Tehri Lake Tour from Rishikesh
A reservoir the size of a small sea, water sports, and the town underneath it.
Tehri Lake is the reservoir behind the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi, and it is big — a long, deep, many-armed body of water in steep hills, which is not something the region otherwise has.
It has become the local centre for flat-water activity: jet skis, speedboats, banana rides, kayaking and increasingly paragliding over the water. That makes it a useful counterpart to Rishikesh, where everything on the river is whitewater.
It is also a recent destination rather than an established one, so it is less crowded and less organised than its size suggests.
Highlights
Quick facts
What there is to do
Water sports are the main draw and are concentrated at a few access points around the lake. Jet ski and speedboat rides are short and sold on the spot; kayaking and longer boat trips need a little arranging.
Beyond the water, the dam itself is a substantial piece of engineering, and Koteshwar below it is a quieter secondary reservoir. The drive around the lake arms is scenic in its own right.
The town underneath
Old Tehri is under the water. The town was submerged when the reservoir filled and its population was resettled at New Tehri, higher up the hillside. It is worth knowing that as you look at the lake rather than discovering it afterwards.
The project was contested for years on seismic and displacement grounds, and opinions locally are still mixed. It is a more interesting place for that history than for the jet skis.
When to come
October to June. The water is at its clearest and most pleasant after the monsoon and through the spring; summer is warm at this altitude but the lake makes it bearable.
The monsoon raises the level and muddies the water, and the hill roads in are the usual consideration. Winter is cold but entirely workable for boating.
What's included
- ✓ AC cab & driver
- ✓ All tolls & parking
- ✓ Sightseeing as per plan
- ✓ Flexible itinerary
Not included
- ✕ Personal expenses & tips
- ✕ Anything not mentioned in inclusions
- ✕ GST where applicable
- ✕ Photos/videos unless specified
What to carry
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Jet skis, speedboats, banana rides and kayaking, with paragliding over the water increasingly offered. Rides are mostly sold at the access points on the day.
Onward journeys from Rishikesh
Road transport beyond Rishikesh is run by Triveni Cabs.
- Rishikesh cab servicesLocal packages and outstation journeys
- Places to visit near RishikeshDay trips with distances and fares
- Mussoorie cab faresHill route with an experienced driver
- Nainital cab faresLake district transfers
- Jim Corbett cab faresPark gate drops
Journeys are booked with Triveni Cabs; the activity is booked here. Confirm the activity first — its reporting time decides when you need to travel.
