Ram Jhula Rishikesh: A Bridge of Faith and Adventure

Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge across the river Ganges, located 3 kilometres north-east from the town Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Ram Jhula is one of the most famous and visited landmarks in Rishikesh, connecting the ashrams and spiritual centres on both sides of the river. Ram Jhula is named after Lord Ram, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, who is believed to have crossed the river at this spot. Visit during One day Haridwar and Rishikesh Local Sightseeing by Private cab

Ram Jhula is also a popular spot for adventure seekers who come for rafting and bungee jumping. 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 Ram Jhula

Ram Jhula is located near Muni Ki Reti, approximately 4 miles (6 kilometers) north of Rishikesh. The bridge is mainly used by pedestrians however, it is also open to motorbikes and is popular with the local monkeys. The bridge spans 750 feet (230 meters) across the river and offers scenic views of the river and the hills.

Timing / Entry Fees Ram Jhula

The bridge is open for visitors from 6:00 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 Ram 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 the bridge. 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 Ram Jhula

The main attraction of Ram Jhula is the bridge itself, which is a marvel of engineering and a symbol of faith 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 Ram Jhula are:

• Rafting on the river: Ram 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: Ram 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.
• Visiting ashrams and temples: Ram Jhula connects various ashrams and temples on both sides of the river that are worth visiting for their spiritual and cultural significance. Some of them are:
  • Parmarth Niketan: A large ashram that hosts daily yoga classes, meditation sessions and evening aarti.
  • Sivananda Ashram: A renowned ashram that teaches yoga and Vedanta philosophy.
  • Geeta Bhawan: A temple complex that has a museum, a library and a hall where daily discourses on Bhagavad Gita are held.
  • Swarg Ashram: A peaceful ashram that has many temples, gardens and shops.
  • Beatles Ashram: An abandoned ashram where the famous Beatles band stayed and composed some of their songs in 1968.
• Shopping at markets: Ram Jhula has many markets nearby where visitors can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes and snacks. Some of the popular markets are:
  • Ram Jhula Market: A market near the bridge that sells religious items, books, jewellery and more.
  • Swargashram Market: A market near Swarg Ashram that sells ayurvedic products, organic food, clothes and more.
  • Lakshman Jhula Market: A market near Lakshman Jhula that sells handicrafts, clothes, accessories and more.
• Photography at the bridge: Ram 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 Ram Jhula

Ram 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 Lord Ram, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, who is believed to have crossed the river at this spot along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman during their exile. The bridge is also a symbol of faith and culture, as it connects various ashrams and temples 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

Ram Jhula Rishikesh is a bridge of faith 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 Ram Jhula Rishikesh today!