Tehri Dam-A Triumph of Human Engineering amidst Scenic Landscape
Tehri Dam
Reaching a staggering height of 260 meters, the imposing Tehri Dam is one of the tallest dams in the world and the tallest dam in India. An engineering marvel in itself, Tehri Dam not only provides more than 1,000 MW of hydroelectricity but also is a popular tourist attraction in Uttarakhand. Tehri Dam Uttarakhand is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River in New Tehri, Tehri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand. The dam reservoir, also known as Tehri Lake, is usually flocked with tourists interested in boating and is slowly becoming a prominent hub for adventure tourism in Uttarakhand. It has a surface area of about 52 square kilometers. The construction of the Tehri Dam started in 1978 and was completed in several phases over several decades. Phase 1 was completed in 2006.
The dam has a power station with an installed capacity of 1,000 MW. It has four units, each with a capacity of 250 MW. The power station generates electricity through hydroelectric turbines, utilizing the flow of water from the reservoir to produce clean energy. In addition to power generation, the Dam also serves as a source of irrigation and drinking water supply for the surrounding regions.
Tehri dam Geology
The Dam is located in a region with diverse geological features. The dam is built on the Bhagirathi River, which flows through the Himalayan mountain range. The surrounding rocks primarily belong to the Tethyan sequence, which is a geological unit composed of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The Tethyan sequence in this region consists of various rock types such as quartzites, shales, slates, and phyllites.
The Tehri Dam Uttarakhand area falls within a seismically active zone. The geological structures and faults in the region are a result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The stability of the dam relies on the geological strength and integrity of the foundation rocks. Detailed geological investigations and engineering studies were conducted to ensure the suitability of the rock formations for dam construction. The dam’s design incorporated measures to withstand the potential seismic activity in the region.
Also, read- Lansdowne-A Blissful Escape in the Lap of Nature
New Tehri
A modern town and the headquarter of the Tehri-Garhwal district, New Tehri is an adventure tourism hub. Overlooking the massive Tehri Lake and dam, the well-planned town draws tourists, who come here for its natural beauty and the opportunity to enjoy innumerable water sports in the lake. The dam is the highest of its kind in India and is regarded among the world’s largest hydroelectric projects. It stands on the Bhagirathi River.
Tehri or Old Tehri was a small town situated at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers. It was the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Garhwal. This town got submerged under the lake formed during the construction of the Tehri dam. The residents were relocated to New Tehri. New Tehri is perched high on a hill and offers the serenity of a hill station. Surrounded by beautiful temples and dense forests, and set against soaring Himalayan peaks, New Tehri is an ideal vacation spot. Several adventure events are organized here throughout the year.
Tehri Dam tourism
Tehri Dam Uttarakhand offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the Tehri Lake. The pristine blue waters of the lake against the backdrop of the mountains make it a picturesque location for nature lovers and photographers.
Boating and Water Sports-Tehri Lake provides boating and water sports opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating in the tranquil waters of the lake and indulge in activities like jet skiing, kayaking, and canoeing. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of the reservoir up close.
Adventure Activities- The region around Tehri Dam Uttarakhand is known for adventure activities. Adventure enthusiasts can engage in thrilling activities like paragliding, trekking, camping, and rock climbing in the nearby hills. There are also options for river rafting in the Bhagirathi River, which flows downstream from the dam.
Visit the Dam Site- Visitors can take guided tours to the Dam site to learn about its construction, engineering, and significance. The dam is an engineering marvel, and exploring its infrastructure can be an interesting experience for those interested in hydroelectric projects.
Spiritual and Cultural Sites- The Tehri region is also known for its religious and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore nearby temples like the Chandrabadni Temple and Surkanda Devi Temple, which are popular pilgrimage sites. There may also be opportunities to witness local festivals and cultural events that showcase the traditions and customs of the region.
Nature Walks and Trekking- The Dam is surrounded by lush green forests and scenic trails. Visitors can take nature walks or go on trekking expeditions to explore the natural beauty of the region. The trails offer opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings.
Photography and Picnicking- The Dam’s picturesque landscapes and panoramic views make it a favorite spot for photographers. Visitors can capture stunning shots of the dam, the lake, and the surrounding scenery. Additionally, the area around the dam has designated picnic spots where families and groups can relax and enjoy a day out amidst nature.
Tehri Dam reservoir
The Tehri Dam reservoir, also known as Tehri Lake or Tehri Reservoir, is a significant water body created by the construction of the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River. The reservoir has a storage capacity of approximately 2.6 billion cubic meters of water. It covers a vast area and stretches across the region, including parts of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, and Rudraprayag districts. The surface area of the reservoir is about 52 square kilometers.
The reservoir is primarily fed by the Bhagirathi River, which originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas. It serves as a major tributary of the Ganges River. The Dam reservoir plays a vital role in providing water for various purposes. It caters to the water requirements of towns, villages, and agricultural lands in the surrounding regions. The stored water is also used for irrigation purposes, ensuring water availability for agricultural activities.
Apart from the water supply, the reservoir generates hydroelectric power. The stored water is released through the dam, and the controlled flow is used to turn the turbines in the power station, generating electricity.
Scenic Beauty- The Tehri Dam reservoir offers stunning views and scenic beauty. The vast expanse of water against the backdrop of the surrounding hills and mountains creates a picturesque setting. The serene ambiance and panoramic views make it a popular tourist attraction.
Recreational Activities- The reservoir provides opportunities for various water-based recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, and other water sports on the reservoir. The calm waters and the scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for spending leisure time and indulging in outdoor activities.
Tehri dam resort
There is a resort near the Tehri Dam called “Tehri Club & Resorts.” It is located in New Tehri. The resort offers a scenic view of the Tehri Lake and the surrounding hills. The resort provides comfortable accommodation options for guests. It offers well-appointed rooms with modern amenities such as air conditioning, television, Wi-Fi, and attached bathrooms. Some rooms may also have balconies offering views of the Tehri Lake.
Tehri Club & Resorts offers various facilities and services to enhance guests’ experience. These may include a multi-cuisine restaurant serving delicious meals, a bar, 24-hour front desk service, room service, and laundry facilities. The resort may also provide parking facilities for guests. The resort may offer a range of recreational activities to keep guests entertained. These can include indoor and outdoor games, such as table tennis, carrom, badminton, and volleyball. Depending on the resort’s offerings, it may also provide facilities for adventure activities like trekking, hiking, and boating on Tehri Lake.
Some resorts near the Tehri Dam may feature a spa or wellness center where guests can indulge in relaxing treatments, massages, and therapies to rejuvenate themselves amidst the tranquil surroundings. Apart from enjoying the scenic views of the Tehri Dam Uttarakhand and Lake, guests at the resort can explore nearby attractions. These may include visiting the Tehri Dam to witness its grandeur and understand its engineering marvel.
Tehri Dam Floating Huts
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there are no floating huts specifically associated with Tehri Dam. However, it’s worth noting that tourism offerings and accommodations can evolve over time, so it’s possible that new developments may have taken place since then.
If there are any floating huts or similar accommodations near Tehri Dam, they would typically be designed to provide a unique experience of staying on the water. Floating huts are often built on pontoons or rafts and offer basic amenities for a comfortable stay, such as sleeping arrangements, basic furniture, and sometimes attached bathrooms.
To get the most up-to-date and accurate information about any floating huts or alternative accommodations near Dam, it is recommended to contact local tourism authorities, and travel agencies, or search online for recent developments or offerings in the area. They can provide you with specific details, availability, and any other relevant information regarding accommodation options in the vicinity of Tehri Dam.
How To Reach Tehri Dam Uttarakhand
The nearest airport to Tehri Dam is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 91 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Tehri Dam. The nearest railway station to Tehri Dam is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is around 76 kilometers away. Tehri Dam is well-connected by road also, and you can reach there via private vehicles or public transport.
From Dehradun- The Dam is approximately 99 kilometers away from Dehradun. You can take the NH34 route and drive through Rishikesh, Narendra Nagar, and Chamba to reach Tehri Dam.
From Rishikesh- Tehri Dam is approximately 76 kilometers away from Rishikesh. You can take the NH34 route and drive through Narendra Nagar and Chamba to reach Tehri Dam.
From Delhi- Tehri Dam is approximately 317 kilometers away from Delhi. You can take the NH334 route and drive through Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Narendra Nagar, and Chamba to reach Tehri Dam.
