Tehri Garhwal, located in Uttarakhand, is a district known for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and numerous adventure activities. Here are some of the best places to visit in Tehri Garhwal:
1. Tehri Dam
Tehri Dam is one of the tallest dams in the world and a major attraction in Tehri Garhwal. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the vast reservoir. The dam is not only a marvel of engineering but also a popular spot for adventure sports like boating and kayaking.
- Key Attractions: Scenic views, adventure sports, engineering marvel.
- Activities: Boating, kayaking, photography.
- Location: Near New Tehri town.
2. Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti is a serene hill station located on the Mussoorie-Chamba road. It is known for its tranquil environment, lush green forests, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Dhanaulti is less crowded compared to other hill stations, making it a perfect getaway for peace seekers.
- Key Attractions: Eco-parks, apple orchards, panoramic views.
- Activities: Nature walks, trekking, camping.
- Location: 24 km from Mussoorie.
3. Surkanda Devi Temple
Surkanda Devi Temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Sati. The temple is located at an altitude of 2,757 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The trek to the temple is about 2 km from Kaddukhal.
- Key Attractions: Spiritual significance, trekking, panoramic views.
- Activities: Pilgrimage, trekking, exploring nature.
- Location: Near Dhanaulti.
4. Kanatal
Kanatal is a small and peaceful village near Dhanaulti, known for its beautiful landscapes and pleasant weather. The area is surrounded by apple orchards and dense forests, offering a perfect retreat for nature lovers.
- Key Attractions: Apple orchards, lush green forests, serene environment.
- Activities: Nature walks, camping, trekking.
- Location: 12 km from Chamba.
5. Khatling Glacier
Khatling Glacier is a major glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas and the source of the Bhilangna River. The trek to the glacier is challenging but offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, pristine valleys, and cascading waterfalls.
- Key Attractions: Glacial landscapes, trekking, pristine beauty.
- Activities: Trekking, camping, photography.
- Location: Near Ghuttu village.
6. Narendra Nagar
Narendra Nagar is a town known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. It offers stunning views of the Ganges River and the Doon Valley. The town is home to several ancient temples and the famous Ananda Spa Resort.
- Key Attractions: Scenic views, historical sites, luxury spa.
- Activities: Exploring temples, enjoying spa treatments, nature walks.
- Location: Near Rishikesh.
7. Kaudiyala
Kaudiyala is a picturesque village situated along the banks of the Ganges River, known for its adventure activities, especially white-water rafting. The area is surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains.
- Key Attractions: White-water rafting, scenic landscapes.
- Activities: Rafting, trekking, camping.
- Location: On the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway.
8. Gautam Rishi Temple
Gautam Rishi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to one of the Saptarishis, Gautam Rishi. The temple is located near a sacred lake, where a dip is considered equivalent to bathing in the Ganges.
- Key Attractions: Spiritual significance, serene surroundings.
- Activities: Offering prayers, exploring the temple, nature walks.
- Location: Near Tehri town.
9. Sem Mukhem Temple
Sem Mukhem Temple is dedicated to Nag Raja and is a popular pilgrimage site. The temple is situated on a trekking route and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Key Attractions: Spiritual significance, trekking.
- Activities: Pilgrimage, trekking, exploring nature.
- Location: On the Khamba Khal-Sem trek trail.
10. Devprayag
Devprayag is the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which form the Ganges River. The town is known for its spiritual significance and beautiful surroundings. It is a popular spot for water sports and trekking.
- Key Attractions: River confluence, spiritual significance.
- Activities: Pilgrimage, trekking, water sports.
- Location: On the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway.
Summary Table
| Place | Description | Key Attraction | Distance from City Center |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tehri Dam | One of the tallest dams in the world | Scenic views and adventure sports | Near New Tehri |
| Dhanaulti | Serene hill station with lush green forests | Eco-parks and panoramic views | 24 km from Mussoorie |
| Surkanda Devi Temple | Significant Hindu pilgrimage site | Spiritual significance and trekking | Near Dhanaulti |
| Kanatal | Peaceful village known for its landscapes | Apple orchards and lush forests | 12 km from Chamba |
| Khatling Glacier | Major glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas | Glacial landscapes and trekking | Near Ghuttu |
| Narendra Nagar | Scenic town with historical significance | Scenic views and historical sites | Near Rishikesh |
| Kaudiyala | Picturesque village known for adventure activities | White-water rafting and scenic landscapes | On the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway |
| Gautam Rishi Temple | Ancient temple dedicated to Gautam Rishi | Spiritual significance and serene surroundings | Near Tehri town |
| Sem Mukhem Temple | Popular pilgrimage site dedicated to Nag Raja | Spiritual significance and trekking | On the Khamba Khal-Sem trek trail |
| Devprayag | Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers | River confluence and spiritual significance | On the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway |
How to Reach Tehri Garhwal
By Flight
The nearest airport to Tehri Garhwal is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 91 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tehri Garhwal.
By Train
The nearest major railway station is in Rishikesh, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Tehri Garhwal.
By Road
Tehri Garhwal is well-connected by road to major cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Regular buses and taxis are available from these cities to Tehri Garhwal.
Best Time to Visit Tehri Garhwal
The best time to visit Tehri Garhwal is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The summer months (March to June) are particularly comfortable for exploring the district’s attractions. The monsoon season (July to August) brings heavy rainfall, which can affect travel plans.
Travel Tips
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local delicacies such as Aloo ke Gutke, Bal Mithai, and Singori.
- Cultural Insights: Tehri Garhwal is known for its vibrant festivals, including Tehri Lake Festival and Diwali. Plan your visit to experience these cultural celebrations.
- Safety Tips: While Tehri Garhwal is generally safe, it’s always good to stay cautious, especially in remote areas. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid isolated areas at night.
Itinerary Suggestions
One-Day Trip
- Morning: Visit Tehri Dam and enjoy the scenic views.
- Afternoon: Explore Dhanaulti and have lunch at a local restaurant.
- Evening: Spend time at Surkanda Devi Temple, enjoying the spiritual ambiance and trekking.
Weekend Getaway
- Day 1: Start with a visit to Kanatal for a peaceful experience. Have lunch at a local restaurant.
- Day 2: Visit Khatling Glacier in the morning for a trekking adventure. End the day with a visit to Narendra Nagar for a relaxing evening.
These places offer a blend of historical significance, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making Tehri Garhwal a diverse and interesting destination to explore.
