Dehradun to Rishikesh: 45 km Road Guide NH-34 · 1h 15m Drive — Complete Travel Guide 2026
Planning a trip from Dehradun to Rishikesh? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 45km journey. Explore detailed information about travel options, costs, attractions along the way, and insider tips to make your trip memorable.
analytics Travel Comparison: Dehradun to Rishikesh
| Mode | Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| directions_car Private Car | 1h 15m | ₹430 Fuel & Tolls |
| train Train | 12h – 16h | ₹83 – ₹209 |
| bus Bus | 12h – 16h | ₹150 – ₹497 |
How to Reach Rishikesh from Dehradun: Car, Train, Bus Options
Compare different travel modes to find the best option for your budget, schedule, and preferences.
Drive Dehradun to Rishikesh (45 km, 1h 15m)
Flexibility, scenic stops, family trips
Train from Dehradun to Rishikesh
Comfort, scenic views, budget-friendly
Bus from Dehradun to Rishikesh
Budget travel, multiple stops
lightbulb Our Recommendation
For this 45km journey, driving is your best option. The 1h 15m drive gives you flexibility to stop at attractions along the way and explore at your own pace.
Local Food Guide Coming Soon
We're working on adding local food recommendations for Dehradun. In the meantime, explore local restaurants and street food when you arrive!
Direct Route
This is a direct route with limited major stops between Dehradun and Rishikesh. Perfect for a focused journey!
Top Attractions in Rishikesh: What to See and Do
Once you arrive in Rishikesh, explore these must-visit attractions that showcase the best of the city:
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Lakshman Jhula
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 Open 24 hoursLakshman Jhula is an iconic iron suspension bridge across the Ganges. It connects Tapovan to Jonk. Legend says that Lord Lakshmana crossed the Ganges here on a jute rope.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening to avoid crowds and heat.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning for a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities.
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Ram Jhula
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 Open 24 hoursRam Jhula is another suspension bridge across the Ganges, located a few kilometers downstream from Lakshman Jhula. It connects Shivananda Ashram to Swarg Ashram.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening for pleasant weather.
💡 Insider Tip: Take a boat ride from one side of the river to the other for a different perspective.
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Triveni Ghat
⏱ 1-2 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 Open 24 hoursTriveni Ghat is a sacred bathing ghat on the banks of the Ganges. It's believed to be the confluence of three holy rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
Best Time to Visit: Evening for the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
💡 Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot for viewing the Ganga Aarti.
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Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
⏱ 3-4 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 06:00-20:00 dailyNeelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located about 32 km from Rishikesh. It's situated on a hill and offers scenic views.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds.
💡 Insider Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to nearby waterfalls for a refreshing experience.
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Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram)
⏱ 2-3 hours • 💰 ₹150 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) • 🕐 09:00-17:00 dailyThe Beatles Ashram, officially known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, is a former meditation center where the Beatles stayed in 1968. It gained fame after their visit and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or afternoon.
💡 Insider Tip: Look for the 'Beatles Cathedral,' a meditation hall with intricate stone work.
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Gita Bhavan
⏱ 2-3 hours • 💰 Free • 🕐 07:00-21:00 dailyGita Bhavan is a large complex on the banks of the Ganges. It houses a temple, a library, and accommodation for pilgrims.
Best Time to Visit: Any time of day.
💡 Insider Tip: Attend a satsang (spiritual discourse) for a deeper understanding of Hindu teachings.
Where to Eat in Rishikesh: Local Cuisine Guide
Must-Try Dishes in Rishikesh
Don't leave Rishikesh without tasting these local specialties:
- Chole Bhature - A popular North Indian dish of spicy chickpeas and fried bread (try at any local restaurant).
- Aloo Puri - Potatoes and fried bread, a common breakfast item.
- Lassi - A yogurt-based drink, sweet or savory.
- Masala Dosa - A South Indian crepe filled with spiced potatoes.
Recommended Restaurants in Rishikesh
The Sitting Elephant
Multi-Cuisine • ₹₹ (₹800-1200 for two)
Specialty: Indian and Continental dishes
A rooftop restaurant with great views and a relaxed atmosphere. Good quality food and service. Known for its curries and pizzas.
📍 Tapovan
Ganga Beach Cafe
Indian, Continental • ₹₹ (₹700-1000 for two)
Specialty: Indian and Western
Located right on the banks of the Ganges, offering beautiful views. A good place to relax and enjoy a meal. Their pizza is surprisingly good.
📍 Near Lakshman Jhula
Little Buddha Cafe
Multi-Cuisine • ₹₹ (₹600-900 for two)
Specialty: International
A popular cafe with a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse menu. Offers vegetarian and vegan options. Known for its smoothie bowls and salads.
📍 Near Lakshman Jhula
Chotiwala
Indian • ₹ (₹400-600 for two)
Specialty: Traditional Indian Cuisine
A long-standing restaurant known for its traditional Indian dishes. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Expect a bit of a wait during peak hours.
📍 Rishikesh Town
Where to Stay in Rishikesh: Hotels for Every Budget
Budget Hotels (₹500-1500/night)
Moustache Rishikesh
Price: ₹400-800/night
Location: Tapovan
A popular hostel with a social atmosphere and clean dorms. They offer activities and tours.
Bunk Stay Rishikesh
Price: ₹500-900/night
Location: Near Lakshman Jhula
A budget-friendly hostel with comfortable dorms and private rooms. It's close to many attractions.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹2000-5000/night)
Hotel Ishan - A Riverside Retreat
Price: ₹2000-4000/night
Location: Tapovan
A comfortable hotel with well-appointed rooms and a riverside location. It offers a peaceful and relaxing stay.
Aloha on the Ganges
Price: ₹3000-5000/night
Location: Near Lakshman Jhula
A popular hotel with great views of the Ganges River. It features comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
Luxury Hotels (₹8000+/night)
Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand
Price: ₹15000+/night
Location: Singthali
A luxurious resort with stunning views and world-class amenities. It offers a spa, swimming pool, and multiple restaurants.
The Roseate Ganges
Price: ₹12000+/night
Location: Shivpuri
A luxurious resort nestled in the Himalayan foothills. It features elegant rooms, a spa, and a restaurant with stunning views.
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh: Season & Weather Travel Guide
Plan your trip according to the season for the best experience in Rishikesh:
Best Time: September to November
Temperature: 20-30 degrees C
Weather: Pleasant and sunny with clear skies. The monsoon rains have subsided, and the air is fresh.
Why Visit: Ideal weather for outdoor activities like rafting, trekking, and yoga. The Ganges is calmer and cleaner after the monsoon. This is also the time for various festivals and events.
Important Note: Peak season, so expect higher prices and more crowds. Book accommodation and activities in advance.
Shoulder Season: March to April
Temperature: 25-35 degrees C
Weather: Warm and sunny during the day, cooler in the evenings. The weather is generally dry and comfortable.
Why Visit: Good weather for outdoor activities before the summer heat sets in. Fewer crowds than the September-November period, making it a more peaceful experience.
Important Note: The Ganges may be slightly warmer, affecting the rafting experience. Some ashrams might have specific schedules.
Avoid: May to June
Temperature: 35-45 degrees C
Weather: Extremely hot and dry. The heat can be unbearable, making outdoor activities difficult.
Why Visit: Avoid due to the intense heat, which can make exploring uncomfortable. The Ganges water levels are also lower, affecting rafting conditions.
Important Note: Some businesses might close during the hottest part of the day. If you must visit, stay hydrated and seek shade.
Rishikesh Travel Tips: Money, Safety & Local Advice
💰 Money & Budget
Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1000, Mid: ₹2500, Luxury: ₹5000+
ATMs: ATMs are readily available in Rishikesh.
Payment Methods: Cash is preferred for smaller establishments and street vendors. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.
Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.
🏥 Health & Safety
Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water. Avoid tap water.
Food Safety: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from questionable vendors. Be cautious of spicy food if you're not used to it.
Common Health Issues: Altitude sickness is possible. Bring necessary medications.
📱 Communication
SIM Cards: Airtel and Vodafone offer good coverage. You'll need your passport and visa for purchase.
WiFi Availability: WiFi is available at most hotels and cafes.
👕 What to Wear
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and ashrams. Avoid revealing clothing. Light cotton clothing is best for the warm weather.
Dehradun to Rishikesh FAQ: Distance, Cost, Time & Best Routes (2026)
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