Laxman Jhula

Laxman Jhula (Lakshman Jhula), gracefully suspended across the swirling turquoise waters of the holy River Ganga in the lively Tapovan neighborhood of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, stands as Rishikesh's most celebrated, historically iconic, and globally recognized architectural bridge landmark.

Steeped in sacred Ramayana lore as the exact spot where Lord Lakshmana crossed the Ganges on woven jute ropes, this legendary 137 meter-long (450 foot) iron suspension bridge was erected by British engineers in 1929, linking the scenic riverbank districts of Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal.

It's the home of the monumental 13 storey Trayambakeshwar (Tera Manzil) Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, buzzing cliffside bohemian rooftop cafes like Little Buddha Cafe and Freedom Cafe, white water rafting finish beaches, yoga ashrams, and sweeping vistas of the roaring Ganges gorge framed by emerald Himalayan foothills.

It represents a rich Himalayan crossing where ancient Vedic mythology, thrilling adventure watersports, lively international backpacker culture, and sacred riverside evening aartis unite in the Yoga Capital of the World.

Located in Tapovan just 5 km north of Rishikesh town center and 2 km north of Ram Jhula, it sits 12 km from Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station (YNRK) and 22 km from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (DED), easily reached on foot, by shared auto, or by taxi along the Badrinath Highway (NH 7).

The Ramayana Heritage & The 1929 Iron Bridge

According to ancient Hindu scripture, Lord Lakshmana performed severe penance in Rishikesh and crossed the roaring river on a simple rope bridge constructed from wild Himalayan grass.

After the historic jute structure was washed away in the catastrophic flood of 1924, British engineers constructed the iconic 450 foot iron cable suspension bridge in 1929, opening it to pedestrian pilgrims traveling to Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Truth is, standing in the middle of the bridge with the brisk mountain breeze whistling through the suspension cables while watching colourful river rafts handle the rapids below is a quintessential Rishikesh experience.

Tera Manzil Temple & Riverside Ghats

Trayambakeshwar (Tera Manzil) Temple: Towering on the eastern bank of the bridge stands this grand 13 tier temple. Each floor houses distinct shrines dedicated to different Hindu deities, culminating in open air top balconies that offer striking 360 degree views of the river valley.

Sacred River Ghats: Stone bathing steps line both sides of the bridge where pilgrims take holy dips in the crystal clear glacier waters, feed river fishes with puffed rice, and receive blessings from wandering sadhus.

Bohemian Cafes, Yoga Ashrams & Bajrang Setu

Rooftop Cafe Culture: The cliffside lanes around Laxman Jhula are world renowned for lively treehouse style cafes, serving wood fired pizzas, herbal chai, Ayurvedic thalis, and organic smoothies overlooking the evening river glow.

Bajrang Setu Modernization: To protect the heritage bridge while accommodating rising visitors, Uttarakhand has constructed the modern Bajrang Setu nearby, featuring transparent toughened glass viewing floors over the Ganges.

After exploring Laxman Jhula, take a peaceful stroll down to Ram Jhula, visit the legendary 84 meditation caves at Beatles Ashram, or experience the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.