About Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula is a 750-foot suspension bridge spanning the Ganga River in Rishikesh, named after Lord Ram. While Laxman Jhula draws the larger tourist crowds, Ram Jhula has a quieter, more deeply spiritual character — it is the gateway to the ashram belt of Rishikesh, including the famous Parmarth Niketan and Swarg Ashram on the eastern bank.
Ram Jhula was constructed in 1986 and is wider and sturdier than its older counterpart. Because it is in better structural condition, it remains open for pedestrians, cyclists and even light vehicles. The bridge offers spectacular views of the Ganga flowing through a valley lined with ashrams, temples and dense forests.
The area around Ram Jhula is the spiritual heartland of Rishikesh. On the east bank lies Swarg Ashram — a colony of dozens of ashrams, dharamshalas, and temples that has been a centre of yoga and Vedantic learning since the early 20th century. The nightly Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan ghat is among the most beautiful in Rishikesh.
Quick Facts
Featured Snippet: Ram Jhula is a 750-ft suspension bridge over the Ganga in Rishikesh, near Swarg Ashram and Parmarth Niketan. Built in 1986. Open all day. Free entry. 3 km from Laxman Jhula.
History & Significance of Ram Jhula
Like its counterpart Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula carries deep mythological significance. Hindu tradition holds that Lord Ram performed austerities on the eastern bank of the Ganga near this spot. The name Ram Jhula — Bridge of Ram — places this crossing in the divine geography of the Ramayana.
The modern bridge was built by the Uttarakhand government in 1986 to ease access to the ashram belt of Swarg Ashram, which had been reachable only by boat or the narrower Laxman Jhula. The bridge transformed the eastern bank — bringing utilities, visitors and development to what had been a cluster of isolated ashrams.
Best Time to Visit
Perfect weather 15-28 C. Ganga clear and flowing strongly. Ideal for ashram visits, bridge walks, and photography.
International Yoga Festival in March brings spiritual energy to a peak. Comfortable temperatures (15-30 C). Great for yoga retreats.
Cool to cold (5-20 C). Quieter crowds mean deeper access to ashram life. The Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan is magical in winter mist.
Ram Jhula is accessible year-round. July-August monsoon can make the bridge slippery — wear non-slip footwear.
Things to Do
Ram Jhula is more than just a bridge — it is the entry point to the richest zone of spiritual and cultural life in Rishikesh. On the east bank, Swarg Ashram offers a labyrinth of temples, Ayurvedic clinics, yoga centres, and small dhaba restaurants. Parmarth Niketan runs daily classes, yagna ceremonies, and its famous riverside Ganga Aarti.
Across on the west bank, the lanes of Muni Ki Reti are dotted with Sivananda Ashram and the Divine Life Society. Cycling or walking the 3 km between Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula along the east bank is one of the most rewarding walks in all of India.
- Walk across Ram Jhula at dawn for an unforgettable sunrise view of the Ganga
- Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan ghat (~6 PM)
- Explore Swarg Ashram — dozens of temples, yoga centres, and Ayurvedic clinics
- Take a yoga or meditation class at Parmarth Niketan
- Walk the 3 km river path from Ram Jhula to Laxman Jhula
- Visit Sivananda Ashram and the Divine Life Society on the west bank
- Try sattvic vegetarian thali at the Swarg Ashram dhaba restaurants
How to Reach Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula is 4 km from Rishikesh main bus stand. Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws connect the town to the bridge regularly. 3 km from Laxman Jhula.
Haridwar Junction (24 km) is the nearest major station. Shared jeeps and private taxis run between Haridwar and Rishikesh throughout the day.
Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun is 22 km away. Pre-book airport cabs with Tour Venture India for hassle-free transfer to your Rishikesh hotel.
Ram Jhula is a pleasant 30-minute walk from Triveni Ghat through the Rishikesh town market. The riverside path from Laxman Jhula is a 3 km scenic walk.
Practical Information
Ram Jhula is open all day and is free to cross. Unlike Laxman Jhula, it is currently open to pedestrians, cyclists and light electric vehicles. There are shoe stalls at both ends of the bridge — you will need to remove footwear when entering some temple premises on the east bank.
The Swarg Ashram area on the east bank has numerous accommodation options for pilgrims seeking longer stays. Day visitors will find ample restaurants, chai stalls, and shops. Photography is freely allowed on the bridge and in most public areas.
Nearby Attractions
Visit Ram Jhula with Tour Venture India
Tour Venture India includes Ram Jhula and the Parmarth Niketan Ganga Aarti in our Rishikesh spiritual tour packages. A visit to both Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula in a single morning is a highlight of our 2N/3D packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula?
Ram Jhula (750 ft, built 1986) is longer and currently open for pedestrians and light vehicles. Laxman Jhula (450 ft, built 1929) was closed in 2019 and has a newer replacement bridge. Ram Jhula is near Parmarth Niketan; Laxman Jhula is near Kailashanand Ashram.
Is Ram Jhula open for crossing?
Yes, Ram Jhula is currently open for pedestrians, cyclists and light e-rickshaws. Entry is free and it is accessible all day.
What is there to do near Ram Jhula?
Ram Jhula is the gateway to Swarg Ashram and Parmarth Niketan on the east bank, and Sivananda Ashram on the west. Activities include yoga classes, Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan, ashram stays, river walks, and temple visits.
How far is Ram Jhula from Rishikesh main town?
Ram Jhula is approximately 4 km from the main Rishikesh bus stand. By auto-rickshaw it takes about 10-15 minutes.
Can I attend the Ganga Aarti near Ram Jhula?
Yes — Parmarth Niketan, just 200 metres from Ram Jhula on the east bank, holds a beautiful nightly Ganga Aarti at sunset (~6 PM). It is free to attend and one of the most peaceful aarti ceremonies in Rishikesh.
Is Ram Jhula suitable for senior citizens and children?
Yes — the bridge is wide and well-maintained, suitable for all age groups. The path on both banks is flat and paved. The area is safe, clean and very walker-friendly.