Tehri Lake (Tehri Jheel) is a rare Himalayan destination where postcard-worthy scenery meets a full line-up of water thrills. Set in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, the reservoir created by the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River sprawls through pine-covered hills and pretty villages, with the Dobra-Chanti suspension bridge as its striking landmark. The lake is known across North India for organized water adventure sports—from jet skiing and speed boating to kayaking, banana boat rides, and parasailing—making it a must-add to any adventure sports in Uttarakhand itinerary. The altitude is comfortable too: the reservoir typically operates between ~740 m and ~835 m above sea level, which keeps weather pleasant for much of the year, especially in shoulder seasons.
Whether you’re a first-timer seeking a safe, guided experience or a repeat visitor hungry for speed and spray, water sports in Tehri Lake deliver both excitement and big-screen views of the lower Himalaya.
Tehri Lake in Uttarakhand is one of India’s best high-mountain artificial lakes for water adventure sports—jet skiing, speed boating, kayaking, banana rides, parasailing—drawing thrill-seekers and nature lovers year-round.
What Is Tehri Lake?
● Location: Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, with the hill town of New Tehri overlooking the reservoir. New Tehri itself sits roughly 1,550–1,950 m above sea level, offering panoramic lake views.
● Formed by: Tehri Dam, India’s tallest dam at 260.5 m, built on the Bhagirathi River. The dam impounds the Bhagirathi and its tributary Bhilangana to create the lake. (Wikipedia)
● Known for: A growing adventure-tourism scene backed by local operators and state promotion, plus dramatic Himalayan views from shores and ridgelines. (The Times of India)
● Altitude: The water level ranges ~740–835 meters above sea level depending on season and reservoir operations; vantage towns like New Tehri are much higher (thus the mix of figures you’ll see online). (Hydropower.org)
Fun fact: Local and official pages often tout Tehri as Asia’s largest man-made lake. The reservoir is unquestionably vast by Indian standards; if you use that superlative in marketing copy, attribute it to district/tourism sources.
Water Adventure Sports at Tehri Lake
Tehri Lake activities are clustered around Koti Colony, Dobra-Chanti Bridge, and lakefront points near New Tehri. Availability can vary day-to-day with weather and water level; operators typically run from morning to late afternoon/early evening (roughly 8–9 AM to 5–6 PM).
1. Jet Skiing / Water Scooter
The perennial crowd-pleaser. Expect guided rides with a trained pilot for first-timers; experienced riders might get supervised solo time depending on operator policy. Acceleration is instant and splashy—perfect for a quick adrenaline shot.
2. Speed Boating / Motorboating
If you prefer power and stability, hop on a speed boat. It’s ideal for groups, families with kids, or anyone who wants fast thrills without getting too technical. Routes loop near the bridge and out into open water when conditions allow.
3. Kayaking & Canoeing
Quiet coves and long views make kayaking one of the most rewarding Tehri Lake activities. Go tandem if you’re new, or solo around marked areas near the operators. Calm mornings are best for glassy reflections and relaxed paddling.
4. Banana Boat & Bumper Rides
Bring your giggle squad—banana rides and bumpers are all about teamwork, splashes, and inevitable wipeout photos. These are short, supervised circuits near the activity hubs and are great for mixed-age groups.
5. Parasailing (over water)
On suitable days, parasailing adds the wow—float above teal water with Dobra-Chanti glowing below. Wind and safety checks determine availability; operators will clear you if conditions are marginal.
6. River Rafting (nearby zones)
While Tehri Lake itself is flat water, rafting is available on the Ganga around Rishikesh, which you can combine with a Tehri trip on a longer itinerary.
Best Time for Water Sports in Tehri Lake
● Best seasons: March–June (spring to early summer) and September–November (post-monsoon to late autumn) offer pleasant temperatures, good visibility, and more predictable winds.
● Avoid monsoon peaks: July–August can bring heavy rain, low visibility, and activity suspensions. Post-rain days might still be beautiful, but always check locally.
● Winter note: December–February is colder; some days are crisp and clear with thrilling visibility, but shorter daylight and chilly water mean fewer daily slots.
Operators commonly run 8:00/9:00 AM to ~5:00/6:00 PM; exact times shift with season and weather.
Entry Fees & Adventure Sports Charges
Prices vary by operator, season, and ride duration. These ballpark figures help with budgeting; always confirm on-site:
● Jet Ski / Water Scooter: ~₹800–₹1,500 per ride (short runs may be lower; extended rides higher).
● Speed Boat / Motorboat: ~₹600–₹1,200 depending on minutes and capacity. Some list longer durations at higher slabs.
● Kayaking: ~₹500–₹1,000 (usually 20–30 minutes; check for tandem/solo pricing).
● Banana/Bumper Rides: Often ₹400–₹700 per person for 1–2 rounds.
● Parasailing: ~₹2,500–₹3,000 per person when running.
Timings frequently published by operators and local listings cluster around 8 AM – 6 PM. Weather may pause or end rides early.
Safety Measures & Guidelines
Tehri’s operators cater to beginners and families, but lake rules and common-sense safety still apply:
● Life jackets are mandatory for all rides; you’ll be fitted before boarding.
● Government-recognized / reputable operators: Choose providers with visible permits, proper gear, and briefings. Established outfits at Koti Colony / Dobra-Chanti are a good start.
● Weather-based activity control: Wind, rain, or low visibility may suspend rides without notice—cooperate with staff; lake safety trumps schedules.
● Beginners welcome: Most Tehri Lake activities run as tandem or supervised sessions, ideal for first-timers and kids meeting minimum age/height rules. Ask for gentler speeds and near-shore routes if needed.
How to Reach Tehri Lake
● By Road: From Rishikesh to Tehri Lake/New Tehri is roughly 65–75 km depending on your exact lakeside point and route (via Narendra Nagar–Chamba). Typical drive time is ~2–3 hours in hill traffic.
● By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station is the practical railhead; continue by taxi or bus to New Tehri / Koti Colony.
● By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is the closest airport; from there, continue by road to Tehri (commonly via Rishikesh–Chamba).
Nearby Attractions
1. Tehri Dam
India’s tallest dam is an engineering icon and the reason Tehri Lake exists. Viewpoints around New Tehri offer sweeping dam-and-lake panoramas.
2. Dobra-Chanti Bridge
A stunning illuminated suspension bridge across the lake—widely described as India’s longest motorable single-lane suspension bridge (approx. 440 m). Visit at sunset for mirror-lake photos.
3. Chamba
A laid-back Himalayan town on the Rishikesh–Tehri approach; it’s your coffee view-stop and a base for Kanatal/Surkanda Devi excursions.
4. Surkanda Devi Temple
A famous Shaktipeeth with a top-of-the-world ridge setting near Kanatal—pair with Dhanaulti on a full-day loop from Tehri. (Popular from the Tehri–Chamba–Kanatal belt.)
5. New Tehri Town Viewpoints
The 1,550–1,950 m ridge town faces the lake; stroll promenades and catch the evening glow on the water.
Why Tehri Lake Is Famous for Adventure Tourism
● Massive artificial reservoir with long fetch and sheltered bays—perfect for a high-variety water sports menu close to Delhi and Dehradun. (District/tourism sources even call it Asia’s largest man-made lake.)
●Uttarakhand’s best-organized flat-water adventure hub, with multiple operators, marked zones, and active state promotion—including recent investments focused on sustainable, climate-resilient tourism in the Tehri Lake region.
● Scenic Himalayan backdrop thanks to the basin’s amphitheater of hills and New Tehri’s high vantage points.
● Family-friendly and beginner-friendly: Many rides are short, supervised, and suitable for mixed-age groups.
Practical On-Site Tips
1) Plan your sequence
Do a quick recce of operators (Koti Colony, near Dobra-Chanti, lakefront shacks) and book two activities together to save time. Mornings are calmer for kayaking; leave jet skiing or speed boats for later when winds pick up.
2) Dress right
Quick-dry clothing, secure sandals/shoes, a light windcheater, and sunscreen. Carry a small towel and change of clothes if you’re doing banana/bumper rides.
3) Phones & cameras
Use a dry bag or float strap. Parasailing and jet ski splashes are unforgiving.
4) Health & kids
Share any medical conditions with staff. Children should meet minimum age/height requirements and must wear properly fastened life jackets.
5) Respect closures
If rides are paused due to weather or visibility, they’re paused for a reason. Schedule a café break or a bridge photo-walk and check back.
Sample Half-Day Itinerary (Flexible)
● 08:30 AM – Arrive Koti Colony; quick tea and operator briefing.
● 09:00 AM – Kayaking circuit along quiet shores (~20–30 minutes).
● 10:00 AM – Jet ski ride for speed; swap riders.
● 11:00 AM – Speed boat loop towards the bridge for photos.
● Noon – Walk the Dobra-Chanti Bridge; if available, parasailing slot.
● 01:30 PM – Late lunch in New Tehri, then viewpoints or drive to Chamba/Kanatal.
Quick Facts
● Type: Large artificial reservoir (dam lake).
● City/Region: New Tehri / Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.
●Formed by: Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River; Bhilangana is a key tributary arm.
● Altitude: ~740–835 m (lake operating band); New Tehri town overlooks it from ~1,550–1,950 m.
●Signature landmark: Dobra-Chanti Bridge.
● Popular Tehri Lake activities: Jet skiing, speed boating, kayaking, banana/bumper rides, parasailing (plus rafting near Rishikesh).
Closing Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a destination that blends big Himalaya views with serious water action, Tehri Lake delivers—without the crowds of beach towns or the unpredictability of alpine rivers. Come for the jet ski sprints and parasailing panoramas; stay for quiet kayak mornings, bridge-at-sunset photos, and the satisfying sense that you’ve tapped into one of the most exciting adventure sports in Uttarakhand.
With smart planning—picking the right season, arriving early, and choosing reputable operators—you’ll walk away with both adrenaline and serenity in the same day. And that combination is exactly why water sports in Tehri Lake keep travelers coming back.
Source notes & attributions
●Dam & reservoir facts / altitude band: Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River; tallest in India; reservoir operations ~740–835 m.
●New Tehri elevation & vantage: 1,550–1,950 m ridge town overlooking the lake.
●Activities on offer & operator presence: Jet ski, speed boat, banana/bumper, kayaking, parasailing, with typical timings around 8–6 depending on season/weather.
●Indicative pricing: Compiled from multiple operator/tour listings and travel FAQs; prices fluctuate.
●Getting there (distance/time): Rishikesh–Tehri ~65–75 km, ~2–3 hours by road depending on route and traffic.
● Regional development: Recent ADB-India agreement for tourism and climate-resilient infrastructure in the Tehri Lake region.
FAQs
Common Tehri Lake activities include jet skiing (water scooter), speed/motor boating, kayaking/canoeing, banana & bumper rides, and parasailing (weather permitting). Some operators also list flyboarding or water skiing courses seasonally.
March–June and September–November are the most reliable months for clear weather and steady operations. Monsoon months (July–August) often see rain/wind-related suspensions.
Yes—choose reputable, permitted operators, follow staff briefings, and wear life jackets. Activities may be paused during unsuitable weather for safety.
Indicative ranges: Jet ski ₹800–₹1,500, speed boat ₹600–₹1,200, kayaking ₹500–₹1,000, banana/bumper ₹400–₹700, parasailing ₹2,500–₹3,000. Exact prices vary by
In the Tehri Garhwal district. The lake is formed by Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River, with New Tehri town overlooking it.
Absolutely. Most rides are supervised and designed for beginners and families; you can request gentler speeds and near-shore circuits.
By road, expect ~65–75 km depending on route and exact lakeside location; plan on ~2–3 hours in hill traffic.
They run most of the year, but monsoon weather and occasional winter cold/wind can limit operations. Daily 8 AM–6 PM style timings are common, but always check locally the day you go.
