In the state of Uttarakhand, Tehri district is divided into two regions: New Tehri and Old Tehri, both filled with picturesque surroundings and ancient temples.
Old Tehri: It is 16 kms from New Tehri and 84 kms from Rishikesh on the confluence of Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers. This transit point to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath was chosen as the capital of Tehri Garhwal by Raja Sudarshan Shah after the expulsion of the Gurkhas with the help of the East India Company in 1815. The town was studded with historical buildings and temples which is now submerged beneath the Tehri Dam, Asia’s largest rock filled dam.
New Tehri - The newly built well planned modern town nestles at a height of 1,550 metres overlooking the massive artificial lake and Tehri dam built on the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana river. It has taken over as district headquarters of Tehri Garhwal from the Old Tehri town and was established to rehabilitate the Old Tehri, which will be submerged into the waters of the Tehri Dam.
In fact New Tehri is considered to be Asia's most comprehensive and successful rehabilitation programme. The gleaming township has developed into a lovely hill resort.Other important places to visit near Tehri are Badrinath, Devprayag, Gautam Rishi’s Temple and Sem Mukhem Temple.
Tehri District Stats
- District Headquarters: New Tehri
- Area: 4085 sq km
- Total Population: 6,16,409
- Literacy Rate: 67.04%
- Altitude: 1676 m
- Languages: Garhwali, Hindi
- Best Season: Throughout the year
Places to Visit in Tehri
- Tehri Dam: Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in Asia and the fourth tallest rockfill dam in the world sprawling over an area of 45 sq. kms in the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana valleys near Tehri town.
- Chamba : Charming Chamba, the idyllic resort at a height of 1676 metres is 48 kms from Narendra Nagar on the road to Gangotri.
- Surkhanda Devi Temple: The sacred shrine atop a mountain attracts large number of devotees during the Ganga Dussehra Fair held between May and June. To reach the shrine one has to trek for 2 kms from Kaddulkhal, 22 kms from Chamba.
- Dhanaulti (24 kms) : This delightful spot enriched with immense natural beauty lies on the Mussoorie Chamba. The lovely weather and scenic surroundings makes it a perfect site for a relaxed holiday.
- Dev Prayag : It is set on the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers and is considered to be one of the 'Panch prayag'. The town lies on the Rishikesh to Badrinath route about 87 kms from Narendra Nagar.
- Chandrabadani Devi: The sacred shrine on Chandrabadani Mountain is 10 kms from Kandi Khal, about 22 km. from Devprayag. Legends suggest that the torso of Goddess Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva fell here.
- Nagtibba : Nagtibba at an. altitude of 3,048 metres is a favourite destination for trekking and adventure sports. The thickly wooded region is noted for natural beauty.
- Narendra Nagar: This erstwhile capital of Garhwallies on the main Rishikesh - Gangotri Yamunotri route.
- Kaudiyala: The beautiful spot 37 kms from Rishikesh on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway is ideally suited for white water rafting. GMVN conducts river rafting courses here.
- Khatling Glacier: The glacier amidst snowy peaks is the source of river Bhilangna and a popular trekking destination. The picturesque trek starts from Ghuttu, about 62 kms from Tehri.
How to Reach Tehri
- By Air: The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant, Dehradun (93 kms)
- By Rail: The nearest major railway station to the district of Tehri is the one in Dehradun(93 km).
- By Road: Tehri is well connected by road with major towns of the area.