History of Tourism

Tehri Dam, located in the heart of Uttarakhand, India, stands as one of the highest dams in the world and is a marvel of human engineering. The history of tourism surrounding Tehri Dam is relatively new, as the dam itself was completed in 2006. It submerged the old town of Tehri, and a new town was established – New Tehri – which now serves as the hub for visitors to the dam and the surrounding region.

Initially, the dam served a purely utilitarian purpose, providing hydroelectricity, irrigation, and water supply. It wasn't long, however, before the stunning landscapes and the magnitude of the dam caught the attention of tourists. Interest in the dam and its reservoir, known as Tehri Lake, began to grow as an attraction for sightseeing, photography, and water sports.

Several religious and cultural sites submerged by the dam also hold historical significance, and this has augmented the interest among tourists, particularly those interested in the consequences of such large-scale projects on culture and heritage.

Latest Tourism Trends

In recent years, Tehri Dam has become a hub for adventure and leisure tourism. The creation of Tehri Lake has opened up new avenues for water-based activities. Here are some of the latest trends in tourism around Tehri Dam:

• Water Sports: Tehri Lake has become a hotspot for water sports such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, water zorbing, and even houseboat stays.
• Adventure Activities: Apart from aquatic activities, there is a surge in land-based adventure sports such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and trekking.
• Eco-tourism: An emphasis on sustainability has seen a rise in eco-friendly travel options, including guided eco-tours to explore the local flora and fauna.
• Cultural Festivals: Events such as the Tehri Lake Festival have started to draw tourists from across the globe, providing them with a taste of local culture and traditional performances.
• Wellness Tourism: The serene environment around the dam has encouraged the establishment of wellness retreats offering yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic treatments.

The Government of Uttarakhand is actively promoting Tehri Dam as a tourist destination, investing in infrastructure and marketing to ensure a continued rise in visitor numbers. This has been bolstered by the area's inclusion in campaigns such as the 'Char Dham Yatra', which draws pilgrims to the state.

With its combination of natural beauty, adventure sports, and accessibility, Tehri Dam continues to carve a niche for itself in the tourism industry, promising growth and development for the region.