A Reservoir Behind a Giant Dam
Tehri Lake is the vast reservoir formed by the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi river, one of the tallest dams in the world at over 260 metres. When the reservoir began filling in the mid-2000s, it submerged the historic town of Tehri entirely — its residents were resettled in a purpose-built town, New Tehri, on higher ground overlooking the water that now covers their old home.
What could have been simply an engineering footnote has become one of Uttarakhand's most distinctive adventure destinations. The lake's still, open water — a rarity in a state defined by rushing Himalayan rivers — has drawn a fast-growing water-sports scene: jet skiing, kayaking, banana boat rides, and, at Koti Colony, India's first commercial cable-skiing setup, an overhead cable system that tows skiers and wakeboarders without needing a boat.
A small but growing houseboat scene adds an overnight option that's still fairly novel for this part of the Himalayas, and the annual Tehri Lake Festival brings boat races, live music, and adventure demonstrations to the water each winter.
🚤 Tehri Lake at a Glance
Love the outdoors? See our guide to lakes in India.
Planning something active? Read our guide to water sports in India.
Best Time to Visit Tehri Lake
Water levels and comfort both shift through the year — timing matters more here than at most Uttarakhand destinations if water sports are the goal.
Post-monsoon water levels are typically at their fullest, skies are clear, and temperatures are pleasant for a full day on the water.
Cool, clear winter days — and usually the window for the Tehri Lake Festival. Water sports continue, though mornings can be chilly.
Good for water sports early in the day, but the reservoir sits at a lower elevation than surrounding hill towns and can get genuinely hot by afternoon.
Heavy rain, unpredictable water release, and safety concerns generally pause water-sports operations across the lake.
Our pick: September to February — reliably fuller water, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures for a full day of water sports.
How to Reach Tehri Lake
Tehri Lake sits within a comfortable day-trip or overnight distance of both Dehradun and Rishikesh, making it an easy add-on to a Garhwal itinerary.
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest, roughly 75-90 km away depending on which part of the lake you're heading to.
- By rail: Rishikesh is the nearest major railway station, with good onward road connectivity to the lake's main activity hubs.
- By road: The lake is accessed via routes through Chamba or Narendra Nagar; Koti Colony and the Chamba-side ghats are the main water-sports bases, while New Tehri serves as the region's town centre.
Water Sports & Things to Do
Jet Skiing, Kayaking & Banana Boat Rides
Multiple operators along the Chamba-side ghats and near New Tehri run jet ski rentals, kayaking sessions, and banana boat rides on the open water, generally with life jackets and basic safety briefings included.
Cable-Skiing at Koti Colony
Koti Colony hosts India's first commercial cable-ski setup — an overhead cable system that pulls water-skiers and wakeboarders around a fixed loop without a motorboat. It's a genuinely unusual attraction for this part of the Himalayas and worth building a visit around if you're keen to try it.
Houseboat Stays
A small number of operators run overnight houseboat stays on the lake — a quiet, still-novel way to experience Tehri after the day-trippers head home. Availability is limited, so book ahead in peak months.
Tehri Lake Festival
Usually held in winter, the festival brings boat races, live music, food stalls, and adventure demonstrations to the lakeside — check current-year dates before planning a trip specifically around it.
New Tehri & Scenic Drives
New Tehri offers sweeping views down over the reservoir from its hillside streets, and the roads that wind around the lake's shoreline make for a scenic, unhurried drive even without stopping for any single activity.
Where to Stay Near Tehri Lake
Stay options cluster around Koti Colony (for cable-skiing), the Chamba/New Tehri side (for jet skiing and houseboats), or New Tehri town itself for a more standard hotel base.
- → Simple guesthouses in New Tehri
- → Basic lodges near activity hubs
- → GMVN-run accommodation
- → Lakeview resorts near Koti Colony
- → Cottages on the Chamba side
- → Adventure-camp style stays
- → Premium houseboat stays
- → Upscale lakeside resorts
- → Private hillside villas above the water
Suggested Visit Plan (2 Days)
Arrival & Water Sports
- ✓Drive in from Rishikesh or Dehradun, check in
- ✓Afternoon jet skiing, kayaking or a banana boat ride
- ✓Evening at the lakeside for sunset
Cable-Skiing & New Tehri
- ✓Morning session at Koti Colony's cable-ski setup
- ✓Late morning scenic drive around the lake
- ✓Afternoon stop in New Tehri before departure
* Many travellers combine Tehri Lake with a stop in Dhanaulti or continue on toward Mussoorie for a cooler hill-station change of pace.
Where to Eat Near Tehri Lake
- Lakeside food stalls: Simple snacks and hot chai near the main activity ghats, useful between water-sports sessions.
- New Tehri market eateries: Standard North Indian thalis and quick meals in the town's main commercial area.
- Resort and houseboat dining: Most mid-range and luxury stays serve meals on-site, often the most convenient option if you're based right on the water.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹1,800 | ₹5,000 | ₹14,000 |
| Jet ski (15-20 min) | ₹800 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
| Cable-skiing session | ₹500 | ₹700 | ₹900 |
| Food/day | ₹600 | ₹1,500 | ₹3,000 |
| Local transport/day | ₹500 | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
* Figures are per person, per day, in INR. Water-sports activities are priced per session, not daily.
Essential Tips for Visiting Tehri Lake
- Pick your activity base first: Koti Colony and the Chamba/New Tehri side are on opposite parts of a large lake — decide what you want to do before booking a stay.
- Avoid monsoon months: Most water-sports operators pause between July and August due to safety concerns and unpredictable water levels.
- Book houseboats ahead: Availability is limited compared to standard hotels — reserve at least a few weeks out in peak season.
- Only swim with operators: Open, unsupervised swimming isn't advisable given the reservoir's depth and submerged old-town structures.
- Carry a change of clothes: Most water activities will leave you soaked — pack accordingly if you're moving on the same day.
✅ Do
- →Book water-sports slots early on peak weekends
- →Try the cable-skiing setup at Koti Colony
- →Check the Tehri Lake Festival dates if visiting in winter
- →Wear the life jacket provided, always
- →Carry a change of clothes
- →Confirm your activity base before booking a stay
❌ Don't
- →Swim unsupervised away from operators
- →Plan a water-sports trip during monsoon
- →Assume houseboat rooms are available last-minute
- →Underestimate afternoon heat in summer months
- →Skip the life jacket even for a short ride
- →Expect activities on both shores in a single visit
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the old Tehri town?
The original Tehri town was submerged when the Tehri Dam was completed and the reservoir began filling in the mid-2000s. Its residents were rehoused in New Tehri, a planned town built on higher ground overlooking the lake, which now serves as the region's main administrative and market hub.
How do I reach Tehri Lake for water sports?
Most visitors head to Koti Colony or the Chamba-side access points, both reachable by road from Rishikesh (roughly 75-90 km) or Dehradun. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, and Rishikesh is the nearest major rail head.
What is cable-skiing at Tehri Lake?
Koti Colony is home to India's first commercial cable-ski setup — a fixed overhead cable system that tows water-skiers and wakeboarders around a loop without needing a boat. It's a fairly unique attraction in the country and one of the reasons Tehri Lake has become a dedicated water-sports destination.
Is Tehri Lake safe for swimming?
Casual open swimming isn't generally encouraged given the reservoir's depth, submerged structures from the old town, and variable water levels. Stick to designated water-sports operators who provide life jackets and trained instructors rather than swimming unsupervised.
When is the Tehri Lake Festival held?
The Tehri Lake Festival is typically held in winter (around January-February), featuring water sports demonstrations, boat races, live music, and adventure activities on and around the lake. Exact dates vary by year, so check current listings before planning a trip around it.
Can I stay on a houseboat at Tehri Lake?
Yes, a small number of operators run houseboat stays on the lake, offering an overnight-on-water experience that's still fairly novel for this part of Uttarakhand. Availability is limited compared to standard hotels, so it's worth booking a few weeks ahead in peak season.
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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