4.7 / 5

Lakshman Jhula
📍 Lakshman Jhula, UttarakhandView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:September to June

⏰ Open Hours:24 hours

🧳 Traveller Types:Spiritual seekers, Yoga enthusiasts, Adventure seekers, Photographers

💰 Budget:Free entry, costs apply for nearby activities

📍 Distances:From Dehradun Airport - 35 km, From Haridwar Railway Station - 25 km, From Rishikesh town centre - 2 km

🏞 Known For:Iconic suspension bridge, spiritual significance, panoramic views, nearby temples and ashrams

🎯 Things To Do:Walk across the bridge, visit temples, attend Ganga aarti, visit nearby ashrams, river rafting, cafe hopping

🚶 Accessibility:The bridge is pedestrian-only, but motorbikes are allowed

📸 Photography:Allowed, with stunning views of River Ganga and surrounding hills

🍽 Nearby Eateries:Numerous cafes and restaurants offering a range of cuisines

📌 Tips:Beware of monkeys on the bridge, Avoid visiting during monsoon due to heavy rainfall

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Lakshman Jhula: A Guide to the Iconic Bridge and Its Surroundings in Rishikesh

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.

Photo of Lakshman Jhula 1/2 by
(C) Google

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.

Photo of Lakshman Jhula 2/2 by
(C) Google

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.

Lakshman Jhula Reviews

As a child I have a profound memory of standing at Laksham Jhoola with my dad and a monkey teasing me. I was crying and hiding behind my dad and later after gaining senses we had visited Rishikesh on a holy trip from usual Haridwar tour and once again I had encountered a monkey at the same spot. This time around, he snatched my bottle from my hand and I felt a connection with him like he had been waiting for me since ages, like I had a history I was unsure of, like I am losing it while writing this blog. LOL Anyways, I got the chance to visit Rishikesh again twice in last two months and my 2 cent advice on holiness of the place is that its not so holy but its a lot of fun. Well, the temples and the holy river is still holy but the larger than life holy tourism of this place is a fad. If you want a weekend getaway from Delhi then please head to Rishikesh, stay at the camp side, do river rafting, go for bungee jumping, cliff diving and eat holistic fresh home cooked food. But if you are looking to stay at an Ashram and learn holistic meditation then do your research and then join as there are many fake holiness groups there my friends. However, I am sure you could find amazing ones too if you spend some time and get to know the place better. Now as for me, the first time I visited last month, I stayed at a river side camp and for the first time in my life went for river rafting. The water was icy cold as it was winter time and I was scared as shit to die with drowning in Ice water like Titanic's last scene. This time around, I stayed at a nicer place at Badrinathjee and I was extremely excited for my second attempt at river rafting. The water was still very cold but rapids were more exciting since this was the beginning of Summer and as expected the Himalayan ice had started to melt thus increasing water strength. In all it was FUN.
The next morning we attended a yoga class in the Ashram and had the food there in the canteen itself. The food served in ashram is satvik and I was not sure if I would like, but I had it and will say that it was good indeed. Then we headed towards lakshman jhula and again decided to walk all the way to it. The weather was good and scenery and simplicity of the city was all the bit enjoyable with a stroll. We reached lakshman jhula clicked some pictures, it was much crowded as compared to Ram jhula and I enjoyed taking pictures at ram jhula much because of the space I got to capture the scenery. Next to lakshman jhula there was German bakery where we had our food which was again pretty good and like this we spent our whole day strolling and shopping in the market. One thing I liked best about the city is that, you will not pass a single person without a greet even if you don't initiate one. Especially the people from different countries are so warm, welcoming and sweet to you that you have to have a smile when they smile and say Namaste! It was a great trip with Mom, relaxing in every way possible and that is why I always heart Rishikesh ❤️
A 1 hour ride away Surkanda Devi Temple is a 2 km steep trek from Kaddukhal village. Its situated at an elevation of 3030 meters. This temple is mostly covered in fog and provides a spectacular view of the himalayan ranges , Mussoorie and Chamba. It is famous for the Ganga Dussehra festival that happens here between the months of May and June . You can also visit Dhanaulti a small village on the way to Surkanda Devi temple . Legend goes that it is one of the famous shakti peeth and that just adds on to one more reason why this temple is so famous and also a must visit . NOTES You can spend the evenings taking a stroll on the mall road and shop for some souvenirs for your friends and family. Cafe by the way and Little Llama Cafe are two of the must visit cafes in mussoorie. i would suggest hiring a cab for the full day , it is the most easiest way to get around Mussoorie.Frequent Searches Leading To This Page:- south africa tour packages itinerary, south africa holiday package, south africa temple tour packages, south africa trip package, south africa travel packages, south africa family tour packages
Laxman Jhula gives you perfect environment to click photographs of beautiful Ganga river and mountains. You will also find some street food options & tea stall as well. After clicking photographs and wandering both the sides i decided to go towards Ram Jhula. Distance between Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula is approx 10KM. I decided to go by walking rather than taking any auto or rickshaw. I also recommend everyone to go on foot. It is actually a fun and worth-having experience. Weather was pleasant and so much greenery was making it like heaven. As it was approx 6:30 - 7 AM of morning so there was no rush on the road and cool breeze were making it outstanding. There ware many small vendors on the road who were selling Rudraksh Malas and other gems. Some were selling juice, street food and fruits. On the lanes towards Ram Jhula I had a fruit named 'Ram Phal' which i would suggest everyone to try. It is considered as one of the local fruit of Rishikesh. It is said that Lord Ram had eaten that fruit after killing Ravan that is why the fruit is named as "Ram Phal"
My next day started at 5.30am...and to my surprise , when I opened the curtain people were already doing Yoga at the ghat. I also quickly ran towards there, to inhale fresh air and do few Yogs. Well, to be honest enough I am really short of words to describe the nature's beauty which was confronted by us. It was like the river and the sky have merged together, and clouds not only crossed mountains and rivers infact they crossed us as well. We spend almost 2-3 hours there and it made us elated to the core. Then we started wandering around the city, from all around, the bhajans and kirtans were audible, the atmosphere was so pure and serene, one can forget all the worries of life. We also didn't miss chance to see LAXMAN JHOOLA, mandatory place too see , when in Rishikesh. Around 9.30 a.m. I called Parmarth Niketantoconfirm about the status of room availability, by good fortune I got the room there but they asked us to check in after 11.30am, that wasn't a big deal for us.
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