The district of Tehri Garhwal stretches from the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, of Thalaiya Sagar, Jonli and the Gangotri group all the way to the foothills near Rishikesh. The gushing Bhagirathi that runs through seems to divide the district into two, while the Bhilanga, Alaknanda, Ganga and Yamuna rivers border is on the east & the west. Its immediate neighbouring districts are Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Rudraprayag & Dehradun. History has it that the King of Garhwal expressed his gratitude to the British for liberating Garhwal from the Gorkhas, by giving away half of his kingdom. Consequently, Pauri Garhwal, including today's Chamoli & Rudraprayag (partly) district came to be called British Garhwal until India's independence in 1947. Tehri at the meeting point of the rivers Bhagirathi & Bhilangna, became the new capital of Tehri Garhwal, Srinagar having been the old capital.

The Model town New Tehri is icon of progressive development and pride of the decision makers. Heeding the need of the hour, to provide electricity for the Tehri region, a huge dam project on the massive Bhagirathi River was envisaged. The ambitious plan could only have been realized on the water grave of the present Tehri town. Today New Tehri town is a reality and is already functioning as a-regional headquarters. Easily Asia's most comprehensive resettlement exercise, New Tehri, is now eagerly awaiting the historic moment when a new era of development will dawn. So planned has been the development of the New Tehri that it is easily accessible & well linked with all major towns of the state. Situated right on the banks of the Dam, New Tehri is indeed a unique upcoming future tourist destination.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Deoprayag: Deoprayag is regarded as the most complete showcase of legends, heritage & traditions. 70 km from Rishikesh, here the Bhagirathi from Gaumukh & the Alaknanda from Satopanth unite and for most Indians, this confluence is no less holy than the Sangam at Allahabad. These three rivers flowing majestically through sculptured channels carved through the rocks have carved angular blocks of land around the confluence & the town is set into these three angles. Located at a height of only 618 mtr., Deoprayag is an invocation to the gods who have generously endowed this spot with tremendous natural beauty. It is believed that Lord Rama and his father King Dashratha did penance here. The temple of Raghunathji houses a tall image of Lord Rama made of black granite. The most celebrated event at Deoprayag is the congregation of devotees, who come here to worship at Raghunath temple. There is also a small temple popular as Bharat Mandir of Rishikesh in recluse. It is said that on fearing attack by Aurangzeb the pujaris from Rishikesh installed the same idol at Deoprayag as makeshift arrangement & later took it back to Rishikesh.

Chamba: One of the brightest sports of Tehri Garhwal, at 1676 mts. Chamba is just 60 kms. from Mussoorie and 136 kms. from Rishikesh. This quaint town offers one of the most spectacular views of snow capped Himalayas and the enchanting Bhagirathi valley. Being the centre point of routes to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Tehri & New Tehri, Chamba is fast changing into the ideal interlude.

Raghunath Temple: The temple dedicated to incarnation of Vishnu, Rama is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda & Bhagirathi Rivers at Deoprayag, 71 km from Rishikesh. Deoprayag has a number of temples but this one dedicated to Lord Rama is the most revered. The sculptures on the walls display both Buddhist & South Indian influences. The presiding deities of the temple are Raghunath, Janaki & Lakshman. One quaint custom here is that all the pujas are conducted by Telugu speaking priest, descendants of centuries- old settlers.

Chandrashila: 2km from Deoprayag, in the centre of the Bhagirathi River, rests a gigantic boulder named Chandrashila. Legend has in that it was on this boulder; King Bhagirath undertook his severe penance for the salvation of his 60 thousand ancestors. It is believed, one holy dip & your wishes can come true, and such is the religious significance of this place.

Chandrabadni: 2756 mts. above sea level situated on a mountain peak, one can approach the temple either from Kandikhal enroute Srinagar-Tehri or from Jamnikhal, enroute Deoprayag-Tehri via a link road upto Jurana (8km) & then take a bridle path (2km) upto the temple. This final point of the holy triangle comprising Kunjapuri & Surkhandadevi is the centre of a fair in April every year, perked up by religious programmes, cultural performances & bubbling celebrations. Adding to this, on a clear day one can capture the rare 300 km wide panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas and the collage of infinite valleys & scenic splendor. The temple is 37 km from Deoprayag. Srinagar the ancient capital of Tehri Garhwal is at a distance of 35 km from here.