The ride
An easy 45 km run south-east to the Ganga. Leave Dehradun on the Haridwar road through Harrawala and Doiwala. From there two good roads go on to Rishikesh: one past Jolly Grant airport and Ranipokhari, the other along the highway past Lachhiwala and Nepali Farm. Both run through sal forest on the edge of the Rajaji reserve and take about the same time.
In Rishikesh, park and walk: Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, the Beatles Ashram and the cafés of Tapovan are all close together. Time the ride back for the evening aarti at Triveni Ghat, or start home before dark.
Along the way
Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)
Head south on the Haridwar road through Harrawala.
Doiwala
A small market town and the last easy stop for water and snacks. Just beyond, the roads to Rishikesh divide: past Jolly Grant airport, or on along the highway past Lachhiwala.
Lachhiwala Nature Park
A Forest Department park among sal trees, with streams, shaded paths and secure parking. A good halfway break on the highway route.
Nepali Farm
Turn off the Haridwar highway here for Rishikesh.
Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh
The biggest ghat in Rishikesh, where the evening Ganga aarti fills the steps with lamps and chanting.
Aarti around 6–7 PM, earlier in winter
What to see and explore
Ram Jhula
The iron suspension footbridge across the Ganga between Sivananda Nagar and Swarg Ashram. Park on your side of the river and walk across.
Tapovan and Bajrang Setu
Laxman Jhula has been closed to traffic since 2019. Bajrang Setu, a new glass-deck bridge, has been built beside it. Tapovan, on the west bank, is Rishikesh's café and yoga quarter.
Tip: Check locally which crossings are open, and park before you cross.
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
The Maharishi's ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968, now inside the Rajaji reserve: meditation huts in the forest and walls covered in murals.
About 10 AM–4 PM; ticketed
Neer Garh Waterfall
A short uphill walk from the Badrinath road above Tapovan to a chain of cascades and pools.
About 8 AM–6 PM; small entry fee
Patna Waterfall
A quieter fall near Tapovan, about 1.5 km on foot through forest.
Cafés and food
Little Buddha Café
A popular café near Laxman Jhula overlooking the river.
Ganga View Café
Laid-back café near Laxman Jhula: breakfast, coffee and a long look at the river.
Beatles Café
Beatles-themed café with Ganga views, a good stop on the way to or from the ashram.
Ride safe
- Helmets are compulsory for rider and pillion.
- Meat and alcohol are not sold in Rishikesh, so plan meals around vegetarian cafés.
- Elephants, deer and langurs cross the forest stretches, especially at dawn and dusk. Slow down and never stop close to wildlife.
- The Haridwar highway gets heavy on weekends; set out early.
- The forest stretches are unlit. Start home before dark or ride slowly with your headlamp on high beam where it is safe.
- Prefer a quieter forest road? The Thano road from Raipur runs about 16 km through sal forest towards Bhogpur and Jolly Grant. It is slippery in rain.
Opening hours change with the season. Check locally before you set off.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Paradise Chronicle (CC BY-SA 4.0); Bhuvi Uniyal (CC BY-SA 4.0); Roliwrites (CC0); Athulvis (CC BY-SA 4.0); Wittystef (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map relief from SRTM elevation data; roads © OpenStreetMap contributors.