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  • Districts of Uttarakhand

Tehri Garhwal District

Tehri Garhwal district is situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. Its headquarters is located at New Tehri town. The district is known for its mountain landscapes, river valleys, lakes, pilgrimage centres, forests and adventure tourism.

The district holds geographical and tourism importance because it is home to Tehri Lake, one of the largest artificial reservoirs in India, formed by the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River. Tehri Garhwal is also known for destinations such as Dhanaulti, Kanatal, Surkanda Devi Temple, Devprayag and Chamba, making it one of the important tourism and cultural districts of the state.

Overview

Tehri Garhwal stretches across the southern slopes of the middle Himalayas, rising from river valleys towards high mountain systems. The district is closely shaped by the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers, while the Alaknanda, Ganga and Yamuna mark important regional edges. Its landscape includes New Tehri, forested hill stations, pilgrimage routes, lakefront areas and high-altitude trekking zones.

Tourism in Tehri Garhwal combines pilgrimage, adventure, nature and heritage. Tehri Lake is a major water-based tourism centre, while Surkanda Devi, Chandrabadni, Devprayag and Kunjapuri remain important spiritual destinations. The district also offers trekking routes such as Nag Tibba, Panwali Kantha and Khatling Glacier, giving it a strong identity beyond conventional sightseeing.

Tehri Garhwal is mainly reached by road from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and nearby Garhwal towns. Rishikesh is the nearest major railway station for many district routes, while Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the nearest airport. Local travel depends on buses, shared jeeps and taxis, especially for lake areas, temples, villages and trek bases.

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Places to visit

Tehri Lake

Tehri Lake is one of the district’s most recognised tourism landmarks, formed around the Tehri Dam area after Old Tehri was submerged. Today, it is known for boating, kayaking, jet skiing, paragliding and lakefront views near New Tehri.

Surkanda Devi Temple

Surkanda Devi Temple, near Kaddukhal and Dhanaulti, is a revered Shakti shrine located on a high ridge. The temple is associated with Goddess Sati and attracts pilgrims during Ganga Dussehra, Navratri and other important worship periods.

Devprayag

Devprayag is a major pilgrimage town where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet to form the Ganga. Located within Tehri Garhwal district, it is also known for Raghunathji Temple and its importance on the Rishikesh–Badrinath route.

Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti is a peaceful hill destination surrounded by deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Its cool climate, quiet roads and proximity to Surkanda Devi make it suitable for nature walks, short stays and family-friendly mountain travel.

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Things to do

  • Boating And Water Sports At Tehri Lake
     Visitors can experience boating, kayaking, jet skiing, banana boat rides and other regulated water activities at Tehri Lake. The lake is best enjoyed in clear weather, especially during the summer tourism season.
  • Trek To Nag Tibba
     Nag Tibba offers a forest-based trekking experience with Himalayan views, village access and a temple associated with Nag Devta. It is suitable for travellers looking for a short but rewarding Garhwal trek.

Local Specialties

  • Garhwali Food Traditions
     Local meals in Tehri Garhwal often reflect wider Garhwali food habits, including seasonal grains, pulses, leafy greens and simple mountain cooking. Village stays and homestays are good places to experience regional food.
  • Rhododendron Landscape
     Several higher areas of Tehri Garhwal, including trekking routes like Panwali Kantha, are known for rhododendron blooms in spring. These flowers are closely associated with Uttarakhand’s middle Himalayan forests.
  • Village-Based Wool And Handicrafts
     Tehri’s mountain villages have traditional links with woollen products, household crafts and locally made utility items. These crafts reflect climate, pastoral life and the practical needs of hill communities.

Popular Events

  • Tehri Lake Festival — Usually Held Around Spring
     Tehri Lake Festival promotes tourism, culture and adventure sports around the lake. The 2026 edition included competitions, cultural programmes, adventure activities and environmental discussions.
  • Ganga Dussehra At Surkanda Devi — May–June
     Ganga Dussehra is an important festival at Surkanda Devi Temple. Pilgrims visit the shrine for worship, rituals and the fair held around this sacred hilltop destination.
  • Navratri Worship At Surkanda Devi — March–April And September–October
     Navratri brings special worship, devotional gatherings and pilgrim visits to Surkanda Devi. The temple’s Shakti tradition makes it one of Tehri’s important seasonal religious destinations.
  • Districts of Uttarakhand

Tehri More Info

Season Highlights
  • Summer
     Summer is suitable for Tehri Lake, Dhanaulti, Surkanda Devi and New Tehri sightseeing. Clearer weather supports boating, short hikes and family travel across the district’s mid-altitude areas.
  • Monsoon
     Monsoon brings greenery to forests and valleys, but road travel and trekking need caution due to rain, landslides and slippery trails. Visitors should check local conditions before planning remote routes.
  • Autumn
     Autumn offers clearer skies, comfortable temperatures and strong mountain visibility. It is a good season for sightseeing, pilgrimage visits and trekking routes such as Nag Tibba and Panwali Kantha.
  • Winter
     Winter is cold in higher areas, with snowfall possible around Dhanaulti, Surkanda Devi, Nag Tibba and Panwali Kantha. Lake areas remain accessible, but travellers should prepare for low temperatures.
  • Summer Climate
     Summer is generally pleasant in New Tehri, Dhanaulti and higher hill areas, while lower valleys can feel warmer during the day.
  • Winter Climate
     Winter is cold across the district, especially in high-altitude areas. Frost, icy roads and snowfall may affect travel in selected locations.
  • Rainfall
     Most rainfall occurs during the monsoon months. Heavy rain can affect hill roads, trekking trails and travel time across interior areas.
  • Snowfall
     Snowfall is mainly limited to higher ridges and trekking zones such as Surkanda Devi, Dhanaulti, Nag Tibba and Panwali Kantha.
  • By Road
     New Tehri is well connected by road with Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar and other Garhwal towns. Buses, shared jeeps and taxis operate from major nearby centres.
  • By Rail
     Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railhead for New Tehri, located about 72 Km away. From Rishikesh, travellers continue by taxi, bus or shared local transport.
  • By Air
     Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to New Tehri, located about 86 Km away. Taxis are available from the airport towards New Tehri and nearby areas.
  • Local Transport
     Local movement depends on buses, shared jeeps and private taxis. Remote temples, villages and trekking bases may require early starts and locally arranged vehicles.
  • Delhi to New Tehri – Approx. 310 Km
  • Dehradun to New Tehri – Approx. 110 Km
  • Rishikesh to New Tehri – Approx. 72 Km
  • Haridwar to New Tehri – Approx. 95 Km
  • Jolly Grant Airport to New Tehri – Approx. 86 Km