Lakshman Jhula

Rishikesh, India

A hub of restaurants, cafes, and shops centred on the iconic pedestrian suspension bridge over the Ganges.

Places in Lakshman Jhula

Little Buddha Cafe Vegan and vegetarian food with beautiful views of the Ganga, known for huge portions and affordable prices.
Free Spirit Cafe A small cafe with river-facing tables and a relaxed atmosphere.
Riverside chai and juice bars Rishikesh serves no alcohol, so juice bars and chai stalls fill the evening social role along the riverside.

Best time to visit: February to April and September to November offer pleasant temperatures for yoga, rafting, and riverside walks, avoiding both winter cold and monsoon rains.
Getting around: Rishikesh is compact and walkable around Lakshman Jhula and Tapovan, connected by pedestrian suspension bridges over the Ganges; a taxi is useful for reaching ashrams further from the centre.
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Language: Hindi. English is widely spoken in ashrams and cafés.
Timezone: IST (UTC+5:30)
Current trends: A new generation of wellness retreats blending yoga with adventure sports like white-water rafting has broadened Rishikesh's appeal beyond traditional ashram stays, while Tapovan's cafe scene continues to grow more international in flavour.

Tapovan — A relaxed neighbourhood across the river known for its plentiful cafes and yoga studios.
Swarg Ashram — Home to most of the area's major temples and ashrams, including Parmarth Niketan, one of the region's largest.