Tehri Lake & Koti Colony Water Sports
Tehri, Uttarakhand · lake
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Tehri Lake is the vast emerald reservoir formed by the Tehri Dam, which impounds the Bhagirathi River in the mountains of Tehri Garhwal. At 260.5 metres the dam is the tallest in India, and the lake it created — spread across roughly 42 to 52 square kilometres of drowned valley — ranks among the largest man-made water bodies in Asia. The reservoir fills the deep gorge once occupied by the historic Old Tehri town, whose residents were resettled in the planned hill city of New Tehri that now looks down on the water from a ridge above. Today the still, blue-green lake winding between forested Himalayan slopes has become one of Uttarakhand's most photographed landscapes and a fast-growing centre for family water sports.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Dhabas at Koti Colony boat point – basic pure-vegetarian Garhwali plates, paratha, Maggi and chai; simple and seasonal, so confirm what is freshly cooked.
- ✦Pure-veg eateries in New Tehri town (about 4 km uphill) – reliable vegetarian thalis, chhole-bhature and South Indian tiffin; more choice than at the shore.
- ✦Tea and snack stalls along the Chamba–Tehri approach road – vegetarian samosa, pakora and chai stops with lake views; pick a busy, freshly-frying stall.
- ✦Family-run vegetarian dhabas at Chamba (about 25 km) – dependable veg meals if you are routing via Chamba/Dhanaulti; ask for the pure-veg kitchen.
About
Tehri Lake is the vast emerald reservoir formed by the Tehri Dam, which impounds the Bhagirathi River in the mountains of Tehri Garhwal. At 260.5 metres the dam is the tallest in India, and the lake it created — spread across roughly 42 to 52 square kilometres of drowned valley — ranks among the largest man-made water bodies in Asia.
- The reservoir fills the deep gorge once occupied by the historic Old Tehri town, whose residents were resettled in the planned hill city of New Tehri that now looks down on the water from a ridge above.
- Today the still, blue-green lake winding between forested Himalayan slopes has become one of Uttarakhand's most photographed landscapes and a fast-growing centre for family water sports.
- The main activity base sits at Koti Colony, a lakeside settlement about 4 to 20 kilometres below New Tehri depending on the approach road (the shorter route drops steeply to the shore; the scenic route loops via Chamba).
- Originally a residential colony for the hydro-project's engineers, Koti Colony has been developed as the lake's principal boating and adventure point, with a jetty, launch ramps and an administrative base for water-tourism operators.
- From here visitors can take gentle motor-boat and shikara-style rides across the reservoir, try jet-skiing and speed boats, paddle kayaks and canoes, stand up on paddleboards, or attempt banana-boat rides, water zorbing and parasailing over the water.
- Calmer boat cruises suit families and older travellers, while the powered rides draw thrill-seekers and college groups.
- The setting is the real attraction: mirror-flat water reflecting terraced hillsides, silent coves, and long views back toward the dam wall and the lights of New Tehri after dusk.
- Mornings are usually calm and clear, with the wind picking up by afternoon.
- Note that this is a Himalayan reservoir with cold, deep water and variable levels — always wear the provided life jacket, follow operator safety briefings, and confirm conditions before boarding; families should choose reputable day operators and clean, family-run stays.
- For vegetarian travellers the area is straightforward.
- Small dhabas and tea stalls at Koti Colony and along the New Tehri approach serve simple pure-vegetarian Garhwali fare — aloo-gutke, rajma-chawal, paratha, Maggi and chai — while New Tehri town has more sit-down pure-veg options.
- Carry water and snacks, as on-site choices are basic and seasonal.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Koti Colony, Old Tehri Road, near Koti boat point, by Tehri Lake, New Tehri (Tehri Garhwal), Tehri, Uttarakhand, 249001
How to Reach: Koti Colony lies just below New Tehri in Tehri Garhwal. From Rishikesh it is about 85–95 km (3.5–4 hours) via Chamba on the Chamba–Tehri road; shared taxis and buses run to New Tehri, from where a local taxi drops you at the Koti boat point (around 4 km). From Dehradun it is roughly 100–110 km via Chamba/Dhanaulti. The nearest railhead is Rishikesh and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun); there is no metro. Self-drivers should take the steep last descent to the shore slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What water sports can you do at Tehri Lake and Koti Colony?
Koti Colony is the main activity point on Tehri Lake. Operators offer motor-boat and shikara-style lake rides, jet-skiing, speed boats, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, banana-boat rides, water zorbing and parasailing. Gentle boat cruises suit families and older visitors, while the powered rides are for thrill-seekers. Always wear the provided life jacket and follow the safety briefing, as the reservoir is deep and cold.
How do I reach Koti Colony from Rishikesh or Dehradun?
Koti Colony sits just below New Tehri in Tehri Garhwal. From Rishikesh it is about 85–95 km (3.5–4 hours) via Chamba; from Dehradun roughly 100–110 km via Chamba or Dhanaulti. Buses and shared taxis run to New Tehri, and a local taxi covers the last ~4 km down to the Koti boat point. The nearest railhead is Rishikesh and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun.
Is there an entry fee for Tehri Lake?
There is no ticket to reach the lake shore at Koti Colony. You pay only for the activities you choose, and each ride is charged separately — for example, boat rides, jet-skiing and parasailing all have different rates that vary by season and operator. Confirm current prices at the boat point before booking, and it is wise to agree the rate and duration in advance.
What are the timings for water sports at Koti Colony?
The water-sports point generally operates from about 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, though individual rides depend on weather, water level and demand. Mornings are usually the calmest and best for boating, with wind picking up by afternoon. During heavy monsoon rain (July–August) rides may pause, so it is best to confirm conditions locally before travelling down to the shore.
Is Tehri Lake good for families and children?
Yes. Calm motor-boat and shikara-style cruises are well suited to families and older travellers, and children can join with a properly fitted life jacket under operator supervision. Because it is a deep Himalayan reservoir, stay within the guided activity zone, follow all safety instructions, and choose reputable day operators. Families should pick dry, family-run stays and reputable day operators.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Tehri Lake?
Options at the shore are basic but vegetarian-friendly. Small dhabas at Koti Colony boat point serve pure-vegetarian Garhwali fare like aloo-gutke, rajma-chawal, paratha, Maggi and chai. New Tehri town, about 4 km uphill, has more sit-down pure-veg eateries with thalis and tiffin, and there are vegetarian snack stalls along the Chamba approach road. Carry water and snacks, as on-site choices are limited and seasonal.
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