Tehri Garhwal, nestled in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas, is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. Known for its scenic lakes, high-altitude temples, peaceful hill stations, and adventure activities, Tehri Garhwal is a blend of nature, spirituality, and thrill.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, family explorer, or trekking enthusiast, Tehri Garhwal tourist places offer an unforgettable experience. From the towering Tehri Dam to the peaceful hill towns like Kanatal and Dhanaulti, this region is a must-visit for nature lovers and culture seekers.
🌊 1. Tehri Dam and Tehri Lake – Asia’s Tallest Dam
The pride of Uttarakhand, the Tehri Dam is one of the highest dams in Asia, standing tall at 260.5 meters. This engineering marvel on the Bhagirathi River forms the stunning Tehri Lake, which has now become a hotspot for water sports and eco-tourism.
🛶 Activities at Tehri Lake:
- Jet skiing 🚤
- Banana boat ride 🍌
- Water zorbing 🌊
- Kayaking and Canoeing 🛶
- Speed boating 🚢
- Paragliding 🪂
📸 Best time to visit:
March to June and October to December – perfect for both water sports and photography.
🏙️ 2. New Tehri – The Modern Town with a View
New Tehri is a well-planned hill town overlooking the massive Tehri Lake. Developed after the old Tehri town was submerged, New Tehri is now the administrative headquarters of Tehri Garhwal district.
🔍 Highlights:
- Panoramic views of the Himalayas 🏔️
- Tehri Hydro Power Project 🎡
- Peaceful environment ideal for a short stay 🏡
🌲 3. Kanatal – The Hidden Gem of Uttarakhand
Located just 38 km from Mussoorie, Kanatal is a serene hill station in Tehri Garhwal. Surrounded by pine forests, apple orchards, and snow-covered peaks, it’s perfect for offbeat travelers.
⛺ Things to Do in Kanatal:
- Camping under the stars ✨
- Nature walks through pine forests 🌲
- Jeep safari to the Kaudia Forest 🚙
- Bonfire evenings and stargazing 🔥
🌄 4. Dhanaulti – Nature’s Calm Corner
Dhanaulti is an untouched paradise located about 24 km from Kanatal. Unlike crowded hill stations, Dhanaulti offers peace, scenic trails, and a laid-back vibe.
🌿 Must-Visit Spots:
- Amber and Dhara Eco Parks 🌱
- Potato Farm (Aloo Khet) 🥔
- Surkanda Devi Temple Trek 🛕
- Scenic Himalayan viewpoints 🏞️
🛕 5. Surkanda Devi Temple – Spiritual Heights
One of the Shakti Peeths in Uttarakhand, the Surkanda Devi Temple sits at an altitude of 2,757 meters. A 2 km uphill trek from Kaddukhal leads you to this divine site.
✨ Key Features:
- Panoramic views of the snow-capped Garhwal Himalayas 🏔️
- Mythological importance in Hindu legends 📜
- Ideal for trekkers and pilgrims alike 🥾
🌸 6. Chamba – The Scenic Town
Not to be confused with Himachal’s Chamba, Uttarakhand’s Chamba is a small yet beautiful town offering mesmerizing views of the Bhagirathi River. It’s a peaceful spot for a relaxing holiday.
🎯 What to Explore:
- Sunset at Chamba Viewpoint 🌇
- Apple orchards and traditional villages 🍏
- Peaceful guesthouses and cafes ☕
👑 7. Narendra Nagar – Royal Heritage and Wellness
Located near Rishikesh, Narendra Nagar was the former capital of the Tehri kingdom. It’s now famous for Ananda in the Himalayas, one of the best luxury spas in India.
🧘 Attractions:
- Royal Palace architecture 🏰
- Wellness retreats and yoga centers 🧘♀️
- Viewpoints overlooking the Ganga valley 🌅
🌊 8. Devprayag – The Sacred Confluence
Devprayag is the place where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganga. It’s one of the most spiritually significant destinations in India.
🕉️ Religious Sites:
- Raghunathji Temple
- Sacred river ghats
- Bathing rituals at Sangam 💦
🧭 9. Kunjapuri Devi Temple – Sunrise Trekking Spot
Located at an elevation of 1,676 meters, Kunjapuri Temple is not just a religious site but also a favorite among trekkers and sunrise chasers.
☀️ What Makes It Special?
- 360° views of Himalayan peaks like Gangotri, Banderpunch, and Chaukhamba 🏔️
- Spiritual atmosphere and trekking thrill
- Spectacular sunrise and photo ops 📸
🏞️ 10. Sem Mukhem Temple – The Forest Temple
If you’re looking for offbeat tourist places in Tehri Garhwal, visit Sem Mukhem Temple, dedicated to Nag Devta. It involves a 10 km trek through dense forests, offering peace and natural beauty.
🍲 Local Cuisine of Tehri Garhwal
Food in Tehri Garhwal is simple, healthy, and delicious. Don’t miss out on:
- Mandua Roti (Ragi flatbread) 🌾
- Chainsoo (black gram curry) 🍲
- Aloo ke Gutke (spiced potato dish) 🥔
- Jhangora Kheer (barnyard millet pudding) 🍚
Pair it with local chutneys made from bhang (hemp seeds) or pahadi herbs 🌿.
🎭 Culture & Festivals of Tehri Garhwal
Tehri is rich in Garhwali culture, music, and dance.
🎉 Major Festivals:
- Harela – Celebrates greenery and harvest 🌱
- Ganga Dussehra – River worship rituals 🌊
- Surkanda Devi Mela – Local fair with folk performances 🎶
Locals speak Garhwali and Hindi, and you’ll often find them dressed in traditional attire during festivals.
🚗 How to Reach Tehri Garhwal
✈️ By Air:
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 85 km)
🚉 By Train:
- Nearest stations: Rishikesh or Haridwar (well-connected with major Indian cities)
🛣️ By Road:
- Tehri is well-connected via highways from Dehradun, Mussoorie, Haridwar, and Delhi
- Regular buses, taxis, and shared jeeps are available
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Tehri Garhwal
| Season | Temperature | Highlights |
| Summer (Mar–Jun) | 15–30°C | Perfect for sightseeing, camping & water sports 🏕️ |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | 20–25°C | Greenery, but occasional landslides 🌧️ |
| Winter (Oct–Feb) | 0–15°C | Snow in Dhanaulti, ideal for cozy stays ❄️ |
🧳 Tips for Traveling to Tehri Garhwal
- Always carry warm clothes, even in summer
- Keep power banks, as remote areas have power cuts
- Bring cash—ATMs are sparse in hill regions
- Respect local traditions and dress modestly near temples
- Avoid monsoon travel due to landslide risks
💭 Final Thoughts
Tehri Garhwal is not just a destination—it’s a soulful journey through nature, adventure, and devotion. From majestic temples nestled on hills to water sports on a massive lake, it offers a refreshing break from city chaos.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a long vacation, Tehri Garhwal tourist places promise memorable moments and soulful experiences. So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and let the mountains work their magic on you! 🏞️❤️
❓ FAQs About Tehri Garhwal Tourist Places
Q1. What are the top tourist attractions in Tehri Garhwal?
Top spots include Tehri Dam, Kanatal, Dhanaulti, Surkanda Devi Temple, and Devprayag.
Q2. Is Tehri Garhwal safe for solo travelers?
Yes, it’s generally safe. Just avoid remote treks alone and follow basic safety rules.
Q3. Can I find budget stays in Tehri Garhwal?
Absolutely! There are hostels, homestays, and guesthouses starting from ₹500 per night.
Q4. What is the spiritual significance of Tehri?
It’s home to sacred confluences, temples, and is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage route vicinity.
Q5. Are there adventure sports in Tehri?
Yes! You can try jet skiing, paragliding, kayaking, and more at Tehri Lake.