Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk on a bridge that is almost 100 years old and hangs over the mighty Ganga river? If yes, then you should definitely visit Lakshman Jhula, the iconic bridge that connects two villages, Tapovan and Jonk, in Rishikesh. Lakshman Jhula is not just a bridge, but a symbol of faith, culture, and adventure in Rishikesh.
It has a rich history and mythology associated with it, as well as a plethora of attractions and activities around it. Whether you are looking for a spiritual experience, a scenic view, or a thrilling adventure, Lakshman Jhula has something for everyone.
In this article, we will guide you through the various aspects of Lakshman Jhula, including its attractions, activities, tips, facts, and nearby places to visit.
Attractions
One of the main reasons why people visit Lakshman Jhula is to enjoy the stunning views of the river Ganga and the surrounding hills and forests. The bridge is about 450 feet long and 70 feet high from the water level, making it an ideal spot to witness the beauty and majesty of nature. You can also see the white water rapids and the colorful boats that glide on the river below. The best time to visit Lakshman Jhula for the views is during sunrise or sunset, when the sky is painted with different hues and the river sparkles with light.
Another reason why people visit Lakshman Jhula is to explore the various attractions around it. There are many temples, markets, cafes, and ashrams that are located near the bridge and offer a glimpse into the religious, cultural, and lifestyle aspects of Rishikesh.
Some of the popular attractions around Lakshman Jhula are:
Lakshman Temple: This is a small temple dedicated to Lakshmana, the younger brother of Lord Rama, who is believed to have crossed the river Ganga at this spot using a jute rope bridge. The temple is situated on the west bank of the river, near the bridge, and has a statue of Lakshmana inside.
Ram Jhula: This is another suspension bridge that is similar to Lakshman Jhula, but slightly longer and newer. It connects Swarg Ashram and Shivananda Ashram on the east bank with Sivananda Nagar and Muni Ki Reti on the west bank. Ram Jhula is also a popular spot for sightseeing, shopping, and boating.
Triveni Ghat: This is a sacred place where three rivers, Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, are said to meet. It is located about 2 km from Lakshman Jhula on the south bank of the river. Triveni Ghat is famous for its evening aarti (ritual worship) that involves chanting, praying, and floating lamps on the river.
Beatles Ashram: This is an abandoned ashram that was once visited by the legendary rock band The Beatles in 1968. It is located about 3 km from Lakshman Jhula on the east bank of the river. Beatles Ashram is now a popular attraction for fans of music and art, as it has many graffiti and murals depicting The Beatles and their songs.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram: This is one of the largest and most renowned ashrams in Rishikesh. It is located about 4 km from Lakshman Jhula on the east bank of the river. Parmarth Niketan Ashram offers various facilities and programs for spiritual seekers, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, vedic studies, and charitable activities.
Activities
If you are looking for some fun and excitement at Lakshman Jhula, you will not be disappointed. There are many activities that you can do at or near the bridge that will make your visit more memorable and enjoyable. Some of the popular activities at Lakshman Jhula are:
Boating: This is a relaxing and romantic way to enjoy the views of the river and the bridge. You can hire a boat from either side of the bridge and sail along the river for about 15 minutes. You can also choose between a rowboat or a motorboat, depending on your preference and budget.
Rafting: This is a thrilling and adventurous way to experience the rapids and the currents of the river. You can join a rafting expedition from Shivpuri, about 16 km upstream from Lakshman Jhula, and raft down to Rishikesh for about 2 hours. You can also opt for different levels of difficulty, ranging from grade 1 to grade 4, depending on your skill and courage.
Bungee Jumping: This is an extreme and exhilarating way to test your nerves and adrenaline. You can jump from a height of 83 meters over the river from a fixed platform near Mohan Chatti, about 15 km from Lakshman Jhula. You can also try other activities like flying fox and giant swing at the same location.
Yoga: This is a peaceful and harmonious way to balance your body and mind. You can join a yoga class at any of the ashrams or yoga centers near Lakshman Jhula and learn the ancient art of breathing, posture, and meditation. You can also practice yoga on your own at the banks of the river or on the bridge itself, if you are feeling adventurous.
Meditation: This is a serene and spiritual way to calm your senses and connect with your inner self. You can meditate at any of the temples or ashrams near Lakshman Jhula and feel the positive vibes and energy of the place. You can also meditate on the bridge or on a boat on the river, if you are looking for some solitude and tranquility.
Tips Before you visit Lakshman Jhula
There are some useful tips and advice that you should keep in mind to make your trip more smooth and enjoyable. Here are some of them:
- The best time to visit Lakshman Jhula is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to September), when the river is swollen and the bridge is slippery.
- The bridge is open 24 hours a day, but it can get crowded during peak hours (8 am to 6 pm). Try to visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the rush and enjoy the views.
- The bridge is free to cross, but you may have to pay a small fee (Rs. 10 to Rs. 20) if you want to take a bike or a car across it. Alternatively, you can park your vehicle on either side of the bridge and walk across it.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes when you visit Lakshman Jhula, as you may have to walk a lot or climb some stairs. Also, carry a water bottle and some snacks with you, as there are not many shops or vendors on the bridge itself.
- Respect the local culture and religion when you visit Lakshman Jhula, as it is a sacred place for many people. Do not litter or spit on the bridge or in the river. Do not disturb or harm any animals or birds that you may see on or near the bridge. Do not take pictures or videos of people without their permission.
- Bargain with the shopkeepers and boatmen when you visit Lakshman Jhula, as they may charge you more than the actual price. Do not be afraid to walk away if you are not satisfied with the deal. Also, compare prices from different shops or boats before you buy or hire anything.
- Enjoy the scenery and atmosphere when you visit Lakshman Jhula, as it is one of the most beautiful and unique places in Rishikesh. Take some time to appreciate the views, listen to the sounds, feel the breeze, smell the flowers, taste the food, and touch the water.
Facts
Lakshman Jhula is not just a bridge, but a treasure trove of facts and trivia that will amaze and fascinate you. Here are some of them:
- The original name of Lakshman Jhula was Jhula Pul (Swing Bridge), as it used to sway with the wind. It was later renamed after Lakshmana, who crossed it using a jute rope bridge according to Hindu mythology.
- The current iron bridge was built in 1929 by Rai Bahadur Surajmal Jhunjhunwala, a philanthropist from Kolkata. It replaced an older wooden bridge that collapsed in 1924 due to floods.
- The bridge is 450 feet long and 70 feet high from the water level. It can withstand a load of up to 50 tons. It has 12 pairs of cables that support it and two towers that anchor it.
- The bridge is a popular spot for celebrities and movie stars, who often visit it for shooting or sightseeing. Some of the famous personalities who have visited Lakshman Jhula are Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, and Deepika Padukone.
- The bridge has also featured in many movies and songs, such as Shivaay, Bunty Aur Babli, Mohabbatein, Dil Se, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, and Ganga Ki Saugandh.
Nearby Places
After visiting Lakshman Jhula, you may want to explore some nearby places that are equally interesting and beautiful. There are many places that you can visit within a short distance from Lakshman Jhula that will make your trip more enjoyable and fulfilling. Some of the nearby places that you can visit are:
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: This is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is said to have consumed the poison that emerged from the churning of the ocean at this place. The temple is located about 12 km from Lakshman Jhula on a hilltop. It has a natural spring and a pond where devotees take a holy dip before entering the temple.
Kunjapuri Temple: This is another hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who is believed to have performed penance at this place to win Lord Shiva’s heart. The temple is located about 25 km from Lakshman Jhula and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the Doon valley. It is also a popular spot for trekking and sunrise watching.
Vashishta Gufa: This is an ancient cave where sage Vashishta, one of the seven sages of Hinduism, meditated with his wife Arundhati. The cave is located about 16 km from Lakshman Jhula on the banks of the river Ganga. It has a small temple and a shivalinga inside it. It is also a peaceful place for meditation and yoga.
Kaudiyala: This is a scenic spot on the river Ganga where you can enjoy white water rafting, camping, and wildlife watching. It is located about 36 km from Lakshman Jhula and has some of the best rapids and rapids in Rishikesh. You can also spot some animals like deer, monkeys, leopards, and elephants in the nearby forest.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram: This is one of the largest and most renowned ashrams in Rishikesh. It is located about 4 km from Lakshman Jhula on the east bank of the river. Parmarth Niketan Ashram offers various facilities and programs for spiritual seekers, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, vedic studies, and charitable activities.
Conclusion
Lakshman Jhula is more than just a bridge; it is a destination that offers a variety of experiences and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to enjoy the views, explore the history, indulge in the culture, or experience the adventure, Lakshman Jhula has something for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Rishikesh today and visit Lakshman Jhula to witness its charm and beauty for yourself.