Tehri
The old town of Tehri was situated at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers, the site of the Tehri dam. The Old Tehri town has now submerged into the Tehri Dam and the population has been shifted to the New Tehri. The town is famous as the site of protests against the dam by Sundarlal Bahuguna and his followers during the Chipko movement. Tehri was the capital of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal in British India.
New Tehri is a well planned town situated only 11kms from Chamba and 24kms from Old Tehri. It is considered to be Asia’s most successful rehabilitation township after the construction of the Tehri Dam which submerged Old Tehri. The Dam makes it the most attractive tourist spot in the region.
Location of Tehri
Tehri Garhwal is one of the largest districts of Uttarakhand. It extends from the snow covering Himalayan peaks of Thalaiya Sagar, Jonli and the Gangotri group all the way to the foothills near Rishikesh. New Tehri is the district headquarters of Tehri Garhwal. It is located at an elevation between 1550 to 1950 mts above sea level.
What to see in Tehri?
Tehri Dam: Tehri Dam is one of the world’s largest hydroelectric projects harnessing waters of two important rivers of the Himalayas namely Bhagirathi and Bhilangana. It is expected to generate 346mw of hydel power. The dam is also an extremely controversial one which has witnessed protests from environmentalists. It will completely submerge Tehri town and 23 villages, while 72 other villages will be partially submerged. Tehri Dam is Asia’s largest and highest dam.
Accomodation selection in Tehri
The Glasshouse on the Ganges, one of the Neemrana Hotels is set on lychee orchards and a perfect holiday resort in Tehri Garwal. A spa resort, Ananda in Rishikesh is situated near the Palace Estate of the Maharajah of Tehri-Garhwal in the small town of Narendra Nagar.
Best season to visit Tehri
You can visit Tehri all round the year.
How to reach Tehri
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun about 93kms away.
By Rail: Rishikesh is the nearest station which is 76kms from New Tehri.
By Road: New Tehri is well connected by road to places like Dehradun, Pauri, Mussoorie, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Uttarkashi. Bus services are also available to New Tehri, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Mussoorie.
