Ram Jhula Rishikesh is one of the best-known landmarks on the Ganga River. This iron suspension bridge connects the Sivananda Nagar area of Muni Ki Reti with Swarg Ashram, a riverside neighbourhood known for its ashrams, temples and spiritual activities. For many years, it served as an important crossing for pilgrims, local residents and visitors exploring this part of the city.
Important update: The bridge is currently closed for repair and strengthening work. Visitors should check the latest access arrangements before planning a visit. The current closure and expected reopening timeline are explained in the visitor information section below.
Ram Jhula History: When Was It Built?
The Ram Jhula bridge was completed in 1986. Some tourism sources credit the Public Works Department (PWD) with its construction, with support from Sivananda Ashram. It is a single-span suspension bridge supported by two towers and was primarily designed for pedestrian movement. Published sources give different measurements for its length, so this guide avoids quoting an exact figure.
It is larger and newer than Lakshman Jhula, which dates back to 1929 and is located further upstream. Both bridges have played an important role in connecting the areas on either side of the Ganga.
Recent Ram Jhula history has focused on the bridge’s ageing structure and repair requirements. Concerns about its condition led to restrictions on two-wheelers in 2023. The state later sanctioned funds for repair and strengthening work. The bridge was completely closed to public movement in July 2026 so that the work could be carried out.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Ram Jhula Rishikesh is a relatively modern bridge rather than an ancient religious monument. Its importance comes mainly from the spiritual places and communities it connects.
Sivananda Ashram, the headquarters of the Divine Life Society, is located on the Muni Ki Reti side. Across the river, the Swarg Ashram area is home to well-known religious institutions, including Parmarth Niketan and Gita Bhawan.
For many years, crossing the Ram Jhula bridge was part of visiting ashrams, attending spiritual programmes and reaching the ghats for prayer and Ganga Aarti. Pilgrims travelling towards Neelkanth Mahadev Temple have also used this part of Rishikesh as a connecting point.
Although both Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula have names associated with the Ramayana tradition, Ram Jhula history belongs to the twentieth century. The bridge’s cultural importance should not be confused with claims that it is an ancient structure.
Ram Jhula Location: Where Is It and How to Reach It?
The Ram Jhula location is in the northeastern part of Rishikesh, across the Ganga near Muni Ki Reti. The Sivananda Nagar side falls in Tehri Garhwal district, while Swarg Ashram on the opposite bank is in Pauri Garhwal district.
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, a few kilometres away. Jolly Grant Airport, near Dehradun, is approximately 20–25 km away, depending on the route and starting point. Autos and taxis serve the Muni Ki Reti and Swarg Ashram areas.
The bridge itself is a pedestrian crossing, not a road bridge for cars. Since it is currently closed, visitors should not plan to use it to travel between the two riverbanks. Anyone checking the Ram Jhula location for a visit should confirm the latest access arrangements before travelling.
Ram Jhula to Lakshman Jhula Distance and the Difference Between Them
The Ram Jhula to Lakshman Jhula distance is approximately 1.5–2 km, depending on the starting point and route. Although visitors sometimes confuse the two landmarks, they are separate bridges.
- Ram Jhula: Completed in 1986, it connects Sivananda Nagar and Swarg Ashram.
- Lakshman Jhula: Completed in 1929, it connects the Tapovan and Jonk areas and has been closed to public access since 2019.
Visitors previously combined both bridges in one walking route. However, their closure means that alternative arrangements are necessary. Janki Setu is an alternative river crossing in the wider area. Bajrang Setu, the newer bridge near Lakshman Jhula, has had conflicting public-access reports. As of late October 2026, an official public opening date had not been confirmed. Do not assume it is open without checking its current status.
The Ram Jhula to Lakshman Jhula distance should therefore be treated as an approximate land-route distance rather than a direct crossing distance.
Places Near Ram Jhula
Several well-known religious and cultural attractions are located around the Ram Jhula area. These places near Ram Jhula can be explored as part of a visit to the wider Muni Ki Reti and Swarg Ashram neighbourhoods.
Parmarth Niketan
Parmarth Niketan is one of the prominent ashrams in Rishikesh, located near the Swarg Ashram riverbank. It is widely known for its evening Ganga Aarti. The distance from the bridge is approximately 600 metres, depending on the route and exact starting point.
You can read our guide to Ganga Aarti places in Rishikesh for more information about the main aarti locations. Confirm local arrangements before planning your visit.
Swarg Ashram and Gita Bhawan
Swarg Ashram is a riverside neighbourhood known for its ashrams, temples, shops and peaceful surroundings. Gita Bhawan is one of its recognised religious complexes and attracts visitors interested in spiritual activities.
Sivananda Ashram and the Ghats
Sivananda Ashram is situated on the Muni Ki Reti side and is associated with the Divine Life Society. The nearby riverbank areas and ghats are used for prayer, meditation and other religious activities. Triveni Ghat, another major Ganga Aarti location, is several kilometres away in the main town.
Beatles Ashram and Trayambakeshwar Temple
Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kutia, is located on the eastern side of the Ganga and is associated with the Beatles’ visit to Rishikesh in 1968. Its distance from the bridge is approximately 1.3 km, depending on the route. Check current entry arrangements before visiting.
Trayambakeshwar Temple, also called Tera Manzil Temple, is a multi-storey temple near Lakshman Jhula. You can read our detailed guide to Trayambakeshwar Temple Rishikesh. For more local attractions, explore our guide to Things to Do in Rishikesh.
Markets, Cafes and Other Attractions
The lanes around Swarg Ashram have small shops selling spiritual books, religious items, jewellery, handicrafts and souvenirs. Visitors can also find cafes and eateries in the surrounding neighbourhood.
The market areas are part of the wider experience of visiting Rishikesh, offering opportunities to explore local shops and spend time near the river. Local traders have also reported a decline in customer movement since the Ram Jhula bridge closure affected access between the two banks.
Visitor Information: Access, Timings and Current Guidelines
Current Status of Ram Jhula
As of early November 2026, Ram Jhula remains closed to public movement, including pedestrians. The complete closure began on 25 July 2026 for repair and strengthening work.
The initial completion target was December 2026. However, a report published on 18 September 2026 stated that the deadline had been extended to February 2027, with the PWD reporting that approximately 60% of the work was complete at that time. February 2027 should be treated as an expected completion target, not a confirmed reopening date. The schedule may change.
Until an official reopening announcement is made, visitors should not attempt to cross the bridge. Anyone planning a future visit to Ram Jhula Rishikesh should check for an updated announcement before travelling.
Ram Jhula Timings and Entry
There are no public crossing timings during the current closure. Before the repair work began, tourism websites generally described the bridge as a free pedestrian crossing. However, older online listings may still show Ram Jhula timings as though it were operational.
After reopening, visitors should check local notices for updated access rules and crossing hours. Any restrictions may depend on the condition of the bridge and official instructions.
Before You Visit
Check recent local updates before travelling to the area. Janki Setu is an alternative crossing, while the public-access status of Bajrang Setu should be confirmed locally rather than assumed. Visitors planning to explore the ashrams and ghats around Swarg Ashram should account for the current bridge closure.
For anyone researching Ram Jhula Rishikesh, the most important thing to remember is that the bridge’s reopening date is not confirmed. Check the latest local information before making travel plans.