Lakshman Jhula – The Iconic Bridge Of Rishikesh
The Lakshman Jhula is a famous hanging bridge across the river Ganga that connects two villages, Tapovan in the Tehri Garhwal district and Jonk in the Pauri Garhwal district. Located 5 kilometers to the northeast of the town of Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the entire bridge is made up of iron, is 450 feet long, and is situated at the height of 70 feet from the river. The Lakshman Jhula is well-known amongst tourists because it is believed that Lord Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, had crossed the river Ganga at this same site, where the bridge now majestically stands for all to see.
The construction of the bridge was completed in the year 1929, and presently, the Lakshman Jhula acts as an adjoining bridge across the river, along with the old route to the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. In the present-day scenario, the Lakshman Jhula is visited by thousands of tourists each year. Grand temples and famous markets have sprung up in the vicinity, and the entire area is now a particularly renowned attraction in entire Rishikesh.
Important places around the Lakshman Jhula include the Terah Manzil temple, the Lakshman temple, and the Ram Jhula and the entire area resonates with the sounds of the enchanting mantras and shlokas from the temple.
History of Lakshman Jhula
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Lakshman once crossed the Ganga here using jute ropes. Inspired by this belief:
- A hanging rope bridge was built in 1889, named Lakshman Jhula.
- However, the bridge was destroyed in a flood in 1924.
Later, a stronger iron suspension bridge was constructed and opened to the public in 1929. Over the decades, it became a major route for those traveling to the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Architecture of Lakshman Jhula
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Suspension Bridge |
| Material | Iron & Steel |
| Length | 450 feet (137 m) |
| Height above Ganga | 70 feet (21 m) |
| Pedestrian + Two-wheeler Passage | Yes |
| Built in present form | 1929 |
The structure is lightweight yet sturdy, designed to sway slightly - which itself was an exciting experience for visitors.
Current Status of Lakshman Jhula (Important Update)
Closed since July 2019 due to safety concerns.
Structural issues were detected due to:
- Old construction
- High visitor traffic
- Metal stress and vibration damage
Authorities are planning a new, stronger bridge, preserving the historical and spiritual significance.
Visitors can still view and photograph the bridge from both ends.
Until reopening, tourists must use Ram Jhula for crossing the river.
Things to Do Near Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula ke aas-paas aapko adventure, spirituality aur shopping ka perfect mix milta hai. Yahaan aate hi aap Ganga kinare ke shant environment, iconic temples aur adventure sports ka anand le sakte hain.
Must-Do Experiences
- Lakshman Temple & Terah Manzil (Trayambakeshwar) Mandir ki darshan
- River rafting, zipline & bungee jumping (nearby activity zones)
- Local market se Rudraksha, handicrafts & spiritual books shopping
- Sunset par aas-paas ke ghats par Ganga Aarti dekhna
- Riverfront cafes me scenic breakfast/dinner
- Yog aur Meditation ke liye ashrams me special sessions
Timings & Best Time to Visit Lakshman Jhula
- Visiting Hours: 24×7 (View Only – Bridge Currently Closed for Crossing)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Ideal Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for best views
Seasonal Travel Guide
- Oct–Mar: Best season – pleasant weather & clear views
- Apr–Jun: Slightly warm, great for adventure activities
- Jul–Sep: Monsoon – avoid rafting due to high river flow
Nearby Attractions
Lakshman Jhula is surrounded by many popular spiritual and scenic sites that you can easily explore during your visit to Rishikesh. From holy ghats and ancient temples to peaceful ashrams and iconic landmarks, each attraction enhances your overall travel experience.
Major Attractions Near Lakshman Jhula
- Ram Jhula – Around 2 km away
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram – About 2.5 km away
- Beatles Ashram – Approximately 4 km away
- Triveni Ghat – Nearly 6 km away
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Roughly 20 km away
How to Reach Lakshman Jhula
| Mode | Nearest Hub | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| By Air | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun | 23 km |
| By Train | Rishikesh Railway Station | 6 km |
| By Road | Rishikesh Bus Stand | 5–7 km |
Local cabs, autos, and rental scooters are easily available.
Travel Tips
- Roads may get crowded during weekends & holidays
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on slopes & ghats
- Try local snacks like Aloo Tikki & herbal drinks
- Respect spiritual surroundings near temples
- Stay cautious near the river edge while clicking photos
Lakshman Jhula stands as a symbol of faith, mythology, and architectural heritage in Rishikesh. Even though it is currently closed, its divine ambiance and the scenic Ganga views continue to attract visitors from across the globe. A visit to Rishikesh remains incomplete without experiencing the charm surrounding this legendary landmark.
