Photo spot in Rishikesh
Ram Jhula
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
A larger suspension footbridge by the Sivananda and Parmarth ashrams, closed for repairs since July 2026 — cross by Janki Setu or by ferry for the ghats and the evening aarti.
Best time
Sunset, when the towers and cables catch warm light over the river; early morning for mist and a green river.
Best angle
Stand on the Swarg Ashram ghats downstream and take a wide photo of the bridge sweeping across the Ganga with the hills behind.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
Closed for repairs since July 2026 — reopening expected in 2027
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Ram Jhula
Sunset, when the towers and cables catch warm light over the river; early morning for mist and a green river. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Ram Jhula
Stand on the Swarg Ashram ghats downstream and take a wide photo of the bridge sweeping across the Ganga with the hills behind. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
From the ghat with the bridge behind you
On the Parmarth ghat at aarti
Outfit guide
What to wear at Ram Jhula
For photos at Ram Jhula, saffron, white and river green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Rishikesh.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Rishikesh.
Eat nearby
Food near Ram Jhula
Round out the visit with something to eat. There are good local spots a short walk away, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Use Janki Setu to reach Swarg Ashram while Ram Jhula is closed for repairs.
Check local news for the reopening date, as the deadline has already moved.
Take the ferry boat across only when it is running and the river is calm.
Photograph the bridge from the Swarg Ashram ghats at sunset, when the towers catch the light.
Allow extra walking time, as the detour by Janki Setu adds a little distance.
Keep food out of sight on the approaches, as monkeys are bold here.
Walk the car-free Swarg Ashram lanes on foot, the easiest way to get around that bank.
The bridge between the ashrams
Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge over the Ganga, opened in 1986, with a span of about 230 m. It links Sivananda Nagar in Muni ki Reti on the west bank with Swarg Ashram on the east, where Parmarth Niketan, Gita Bhawan and many other ashrams line the river. Its official name is Shivanand Jhula, but everyone calls it Ram Jhula.
Closed for repairs
Two-wheelers were barred from the bridge in 2023 over safety concerns. On 25 July 2026 it was closed completely for major repairs. The deadline has since been pushed back to early 2027, and local reports suggest progress is slow. Do not plan to cross it until it reopens, and check the news before you travel.
How to cross now
Janki Setu, a newer bridge a short way upstream, links the Muni ki Reti side with the Parmarth Niketan area and is the easiest way across. It has a central lane for walkers and side lanes for two-wheelers. Ferry boats also cross between the banks when the river is calm, but they stop when the water is high. At the Laxman Jhula end, Bajrang Setu is the other option.
Around the bridge
The Swarg Ashram side is car-free, with lanes of ashrams, bookshops, cafés and stalls. Chotiwala, the town's best-known thali restaurant, is near the eastern end. On the west bank, Sivananda Ashram and the Muni ki Reti ghats are close by.
Photographing it
Even closed, Ram Jhula is part of the Rishikesh skyline. The ghats on both banks give a good view of its towers and cables across the river, especially at sunset.
Questions
Ram Jhula — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ram Jhula?
Sunset, when the towers and cables catch warm light over the river; early morning for mist and a green river. Stand on the Swarg Ashram ghats downstream and take a wide photo of the bridge sweeping across the Ganga with the hills behind.
Is there an entry fee at Ram Jhula?
Entry to Ram Jhula is free.
What are the opening hours of Ram Jhula?
Ram Jhula is open closed for repairs since July 2026 — reopening expected in 2027.
What should I wear at Ram Jhula?
Saffron, white and river green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Ram Jhula get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: sunset, when the towers and cables catch warm light over the river; early morning for mist and a green river.
Is Ram Jhula open now?
No. It has been closed completely for repairs since 25 July 2026, with reopening expected in early 2027. Check before you visit.
How do I reach Parmarth Niketan while Ram Jhula is closed?
Cross on Janki Setu, which lands near Parmarth Niketan, or take the ferry boat when it is running.
What is the difference between Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula?
Ram Jhula is the longer, newer bridge downstream, opened in 1986 near the Swarg Ashram ashrams. Laxman Jhula is the older 1929 bridge upstream, closed since 2022.
Why is Ram Jhula closed?
Engineers found it needed major structural repairs. It was first closed to two-wheelers in 2023 and then to everyone in July 2026.