About Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula happens to be one of the famous hanging bridges across the holy river Ganga. The jhula is a link in between two important villages in Rishikesh. It connects the Tapovan village in Tehri Garhwal and Jonk village in Pauri Garhwal.
The bridge is made up of iron and it is almost 450 feet long, which is suspended at an elevation of almost 70 feet above the river. Lakshman Jhula has been one of the centres for tourist attraction since its inception for its amazing association of the Hindu Mythology.
As per the popular Hindu mythology, Ramayan, it is believed that Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman had crossed the Ganga river at the same place, where the bridge has been built.
The bridge was opened for public in the year 1929. In recent times, in order to boost the tourist footfall, many other developments have been carried out around the famous Lakshman Jhula.
Tourists now love to spend a considerable amount of time in these places in the course of their Rishikesh Trip.
You can not only visit the Lakshman Jhula, but you can also spend time in some of the other nearby tourist attractions like Tera Manzil Temple, Ram Jhula, and Lakshman temple.
Let us get to know more about this religious place of worship.
History of Lakshman Jhula-

Lakshman Jhula has its significance in the most popular Hindu Mythology, Ramayana. As per the tales, Lord Ram and Lakshman had crossed the river Ganga at this place. The duo crossed the river Ganga with the help of just two ropes. In order to praise this act of fearlessness, Lakshman Jhula was built.
This 284 feet long suspended bridge was the main point of contact between the villages until the year 1889. However, one of the floods in the year 1924 completely washed away the bridge.
Initially the Lakshman Jhula was made up of jute, however, after the floods, it was replaced by a much stronger and sturdier iron bridge in the year 1939. The reconstruction was instigated in the same place and the name of the bridge was also not changed as per the significances.
The bridge now stands tall above the river Ganga and happens to be one of the major tourist attractions in the tourism corridor of Rishikesh.
However, the Lakshman Jhula is no more used for communication from 12th July 2019 for safety concerns.
This bridge is almost 96 years old and it is not capable of handling the load of the current traffic.
In order to preserve this iconic tourist attraction, one more bridge has been built and the Lakshman Jhula stands as a mere tourist attraction near to it.
How to Reach Lakshman Jhula
The mighty Lakshman Jhula is located on the way to Trimbakeshwar Temple. The bridge is just 12 Km away from ISBT in Adarsh Gram and you can easily reach here by hiring an auto-rickshaw. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is just 4 Km away located at Adarsh Nagar.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and is just about 22 Km from Lakshman Jhula. You can take a local bus or hire an auto rickshaw to take you to the Lakshman Jhula from the nearest railway station and airport.
Best Time to Visit Lakshman Jhula
If you want to take away all the spiritual significance of the place, then it would be better if you come over to this amazing place in between the months of December and February. Rishikesh receives tourists from all over the world in these months as the climate is perfect for tourism.
What Not to Miss at Lakshman Jhula
Places to visit near Lakshman Jhula
1. Neelkantha Mahadeva Temple
The temple of Neelkanta Mahadeva is dedicated to Lord Shiva and as per the significance, tourists pour Ganga water on the shrines.
The temple is located at a distance of three kilometres from Swarg Ashram. In order to reach the temple, you need to trek through a forest park.
2. Geeta Bhawan
Geeta Bhawan happens to be a vast complex on the banks of Ganga. This Ashram is known all over the world as one of the most significant places for Hindu mythology preservation.
The complex is used for meditation and discussions all-round the year. The ashram has more than thousands of rooms for tourists to board in the course of their stay in Rishikesh.
3. The Beatles Ashram
This ashram was widely known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, however, the name Beatles Ashram was christened to this ashram after the world-famous rock band, The Beatles visited here.
They came to this place to learn transcendental meditation techniques. The Ahram is also famous for being one of the places that offers amazing sights of the picturesque beauty.
4. Tera Manzil Temple
The Tera Manzil Temple is also known as Trayambakeshwar temple. The temple is a thirteen-storied construction that is located on the banks of the Ganga River. It is situated just opposite to the famous Lakshman Jhula.
This temple is widely acknowledged for its amazing architecture and panoramic landscape. You can go up to the thirteenth floor have an amazing understanding of the landscape.
5. Ram Jhula
Ram Jhula happens to be one more suspension bridge constructed on the river Ganga. This suspension bridge connects the Shivananda Nagar to Swargashram.
The bridge was considered to be an engineering marvel in those days. In the present days, it has moved ahead to be one of the most loved tourist attractions.
Things to do in Lakshman Jhula -

1. Visit the Tera Manzil Temple
This is considered to be one of the most loved tourist attractions near Lakshman Jhula. This is known for its amazing architecture and picturesque surroundings. The Teri Mazil Temple lets you have some of the stunning sights of Rishikesh.
2. Gem shopping at Arihant Gems
Rishikesh is also known for its gemstones. Arihant Gems is a place near Lakshman Jhula that
lets you shop different kinds of gemstone and artefacts made up of gemstones. You can take souvenirs from Arihant gems for your near and dear ones.
3. Indulge in the Vedic treatments at Prakriti Vedic Spa
Rishikesh is known for offering rejuvenating Vedic treatments. As you have taken a break from your busy life and come to his wonderful place, your body should also get a break from the tiring workload.
Spend some time in the Vedic treatment and give your body a sense of relaxation.
4. Meditate in the amazing Geeta Bhawan
If you want to connect your inner soul with that of the divine soul, then the perfect place for spending some peaceful time and meditating is Geeta Bhawan.
It is a very large complex that has provisions for meditation as well as boarding. It is also considered to be one of the most significant places for the preservation of ancient Hindu Mythology.
5.Early morning yoga sessions
Rishikesh is believed to be the yoga capital of India. Yoga is considered to be one more important contribution of India to the world. It is not just a mere exercise; rather it has got deeper meaning and great power.
Indulging yourself in early morning yoga sessions will not only cleanse your body but also your soul. It will help you in maintaining a perfect lifestyle. When in Rishikesh, spend a considerable amount of time learning some of the yoga mudras and practice it daily after coming back to your place.
6. Go pashmina shopping
There are a number of pashmina shops near Lakshman Jhula. Once you are done with all the sightseeing activities, you can head in the direction of the famous market nearby and shop for a wide range of products as well as souvenirs.
Other Essential Information About Lakshman Jhula
Location - The famous Lakshman Jhula is located at Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
Timings- You can come down to the Lakshman Jhula from 5:00 AM in the morning and stay till 10:00 PM in the evening.
Fee- There is no entry fee for tourists to visit Lakshman Jhula.
Tips for Visiting Lakshman Jhula -

1. You should carry enough warm clothes with you when you are going to Lakshman Jhula. As the climate of Rishikesh is very cold and you would need to cover up your body with multiple layers of warm clothes.
2. Be careful about the monkeys in Lakshman Jhula.
3. You can just stroll in and around the bridge and go shopping in the market.
4. You must visit the famous places of worship near the bridge. Also, visiting the Tehri Manzil temple is meant to be auspicious.