Dehradun to Rishikesh by Road – Distance, Time and Useful Travel Information

Often dubbed as the Yoga Capital of the World and the hottest white river rafting site in India, Rishikesh offers an array of activities which engage the spirituality as well as adventure seekers alike. With a footfall of millions of domestic as well as international visitors every year, the pilgrimage town of Rishikesh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in northern India.

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Why travel from Dehradun to Rishikesh?

A land of white waters and the torrential streams of the upper Ganges, and ancient temples, Rishikesh is a destination of spiritual vibes and natural wonders.

Sitting at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, the mountain town of Rishikesh offers delightful views of the Himalayan landscape. From the pine-covered valleys to the roaring Ganges, Rishikesh is a treat for all senses. And what better way to experience this than to do a road trip from the nearest city of Dehradun.

With a Savaari cab from Dehradun to Rishikesh, you can discover this beauty of Uttarakhand. But the real joy in discovering the beauty of this place comes from a journey that will lead you here. With Savaari tour packages from Dehradun to Rishikesh, you can customize an itinerary and turn a simple drive into a memorable road trip.

Let us help you discover the best routes to travel from Dehradun by Rishikesh by car. 

Traveling from Dehradun to Rishikesh by car

The road from Dehradun to Rishikesh passes through the lower reaches of the Garhwal Mountain Ranges on the Himalayas. With our completely customized Dehradun To Rishikesh Cab Service and enjoy a scenic ride through pine forests, valleys, and winding mountain roads.

Depending on the route you take, you will pass through smaller towns like Miyawala, Doiwala, and Mazri Grant on your way. With your Car Rental from Dehradun To Rishikesh, you can also take a detour to Lachhiwala Range.

With your personalized trip package with Savaari from Dehradun To Rishikesh, you can make a stopover at any of these places for a quick tour. 

Best Time To Visit

Tucked in the valleys of the Lower Himalayas, Rishikesh experiences a cool and pleasant weather pattern. Thus, making it apt to explore any time of the year. However, being in the higher altitudes, winter months are very chilly but not freezing. And rest of the year are quite pleasant.

Depending on your travel goals, you can choose the right season to visit Rishikesh, the best time to visit being between February to April. For example, if you want to take part in the Yoga Festival, then March is the best time to travel to Rishikesh.

Popular Routes from Dehradun to Rishikesh

Route 1: Distance and Time taken from Dehradun to Rishikesh via Ambala-Dehradun-Haridwar Rd

This might be a little longer route than the alternative but is the best route to travel between Dehradun and Rishikesh. It is also the fastest, because the Dehradun to Rishikesh traffic on this route is very minimal and there are no road closures as of April 2021.

The distance between Dehradun and Rishikesh on this route is somewhere around 44KM and takes about an hour. Always check live maps and instant traffic updates for the latest information on Dehradun to Rishikesh road conditions. 

Here’s the basic route map from Dehradun to Rishikesh- 

Dehradun — Harrawala — Doiwala — Jolly Grant — Ranipokhari — Rishikesh

Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route:

• Hidden Lacchiwala Lake, Baskarwala – A small stream and adjoining lake hidden within the Lachhiwala range, good for a short hike or just a refreshing break. 
• Lachhiwala Nature Park, Lachhiwala Range – Local nature park with landscaped gardens, topiary, ponds, and a variety of floral and decorative plants, with boating options, good for a day trip with family and kids.
• Waterfall Mine, Sakalana – A waterfall sitting within hills, off the main highway, surrounded by big boulders, mountain bluffs, and camping sites, good for camping or day picnics.

Places to eat along this route:

• Aerodine Multi Cuisine, Mokhampur – Airplane themed restaurant serving international cuisines in a cabin like setting, good for groups and families, kid-friendly. 
• Salt and Pepper Café, Jolly Grant – Casual diner serving Indian meals, snacks, and beverages, good for groups, lunch, and dinner.
• Pizza Café, Doiwala – Local café serving pizza, beverages, and other fast food, good for quick stops, kid-friendly.

Dehradun to Rishikesh Condition via route 1:

This is the fastest route to travel from Dehradun to Rishikesh and is used by most travelers. This route has standard highway tolls and the road conditions are better since there are no road closures.

Route 2: Distance and Time taken from Dehradun to Rishikesh via Ambala – Poanta Sahib – Herbertpur – Dehradun – Rishikesh National Hwy

This is a slightly longer route than the previous one but takes almost the same time as the previous route to travel from Dehradun to Rishikesh. But the road conditions on this route is variable. The distance on this route is about 45KM and takes about an hour and 15 minutes. To avoid road closures, always check for latest updates and follow a live map when traveling to get best idea of Dehradun to Rishikesh road conditions. 

Here’s the basic route map from Dehradun to Rishikesh-

Dehradun — Harrawala — Doiwala — Mazri Grant — Chidderwala — Motichur Range — Rishikesh

Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route:

• Hidden Lacchiwala Lake, Baskarwala – A small stream and adjoining lake hidden within the Lachhiwala range, good for a short hike or just a refreshing break. 
• Lachhiwala Nature Park, Lachhiwala Range – Local nature park with landscaped gardens, topiary, ponds, and a variety of floral and decorative plants, with boating options, good for a day trip with family and kids.
• Fun Valley Park, Haridwar Road – Amusement Park with water rides, slides, wave pool, lazy river, etc., good for day trips with kids and families.
• Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Motichur Gate – An alternative access point to the Rajaji National Park, good for a quick drive-through or a jungle trek.

Places to eat along this route:

• Aerodine Multi Cuisine, Mokhampur – Airplane themed restaurant serving international cuisines in a cabin like setting, good for groups and families, kid-friendly. 
• Salt and Pepper Café, Jolly Grant – Casual diner serving Indian meals, snacks, and beverages, good for groups, lunch, and dinner.
• Pizza Café, Doiwala – Local café serving pizza, beverages, and other fast food, good for quick stops, kid-friendly. 
• Tandoorify, Mazri Grant – Standard highway side diner serving local North Indian dishes and grilled specialties, good for groups, late nights.
• Dhaba 90s, Chidderwala – 90s entertainment themed highway side diner serving fast food, quick meals, tea and coffee, good for groups and families, breakfast and quick stops.

Dehradun to Rishikesh Condition via route 2:

This is a longer and slower route to travel from Dehradun to Rishikesh. This route also has tolls, but the road condition is variable due to congestion on NH 34, depending on occasional construction work or rains, which can cause road closures.

Dehradun to Rishikesh Best Route

Since it’s a very short distance between Dehradun and Rishikesh, you can take either of the above routes. However, depending on the season, you may want to avoid the second route that has possible closures. But at the same time, the second route seems to be more scenic and interesting with more food and sightseeing options. So, choose the best route based on your travel needs and the season of your travel.

Other means of traveling from Dehradun to Rishikesh

By Train

You can also travel from Dehradun to Rishikesh by train. There are total 3 trains that run between these two destinations. The train distance is about 41KM and could take somewhere between one and half to two and half hours, depending on the train. The fastest train is MUSSOORIE EXPRESS (14042) which takes about an hour to reach Rishikesh.

For all train bookings from Dehradun to Rishikesh, visit any online travel portal or Indian Railways’ website for latest information. You can also directly hire a car rental in Dehradun to reach Rishikesh.

By Flight

There is no flight service between Dehradun and Rishikesh. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (DED). If you are traveling from any other city, then you can fly to Dehradun and then take a cab. Otherwise, a Dehradun cab service is the best and only option to reach Rishikesh.

Attractions in Rishikesh for Sightseeing

Whether you want a dose of divinity or seeking adventures like river rafting, trekking, hiking, or more, Rishikesh has something interesting to do for every kind of traveler.

• Laxman Jhula – a famous suspension bridge with majestic views of the Himalayas and the Ganges.
• Whitewater rafting on the upstream river or canoeing in the quieter downstream. 
• International Yoga Festival – an annual festival to celebrate wellness through yoga, held at riverside venues. 
• Triveni Ghat – banks on the Ganges famous for religious rituals and evening aarti. 
• Himshail Waterfall – A small but scenic waterfall on the rocky hills of Rishikesh, offering views of surrounding hills and Ganges, best viewed before winters. 

Hire a car rental in Rishikesh to visit these major tourist places.

Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Rishikesh

Just like its culture and vibes, Rishikesh’s food is also a blend of many things. From the traditional, Garhwali meals to 21^st-century wellness-driven cuisines, you will find a wide variety of flavors in Rishikesh. 

Here are some of the best places to eat in town – 

• A Tavola Con Te, Near Autorikshaw Stand, Inter College Road, Tapovan Sarai
• Jal & Jalebi, 237, Virbhadra Road / Barrage Road, near AIIMS
• Ayurpak Rishikesh, Tapovan, Rishikesh
• The Sitting Elephant, Hotel EllBee Ganga View, 355, Dehradun Rd, Palika Nagar
• Zorba Organic Café, Laxman Jhula, Near Dharamraj Temple

Book a cab in Rishikesh to visit these major eateries.

Hotels and Resorts in Rishikesh

Hotel Name	Address	Phone Number
The Grand Alova by Wild Heritage	Badrinath Rd, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192	09627241966
Swiss Cottage and Spa By Salvus, Rishikesh	Area, By Pass Road, Tapovan, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192	08181828393
The Hosteller Rishikesh Mini	Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137	09810187717
Aloha On The Ganges, Rishikesh	NH 58, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192	01352442777
Hill Top Swiss Cottage	High Bank, Bhirkhet, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192	08006551415
GANGA KINARE – A Riverside Boutique Hotel	237, Virbhadra Rd, Sturida Colony, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201	09015544000

Download the Savaari cab booking app for a smooth and pleasant journey.