Lakshman Jhula Rishikesh: Famous Bridge of Mythology and Adventure

Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge across the river Ganges, located 5 kilometres north-east of the city of Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most famous and visited landmarks in Rishikesh, connecting the villages of Tapovan and Jonk. It is named after Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, who is believed to have crossed the river at this spot using a jute rope. One day Haridwar and Rishikesh Local Sightseeing by Private cab

Lakshman Jhula is also a popular spot for adventure seekers who come for rafting, bungee jumping and zip-lining. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of this bridge, such as its location, timing, entry fees, how to reach, things to do, must see, significance, FAQs, and conclusion.

Location of Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula is located near Tapovan area of Rishikesh city, situated on the outskirts of the city. The bridge is mainly used by pedestrians and motorbikes and is a landmark of Rishikesh. The bridge spans 450 feet across the river and offers scenic views of the river and the hills.

Timing / Entry Fees Lakshman Jhula

The bridge is open for visitors from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the bridge. However, visitors have to pay a nominal fee for using the parking lot near the bridge. The fee ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 20 per vehicle.

How to Reach Lakshman Jhula

The bridge is well-connected by road from various parts of Uttarakhand and nearby states. The nearest airport to the bridge is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, which is about 21 km away from Rishikesh. The nearest railway station to the bridge is Rishikesh railway station, which is about 3 km away from Rishikesh. There are regular buses and taxis available from the airport and the railway station to the bridge.

Alternatively, visitors can also take a shared auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw from Ram Jhula or Lakshman Jhula to reach the bridge. The fare ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 20 per person.

Things to Do / Must See Lakshman Jhula

The main attraction of Lakshman Jhula is the bridge itself, which is a marvel of engineering and a symbol of mythology and culture. Visitors can walk or ride across the bridge and enjoy the panoramic views of the river and the hills. The bridge also offers a glimpse of the local life and activities on both sides of the river. Some of the things to do and see at Lakshman Jhula are:

• Rafting on the river: Lakshman Jhula is a popular spot for rafting enthusiasts who want to experience the thrill of riding on the rapids of the Ganges. There are various rafting operators near the bridge who offer rafting packages for different levels of difficulty and duration. The rafting season starts from September and lasts till June.
• Bungee jumping from the bridge: Lakshman Jhula is also a popular spot for bungee jumping enthusiasts who want to experience the adrenaline rush of jumping from a height of 83 meters above the river. There is a bungee jumping platform near the bridge that offers safe and professional bungee jumping services. The bungee jumping season starts from October and lasts till May.
• Zip-lining across the river: Lakshman Jhula also offers an opportunity for zip-lining across the river from one end of the bridge to another. There is a zip-lining operator near the bridge that provides zip-lining equipment and guidance. The zip-lining activity takes about 15 minutes and costs Rs 600 per person.
• Visiting temples and ashrams: Lakshman Jhula connects various temples and ashrams on both sides of the river that are worth visiting for their spiritual and cultural significance. Some of them are:
  • Lakshman Temple: A temple dedicated to Lakshman, who crossed the river at this spot using a jute rope.
  • Tera Manzil Temple: A multi-storey temple that has idols of various Hindu gods and goddesses.
  • Swarg Ashram: A peaceful ashram that has many temples, gardens and shops.
  • Parmarth Niketan: A large ashram that hosts daily yoga classes, meditation sessions and evening aarti.
  • Geeta Bhawan: A temple complex that has a museum, a library and a hall where daily discourses on Bhagavad Gita are held.
• Shopping at markets: Lakshman Jhula has many markets nearby where visitors can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes and snacks. Some of the popular markets are:
  • Lakshman Jhula Market: A market near the bridge that sells handicrafts, clothes, accessories and more.
  • Ram Jhula Market: A market near Ram Jhula that sells religious items, books, jewellery and more.
  • Tapovan Market: A market near Tapovan that sells ayurvedic products, organic food, clothes and more.
• Photography at the bridge: Lakshman Jhula offers stunning views of the river and is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can capture beautiful pictures of the bridge during sunrise, sunset and the evening aarti. The bridge is also a great place to observe the local culture and lifestyle of the people.

Significance of Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula is not only a tourist attraction but also a historical and cultural landmark that has a lot of significance for Hindus and others. The bridge is named after Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, who is believed to have crossed the river at this spot using a jute rope. This is mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana, which narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama.

Lakshman Jhula is also a symbol of faith and culture, as it connects various temples and ashrams that represent the rich heritage and diversity of India. The bridge is also a place where visitors can witness various religious and cultural events that take place throughout the year, such as festivals, concerts, dances, dramas and more.

FAQs

Conclusion

Lakshman Jhula Rishikesh is a bridge of mythology and adventure that attracts thousands of visitors every year who seek spirituality, culture and nature. It is a place where you can experience history, engineering and art at the same time. It is a place where you can create unforgettable memories with your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Lakshman Jhula Rishikesh today!.