is India's tallest dam and one of the tallest rock-and-earth fill embankments in the world. It has a 52 km² reservoir that can hold 1,000 MW of hydropower (plus pumped storage), and it provides water for irrigation and for the city. This is a huge infrastructure project that serves many purposes.
Which seasons are best for visiting the Tehri Dam?
April to June and September to November are the best times because the weather is nice, the lake is full, and water and aerial sports are always available. In the winter, you can see beautiful, cold views and maybe even ruins that are underwater. In the summer, from July to August, there is a risk of landslides and other activities.
What activities can tourists enjoy?
Adventure seekers can indulge in boating, jet-skiing, parasailing, kayaking, water zorbing, hot-air ballooning, trekking, rock climbing, zip-lining, and camping. Dobra–Chanti suspension bridge and floating huts provide added sightseeing charm.
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