Rishikesh

Lakshman Jhula

Lakshman Jhula is an iron suspension bridge that is built over the River Ganga and is located at a distance of 3 km. from the main township of Rishikesh. Originally a hanging jute bridge that was constructed in 1839, this bridge was named after the younger brother of Lord Ram, Lakshman as it is believed that he used this bridge to cross the River Ganges. The jute bridge was replaced by the British in 1939 with an iron suspension bridge with a span of 450 ft. in length and a height of 70 ft. from the river. An iconic landmark of Rishikesh, this beautiful bridge offers panoramic views of the River Ganges and numerous temples, bathing ghats, prayer flags and ashrams on the sandy river bank. On both the sides of the bridge, there are many temples such as Lakshman Temple and Tapovan, which are important pilgrimage centres. A thirteen storey temple, called Terah Manzil is another popular tourist attraction. Rafts pass underneath the bridge loaded with adventure loving tourists, which add up to the silhouette of this bridge and the cityscape. Situated 2 km. away from Swarg Ashram, Lakshman Jhula is used as a path for visiting Swarg Ashram and Gita Bhavan.