Best months
Per-day budget
₹1,200–2,300/day
Getting there
Chamba is a small town in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, situated on a ridge above the Tehri Dam reservoir at about 850 m. It is not to be confused with the Himachal Chamba — this Chamba overlooks the massive blue waters of the Tehri Lake, created by the damming of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers. Chamba is quieter than Rishikesh and less developed than Mussoorie. The main attractions are the views of the reservoir from the town ridge, the Kunjapuri Devi temple trek, the Manjha valley camping area across the lake, and the nearby Tehri dam wall. Chamba works as a base for exploring the Tehri region and for water-based activities on the reservoir such as kayaking and jet-skiing.
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Why go
Chamba's main attraction is the view of the Tehri Lake — the deep blue water against the brown Garhwal hills is unexpectedly dramatic for a man-made reservoir. The town ridge offers several viewpoints over the lake. The Tehri Dam itself, one of the tallest dams in the world at 260 m, is 15 km from Chamba. The dam's viewing gallery is open to visitors. The Manjha valley and Kandiyal village across the lake offer quieter views and are good for cycling. The Kunjapuri Devi temple, 8 km from Chamba, is a hilltop shrine with 360-degree views of the Tehri Lake and the surrounding Garhwal hills.
The Tehri Lake has emerged as a destination for water sports. Kayaking and jet-skiing on the reservoir are available at the Tehri Water Sports complex near the dam. The Kunjapuri trek is a 2-hour uphill walk from Chamba town with moderate difficulty. The Manjha valley on the opposite shore is accessible by boat from the Tehri dam side and has camping sites overlooking the lake. The Buda Kedar trek, a 2-day walk through the forested valley south of Chamba, is an option for longer trips. Paragliding is available from the ridge above Chamba during the summer months.
How to reach
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, about 60 km from Chamba. Trains from Delhi to Rishikesh take 5-6 hours (sleeper class ₹250-400). From Rishikesh, buses to Chamba take about 2 hours (₹150-250). Services are regular but may have been reduced post-pandemic — check current timings and fares with HRTC (hrtchp.com) before travel. The nearest airport is Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport, about 80 km away. Chamba is on the main road from Rishikesh to Gangotri, so transport is generally available. The town is walkable — most hotels, the main market and the viewpoints are within 1-2 km of each other.
What a day costs
| Homestay / budget hotel | ₹500–900 |
| Food (Garhwali thali) | ₹150–300 |
| Kayaking per session | ₹500–1,000 |
| Tehri Dam viewing gallery | ₹50–100 |
When to go
March to June is the best season for water activities and clear weather. October to November offers excellent views of the lake with cool, crisp air. December to February is cold (temperatures can drop to 5°C) but the lake views are clear and accommodation is cheap. July to September is monsoon — the lake waters are high and the hills are green, but rain can disrupt outdoor activities. For kayaking and water sports, the ideal period is April to June. For a quiet trip with fewer crowds, visit in October-November or February-March.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Lake View
Arrive in Chamba from Rishikesh by afternoon. Check into a hotel on the ridge with a view of the Tehri Lake. Walk to the Chamba viewpoint for sunset. Dinner at a restaurant overlooking the lake.
Day 2: Tehri Dam and Water Sports
Visit the Tehri Dam viewing gallery in the morning (15 km, shared auto ₹150-200). Spend the afternoon at the Tehri Water Sports complex — try kayaking or jet-skiing. Return to Chamba by evening.
Day 3: Kunjapuri Temple and Depart
Trek to Kunjapuri Devi temple in the morning (8 km, start by 7 AM). The 360-degree view of the lake and surrounding hills from the temple is the best in the area. Return by midday. Catch a bus to Rishikesh.
Student hacks
- ▸Stay on the ridge road in Chamba for the best lake views — budget rooms on the ridge side start at ₹500.
- ▸The Kunjapuri temple trek is free — carry water as there is no shop on the trail.
- ▸Tehri Water Sports complex has group discounts for students — ask at the counter.
- ▸Chamba is close to Rishikesh (2 hours) — combine it with a Rishikesh trip for a longer Garhwal itinerary.
- ▸The Tehri Dam viewing gallery is ₹50 — the scale of the dam wall is impressive even if you are not into engineering.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Chamba or the Tehri Lake. The dam viewing gallery has a small entry fee. Water sports at the Tehri Water Sports complex are supervised by instructors — life jackets are mandatory. The Kunjapuri trail is safe during daylight. The Tehri Lake is deep — swimming is not recommended outside designated areas. ATMs are available on the main road. Mobile coverage from all major networks is available. The town is safe for solo travel. The Chamba area has a moderate risk of landslides during heavy monsoon rain — check road conditions before travelling.
FAQs
How do I reach Chamba (Uttarakhand) from Delhi?
Take a train to Rishikesh (sleeper class ₹250-400, 5-6 hours), then a bus to Chamba (₹150-250, 2 hours).
Is Chamba the same as the Himachal Chamba?
No. This Chamba is in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, on the Tehri Lake. Himachal's Chamba is a separate town in the Chamba district.
What is the best time for water sports at Tehri?
April to June is the best season for kayaking and jet-skiing. The lake is calm and the weather is pleasant.
Is Chamba safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Chamba is safe and has a relaxed atmosphere. The town is small and walkable.
How many days do I need?
Two days is enough — one for the dam and water sports, one for the Kunjapuri trek. Three days for a relaxed pace.