Tehri Lake & Kanatal Weekend Getaway: 48 Hours of Sky‑Blue Water, Pine Forests and Heritage Living
- Shokey Malik
- May 8
- 1 min read
Swap the Gurgaon traffic for mountain air in just eight hours. This road‑trip itinerary packs water sports on shimmering Tehri Lake, sunset trails in Kanatal, and royal‑heritage hospitality at Darbar Farmstay—an 80‑year‑old Garhwal haveli reborn.
Day 1: Delhi → Rishikesh → Chamba → Darbar Farmstay
Early Start (5 AM) – Hit NH334 via Meerut Expwy for a crowd‑free run.
Breakfast Spot (9 AM) – Try Madras Café, Rishikesh: idlis & filter coffee.
Scenic Stretch (11 AM‑1 PM) – Climb the Mussoorie‑Chamba road; pull over at Mohanchatti for valley photos.
Check‑in (2 PM) – Welcome drink & farm‑fresh lunch at Darbar
Golden Hour (5 PM) – Walk to The Deck viewpoint—Kanatal ridge turns gold.
Day 2: Tehri Lake Thrills & Kanatal Forest Trails
Morning
Speed‑Boating & Kayak (8‑10 AM) – Book through our desk (₹1,000 per kayak/hour).
Floating Café Brunch (10:30 AM) – Coffee on deck, lake 200 m below.
Afternoon
Pine Forest Picnic – Take packed farm‑to‑tiffin hampers (aloo gutuk, hemp‑seed chutney).
Surkhanda Devi Hike – 30‑min climb, panoramic 360° vistas of snow peaks.
Evening
Return to Darbar's bonfire pit for a Garhwali thali dinner
Packing Checklist
Must‑Have | Why |
Wind‑breaker | Lake winds get nippy post 4 PM |
Water‑proof phone pouch | Kayak selfies! |
E‑Fastag & UPI | Toll booths & village cafés |
Map & Drive Times
Leg | Distance | Drive Time |
Delhi → Rishikesh | 240 km | 4 hr |
Rishikesh → Chamba | 60 km | 1.5 hr |
Chamba → Darbar | 6 km | 10 min |
Pro Tip: Break at Byasi for river‑view chai; cuts fatigue before the ghat roads.
A weekend is enough to taste crystal water, cedar forests and Garhwali culture—if you base yourself at Darbar Farmstay. Next trip, stretch the itinerary with our hidden waterfall trek (coming soon on the blog).