Tehri is a town and district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The region of Tehri has been a confluence of culture and spirituality, attracting travelers and pilgrims for centuries. Historically, Tehri was part of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal kingdom, which was established in the 17th century and continued to exist until the influx of modern tourism.
The real boost in tourism to Tehri began with the completion of the Tehri Dam, which is one of the highest dams in the world. The dam created the Tehri Lake, and it has become a focal point for tourists seeking water-based recreational activities. The picturesque setting and the adventure sports options like boating, water skiing, and jet skiing have turned the once quiet region into a bustling tourist destination.
The construction of the dam led to the old town of Tehri being submerged and necessitated the relocation of inhabitants to the New Tehri township. The remains of the old town occasionally resurface during the dry season, piquing the interest of both domestic and international travelers.
With the growth of eco-tourism and adventure tourism, Tehri has become synonymous with spots like Koteshwar Temple, Sem Mukhem Temple, and the Tehri Lake. While pilgrimages remain a vital part of the tourism landscape, the scenic beauty and the adrenaline-pumping activities have widened the appeal of Tehri to a broader audience.
In recent years, tourism trends in Tehri have shown a significant shift towards sustainable and responsible travel. With travelers becoming more environmentally conscious, there has been an increase in demand for eco-friendly accommodations and practices.
Adventure tourism has seen a surge with tourists flocking to the region for trekking, rock climbing, and river rafting. The Tehri Lake Festival, an annual event, showcases local culture, music, and water sports, bringing a significant number of visitors to the area.
Homestays and boutique hotels are becoming popular as they offer authentic experiences and personal interactions with the locals. This trend reflects tourists' growing interest in understanding the culture and traditions of Tehri.
The government's push for developing new tourism circuits in Uttarakhand, including religious, adventure, and ecotourism circuits, is likely to encourage more extensive infrastructure development and connectivity in the coming years, which could see Tehri emerging as an even more prominent fixture on the tourism map of India.