Lakshman Jhula

On the footsteps of Lord Lakshman..

Lakshman Jhula is one of the prime tourist attractions of Rishikesh. In fact it won't be wrong to call it as a landmark of the place. It is a suspension bridge across the Ganga along the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Raghunathji's temple is the main attraction at Laxman Jhoola. Laxman is said to have visited this place and is believed to have done penance to wash his sins for having killed a Brahmin. The suspension bridge connects Rishikesh with Tapovan across river Ganga where a temple is dedicated to Laxman. The view from the bridge, especially the view of the high current of the river is incomparable. One can enjoy the spectacular surroundings and the cool breeze from the River while standing on the bridge.

History
The legend behind it states that Lakshman, brother of lord Rama once crossed river Ganga on a suspension bridge made of jute. The new bridge is said to be built on the same site of the historic bridge. The current bridge was built in 1939 AD. A multi story temple complex, called Terah Manzil, of idols of Hindu gods and goddesses near Lakshman Jhula is very popular amongst the locals.
The De Facto
Location - Rishikesh
Length - 450 feet
Built In - 1939
Best Time To Visit - Throughout the year

Access
Air: The nearest air-port is 'Jolly Grant' air strip (18 kms) on Rishikesh-Dehra Dun Road which is connected by air service with Delhi.
Rail: Rishikesh is connected with Haridwar by rail and Haridwar is connected by long distance trains to Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Ujjain, Gorkhapur and Amritsar.
Road: Rishikesh is connected by road and regular Bus service with Agra (392 kms), Dehra Dun (43 kms), Delhi (238 kms), Haridwar (24 kms), Mussoorie (78 kms), Badrinath (298 kms), Kedamath (223 kms), Yamnotri , (222 kms), Gangotri (235 kms), Chandigarh (252 kms) and Uttarkashi (154 kms). Bus Stands: Roadways and Yatri Bus Stand.

Did You Know?

• Recently a new iron bridge called the Ram Jhula has been added, which connects between Shivanand Ashram and Sawarg Ashram.
• There is a temple of Lakshman called Tapovan on the other bank of the Ganges. According to legends Lakshman carried out penances here.