Tehri Garhwal is a land of beauty, adventure, and spirituality. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, this region is famous for breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and religious significance. It attracts nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and spiritual travelers alike.
This guide covers every aspect of Tehri Garhwal—its rich history, must-visit places, and all details needed for a perfect trip.
History of Tehri Garhwal
Tehri Garhwal’s history dates back to ancient times, when it was part of the Kedar Khand region, mentioned in Hindu scriptures. The area later came under the rule of the Katyuri dynasty, which governed Uttarakhand from the 6th to 11th centuries.
The Katyuri rulers unified the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, laying the foundation for cultural and architectural growth. In the 9th century, the Panwar dynasty, originating from Malwa, established its rule in the region, marking the beginning of a unified Garhwal kingdom.
In the early 19th century, the Gurkhas invaded Garhwal and ruled for about 12 years. However, after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816), the British East India Company defeated the Gurkhas, leading to the division of Garhwal. The eastern part became British Garhwal, while the western part stayed under the rule of the Panwar kings, forming the princely state of Tehri Garhwal.
King Sudarshan Shah became the first ruler of the independent Tehri kingdom and made Tehri town its capital. His descendants continued to rule until India gained independence. In 1949, the last king, Manabendra Shah, merged Tehri Garhwal with India, making it part of the newly created state of Uttar Pradesh.
A key moment in Tehri’s history was the construction of the Tehri Dam, one of India’s largest hydroelectric projects. This led to the submergence of the old Tehri town, requiring residents to move to New Tehri, which was built as a modern hill station. Today, Tehri Garhwal is known for its rich heritage, spirituality, and adventure, drawing visitors with its natural beauty and historical importance.
How to Reach Tehri Garhwal
1. By Air
The closest airport to Tehri Garhwal is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 90 kilometers away. The airport has good connections to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai with regular flights. After arriving at the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tehri Garhwal.
2. By Train
The closest railway station to Tehri Garhwal is Rishikesh Railway Station, located around 70 kilometers away. Rishikesh is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. You can easily hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tehri Garhwal after arriving at the station.
3. By Road
Tehri Garhwal is well connected by road to various major cities in Uttarakhand and neighboring states. You can take a direct bus or hire a taxi from Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar. The roads are scenic and well-maintained, making the journey enjoyable.
- Dehradun to Tehri Garhwal: Around 90 km, approximately 3 hours by road.
- Rishikesh to Tehri Garhwal: Around 70 km, approximately 2-2.5 hours by road.
- Haridwar to Tehri Garhwal: Around 100 km, approximately 4 hours by road.
Driving through the winding hilly roads, you’ll be treated to picturesque views of the hills, rivers, and valleys, making your journey to Tehri Garhwal a delightful experience.
Best Places to Visit in Tehri Garhwal
Tehri Garhwal is a beautiful destination, known for its natural beauty and rich history. The region has many places to explore, each offering a unique blend of culture, history, and stunning views. Here are some of the top places to visit in Tehri Garhwal:
1. Tehri Dam
The Tehri Dam is one of India’s largest and most important hydroelectric projects, located on the Bhagirathi River. Standing 260 meters tall, it creates the vast Tehri Reservoir. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the reservoir while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The dam also serves as a hub for engineering and water management, highlighting the importance of renewable energy. For adventure seekers, the dam offers exciting opportunities for water sports.
2. New Tehri
New Tehri is a modern town built after the old town was submerged by the Tehri Dam. It serves as the administrative center of the region and offers a calm atmosphere with stunning mountain views. Notable attractions include the Tehri Lake Viewpoint and the Khatling Glacier trek, which starts nearby. New Tehri is easily accessible by road, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
3. Chamba
Chamba, located at an altitude of 1,675 meters, is a beautiful hill station known for its green landscapes and temples. Situated 24 kilometers away from New Tehri, it attracts tourists looking for peace and tranquility. The town is historically important, with the Raghunath Temple dedicated to Lord Rama and other ancient temples. Visitors can also visit the nearby Surkanda Devi Temple, which requires a short trek and provides stunning views of the surrounding area.
4. Surkanda Devi Temple
The Surkanda Devi Temple is located on a hill, 8 kilometers away from Chamba, at an altitude of 2,500 meters. It is dedicated to Goddess Surkanda and is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas in India. Visitors can reach the temple by a scenic 2-3 hour trek or take a direct uphill road for a more comfortable option. The site offers breathtaking views of the Tehri Garhwal region, including the Chamba Valley and distant Himalayan peaks.
5. Dhanaulti
Dhanaulti, located around 24 kilometers away from New Tehri, is a peaceful hill station surrounded by dense oak and deodar forests. Known for its pleasant climate and natural beauty, it offers a perfect retreat for those seeking relaxation in nature. The town is also popular for the Eco Park, a well-kept area where visitors can enjoy nature walks, picnics, and various adventure activities. As a lesser-known destination, Dhanaulti provides a serene escape, far from the busy hill stations of Uttarakhand.
6. Khatling Glacier
The Khatling Glacier is a remote and challenging spot for trekkers. Located at an altitude of 4,150 meters, it offers stunning views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks. The trek to the glacier is tough, taking around 8-10 days to finish. It passes through dense forests, alpine meadows, and rough terrains. As an offbeat destination, it is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking an adventure in the high Himalayas.
7. Nag Tibba
The Nag Tibba trek, also called the “Serpent’s Peak,” is a popular route in Tehri Garhwal. Standing at 3,022 meters, it offers breathtaking views of the Gangotri Range, Yamunotri Range, and other Himalayan peaks. The trek can be completed in two days and is suitable for trekkers of all skill levels. The trail takes you through dense forests, charming villages, and alpine meadows, making it a wonderful journey for nature enthusiasts.
8. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park stretches across three districts, including Tehri Garhwal, and is a large sanctuary with a wide range of plant and animal life. The park is home to tigers, elephants, leopards, and many bird species. It is an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering opportunities for safaris and nature walks. The park is also known for its rich biodiversity, including rare species like the Indian bison and black bear.
9. Gopeshwar
Gopeshwar is the district headquarters of Chamoli, renowned for the ancient Gopinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for a large trident, believed to be from the 10th century. Gopeshwar is surrounded by forests, scenic hills, and enjoys a pleasant climate, making it a peaceful place to visit.
10. Vishnuprayag
Vishnuprayag is a peaceful and scenic location where the Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers meet. It is an important pilgrimage site, believed to be where Lord Vishnu meditated. Surrounded by stunning views of the mountains and rivers, the area offers a calm setting for meditation, reflection, and photography. The confluence provides a perfect opportunity to experience the strength and beauty of nature.
Administrative Setup of Tehri Garhwal
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District | Tehri Garhwal |
| District Headquarters | New Tehri |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Division | Garhwal Division |
| Tehsils | 14 Tehsils: Balganga, Devprayag, Dhanaulti, Gaja, Ghansali, Jakhanidhar, Kandisaur, Kirtinagar, Madannegi, Nainbagh, Narendranagar, Paoki Devi, Pratapnagar, Tehri |
| Sub-divisions | 2 Sub-divisions: Kirti Nagar and Tehri-Pratap Nagar |
| Parliamentary Constituency | 2 Parliamentary Constituencies: Tehri and Pauri Garhwal |
| Assembly Constituencies | 6 Assembly Constituencies: Tehri, Dhanaulti, Pratap Nagar, Narendra Nagar, Jaunpur, and Rishikesh |
| Police Stations | 11 Police Stations: New Tehri, Chamba, Narendra Nagar, Jaunpur, etc. |
| Nagar Palika | 5 Nagar Palikas: New Tehri, Chamba, Narendra Nagar, Jaunpur, and Rishikesh |
| Nagar Panchayat | 6 Nagar Panchayats: Dhanaulti, Pratap Nagar, Kirtinagar, Madannegi, Nainbagh, and Paoki Devi |
| Village Panchayats | 1,034 Village Panchayats |
| Blocks | 9 Blocks: Balganga, Devprayag, Dhanaulti, Gaja, Ghansali, Jakhanidhar, Kandisaur, Kirtinagar, and Pratapnagar |
| Nyay Panchayats | 75 Nyay Panchayats |
| Post Offices | 263 Post Offices |
Languages
In Tehri Garhwal district, the linguistic landscape is diverse, with Garhwali being the predominant language. According to the 2011 Census, approximately 90.5% of the population speaks Garhwali as their first language.
Hindi, the official language of Uttarakhand, is widely used for communication and education. However, it is the first language for about 5.99% of the district’s residents.
Other languages spoken in the region include Jaunsari (0.98%) and Nepali (0.95%).
Garhwali, a Central Pahari language, is rich in dialects, with Tehriyali being one of the prominent dialects spoken in Tehri Garhwal.
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