About Suryadhar Lake and Narendra Nagar

Suryadhar Lake is an artificial reservoir in Doiwala, near Bhogpur and Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand. It was developed to strengthen local water resources and promote tourism, and is also a destination for water sports and other outdoor activities. The reservoir has a capacity of 77,000 cubic meters, and measures 550 meters long, 28 meters wide and 10 meters deep (Wikipedia).

The lake provides irrigation for 18 villages and drinking water for 19 villages. It was created to address the water needs of nearly 20 surrounding villages (Times of India; Republic World).

Nearby Narendra Nagar is a town in the Tehri Garhwal district, set in the Shivalik foothills. It offers views of the Ganga River and the Doon Valley; on clear days, visitors can see Rishikesh and Haridwar (Wikipedia; eUttaranchal).

History

Narendra Nagar was established in 1919 by Maharaja Narendra Shah of Tehri Garhwal, who moved the capital from Tehri to the town. It was originally known as Odathali. The area has historical and mythological associations with spirituality and meditation: according to legend, sage Uddhava performed penance there, while Purasara, described as the founder of astrology, studied the movements of planets and stars. His observatory is now the local polytechnic (Wikipedia).

Suryadhar Lake’s foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on December 25, 2017. The Government of Uttarakhand developed the lake with an investment of Rs 50 crore. Construction was completed in November 2020, and the lake was inaugurated on November 29, 2020 (Times of India; Republic World).

What to see and do

Suryadhar Lake

Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, paddle boating and rowboats on the lake. Fishing is also listed among the activities. The calm water is described as suitable for beginners and experienced water-sports enthusiasts, including families.

The lake and its surroundings offer picnic areas, nature walks, hiking and trekking trails, and opportunities for photography. Picnic facilities are limited, so visitors may need to bring their own food and beverages. Trails vary in difficulty and offer views of the surrounding hills, forests, flora and fauna, and the Himalayas.

The area is also a place for bird watching, with resident and migratory species. Early mornings and late afternoons are good times to look for birds.

Narendra Nagar and its historical sites

At an elevation of 1,322 meters, Narendra Nagar is known for its views and its history as the former capital of Tehri state. The royal palace of Maharaja Narendra Shah now houses the five-star hotel Ananda-In the Himalayas (eUttaranchal).

Nearby spiritual and historical sites include:

Kunjapuri Temple About 25 kilometers from Narendra Nagar, this pilgrimage site is known for sunrise views.
Vashishta Gufa An ancient cave near Rishikesh where Sage Vashishta is believed to have meditated.
Ananda Palace The former palace of the Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal, now part of the Ananda in the Himalayas resort.

Practical visiting information

Visiting hours and tickets

Published visiting hours differ. Suryadhar Lake is listed as open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. Another listing gives hours of 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily for Suryadhar Lake and most attractions in Narendra Nagar.

Entry to the lake is free. Charges may apply for activities such as boating and other water sports. Check the latest information on Uttarakhand Tourism, the official Uttarakhand Tourism website, or the official Uttarakhand tourism website.

Best time to visit

Suggested visiting periods vary. Autumn, from September to November, and spring, from March to June, are recommended for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. Another recommendation is the cooler period from October to March. Summer, from April to June, can be warm.

The monsoon period is given as July to August or July to September. Rain can bring lush scenery, but heavy showers may disrupt travel and cause landslides or road closures (Uttarakhand Guide).

How to get there

The lake is near Bhogpur in Doiwala, about 20 kilometers from Dehradun. Distance information for the nearby town and transport connections varies:

Narendra Nagar is listed as about 16 kilometers from Rishikesh, and also as approximately 20 kilometers from Rishikesh.
Narendra Nagar is approximately 50 kilometers from Dehradun.
Jolly Grant Airport is listed as approximately 31 kilometers from Suryadhar Lake, about 30 kilometers from Narendra Nagar, and 15 kilometers from the lake.
The nearest railway stations listed are Rishikesh, 17 kilometers away, and Haridwar, 39 kilometers away. Dehradun Railway Station is also listed as a rail option, without a distance.

Visitors can hire a taxi or use public transportation from the airport. Taxis, buses or local buses are also options from nearby cities and railway stations. Suryadhar Lake is connected by road to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar and New Tehri (Tour My India).

Accommodation

There are no accommodations directly at Suryadhar Lake, and lodging options immediately around it are limited. Narendra Nagar, Rishikesh and Dehradun offer options ranging from budget hotels and guest houses to luxury resorts. Rishikesh also has ashrams and backpackers’ hostels. Eco-friendly lodges and homestays are other options to consider.

Ananda in the Himalayas is a luxury spa resort with wellness programs and views of the Ganges River valley. Hotel Ganga Kinare is a mid-range hotel on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Budget hotels are available in Rishikesh and Dehradun (Tour My India).

Food

Restaurants and eateries in Rishikesh and Dehradun serve local, regional, Indian and international cuisines. Garhwali dishes to try include Aloo Ke Gutke, Kafli or Kafuli, Chainsoo and Phaanu.

Accessibility and contact information

The lake is described as accessible to visitors of all ages, but uneven terrain may be challenging for people with mobility issues. Local authorities or tour operators can be contacted about accessibility options.

For information on travel conditions, accommodations and activities, contact the local tourism office in Dehradun or consult the official Uttarakhand tourism website.

Tips

Check the weather forecast before travelling, particularly during the monsoon, when heavy rain may cause landslides and road closures.
Follow local guidelines for water activities, hiking and environmental conservation.
Carry sufficient water, especially for outdoor activities, and use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
Wear clothing suited to the season: light, breathable clothes in summer and warm clothing or heavy woollens in winter. Comfortable walking shoes are useful for walks, and sturdy footwear for trekking or adventure activities.
Carry a basic first-aid kit, personal medications, sunscreen and insect repellent.
If trekking or taking part in water activities, let someone know your plans and expected return time. Keep emergency contacts for local authorities and your accommodation provider.
Avoid littering, use biodegradable products where possible, and avoid single-use plastics. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, do not feed animals, and stay on designated paths.
Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially in villages and at religious sites, and remove your shoes before entering local homes or temples. A polite and respectful attitude is appreciated.

Nearby places

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Activities include river rafting, bungee jumping and camping, as well as yoga and meditation on the banks of the Ganges River (Tour My India).

Dehradun

Popular attractions in Dehradun include Robber’s Cave and Sahastradhara.

FAQ

What are the visiting hours for Suryadhar Lake?
Suryadhar Lake is listed as open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. Another listing gives hours of 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM for the lake and most attractions in Narendra Nagar.

Is there an entrance fee for Suryadhar Lake?
Entry is free, but charges may apply for activities such as boating and other water sports.

When is the best time to visit?
Recommendations include September to November and March to June, as well as October to March. The monsoon period is given as July to August or July to September; heavy rain may disrupt travel.

How do I get to Narendra Nagar and Suryadhar Lake?
Narendra Nagar is listed as approximately 16 kilometers or 20 kilometers from Rishikesh, and about 50 kilometers from Dehradun. Jolly Grant Airport is listed as 30 kilometers from Narendra Nagar. The lake is about 20 kilometers from Dehradun, and its distance from Jolly Grant Airport is listed as 15 kilometers or approximately 31 kilometers.