Sant Sewa Ashram (Lakshman Jhula Riverside)
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Sant Sewa Ashram is one of the most recognisable riverside institutions at Lakshman Jhula, the storied stretch of Rishikesh where the Ganga tumbles out of the last Himalayan foothills onto the plains. Set directly on the river's edge just a few steps from the Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge, the ashram is a working dharmic establishment — part temple, part dharamshala (pilgrim rest house), part quiet retreat — that has long served the steady flow of sadhus, pilgrims, and yoga seekers who gather in this part of the holy city. It was established by the late Mahant Shri Govind Das ji Maharaj and continues under his lineage, in keeping with the ashram tradition of seva (selfless service) that gives the institution its name.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Little Buddha Cafe (Lakshman Jhula) – long-running multi-storey riverside cafe; pure-vegetarian, with Ganga views. Confirm current menu and days locally.
- ✦German Bakery (Lakshman Jhula lanes) – popular pure-vegetarian bakery-cafe for breads, cakes and coffee; a short walk from the ashram.
- ✦Sattvic thali kitchens near the bridge – several simple pure-veg pilgrim eateries serve unlimited thalis; entirely vegetarian, as required across Rishikesh.
- ✦Organic satvik cafes and pure-veg kitchens in the Tapovan / Muni-Ki-Reti lanes - wholesome vegetarian bowls, salads and thalis (ask for eggless bakes); Rishikesh is entirely vegetarian, confirm hours locally.
About
Sant Sewa Ashram is one of the most recognisable riverside institutions at Lakshman Jhula, the storied stretch of Rishikesh where the Ganga tumbles out of the last Himalayan foothills onto the plains.
- Set directly on the river's edge just a few steps from the Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge, the ashram is a working dharmic establishment — part temple, part dharamshala (pilgrim rest house), part quiet retreat — that has long served the steady flow of sadhus, pilgrims, and yoga seekers who gather in this part of the holy city.
- It was established by the late Mahant Shri Govind Das ji Maharaj and continues under his lineage, in keeping with the ashram tradition of seva (selfless service) that gives the institution its name.
- The ashram's most distinctive feature is its own private ghat — a flight of stone steps descending straight into the Ganga — where residents and visitors perform the morning dip, offer prayers, and sit in the cool of the early hours as the current runs green and fast below the bridge.
- Many of the rooms face the river directly, and the sound of the Ganga is a constant presence.
- A small temple within the complex anchors the daily rhythm of aarti (lamp-offering), bhajans, and puja, and the riverbank here fills with soft light and the ringing of bells at dawn and dusk, when the Ganga aarti tradition of Rishikesh is at its most atmospheric.
- As a landmark, Sant Sewa Ashram is also simply a fine place to orient yourself in the Lakshman Jhula area: the bridge, the tiered Trayambakeshwar (Tera Manzil) temple, the market lanes, and the cluster of riverside cafes are all within an easy walk.
- Rishikesh is a holy city that is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free by law, so every eatery around the ashram is pure-vegetarian by default — from simple sattvic thali kitchens serving the pilgrim crowd to the well-known riverside cafes above the ghats.
- Visitors of every faith are welcome to walk down to the ghat and sit by the water; as at any active place of worship, the courtesy is to remove shoes near the temple, dress modestly, keep voices low during aarti, and ask before photographing residents or rituals.
- Whether you come for a few reflective minutes by the river or to watch the evening lamps float on the Ganga, the ashram offers a genuine, unhurried slice of Rishikesh's devotional life.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
On the banks of the Ganga, beside Lakshman Jhula bridge, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249201
How to Reach: Beside the Lakshman Jhula bridge in the Tapovan area, about 5 km north-east of central Rishikesh. From Rishikesh railway station (around 4.5 km), an auto-rickshaw costs roughly ₹100–150 (15–20 minutes) to the Lakshman Jhula taxi stand, from where it is a short signposted walk down to the ashram and bridge. Shared vikrams (tempos) also run from Rishikesh town toward Lakshman Jhula. The final approach is on foot through the pedestrian lanes near the bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sant Sewa Ashram in Rishikesh?
Sant Sewa Ashram sits right on the bank of the Ganga beside the Lakshman Jhula suspension bridge, in the Tapovan area about 5 km north-east of central Rishikesh (postal code 249201). It is roughly 4.5 km from Rishikesh railway station and only a short walk from the bridge itself.
Is there an entry fee for Sant Sewa Ashram?
No, there is no entry fee to walk down to the ghat or visit the temple. As an active dharmic ashram it is open to visitors of all faiths free of charge; any overnight stay in its pilgrim rooms is arranged separately and directly with the ashram.
Does the ashram really have its own ghat and river-facing rooms?
Yes. Sant Sewa Ashram's defining feature is its private ghat — stone steps leading straight into the Ganga — used for the morning dip and prayers, and many of its rooms face the river directly, so the sound of the Ganga is a constant presence.
What is the best time to visit?
Early morning is ideal for the quiet river dip and soft light on the water, while dusk is best for the Ganga aarti, when lamps and bells fill the riverbank. October to March offers the most pleasant weather; the peak monsoon in July and August is best avoided as the river runs high and fast.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near the ashram?
Everywhere nearby is vegetarian — Rishikesh is a holy city that is fully vegetarian and alcohol-free by law. Within a short walk you'll find Little Buddha Cafe and German Bakery near Lakshman Jhula, simple pure-veg sattvic thali kitchens serving the pilgrim crowd, and organic satvik cafes. Hours can vary, so confirm locally.
What should I keep in mind when visiting an ashram like this?
It is a living place of worship, so a few courtesies apply: remove your shoes near the temple, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, keep your voice low during aarti, and always ask before photographing residents, sadhus, or rituals. The ghat itself is open to everyone to sit quietly by the river.
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