Walk from Rishikesh to Laxman Jhula: Things to do & Places to see

Lakshman Jhula is a famous iron suspension bridge in Rishikesh. Rishikesh to Laxman Jhula distance is  about 5 km from Rishikesh Railway Station and just 1 km from the Swarg Ashram area near Ram Jhula. It spans the sacred Ganges River and is a well-known landmark of the city.

Originally, it was a jute rope bridge, where, according to legend, Lord Rama’s younger brother, Laxman, crossed the Ganges. After the jute bridge was washed away in the 1924 floods, the current iron bridge was constructed in 1939. The bridge is 450 feet long and stands 70 feet above the river, connecting the Pauri and Tehri districts.

Location: Rishikesh to Laxman Jhula 

• Rishikesh to Laxman Jhula Distance: 5 km from Rishikesh Railway Station, 1 km from Ram Jhula in the Swarg Ashram area of Rishikesh.
• Overview: Lakshman Jhula is a historic iron suspension bridge in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Spanning over the sacred River Ganges, it is a prominent landmark that connects the Pauri and Tehri districts. The bridge stands 450 feet long and 70 feet above the river.

Historical Significance: Rishikesh to Laxman Jhula 

• Original Structure: According to Hindu legend, Lord Rama’s younger brother, Laxmana, crossed the river Ganges at this exact spot using a jute rope bridge.
• Replacement: The original jute bridge was washed away in the floods of 1924 and replaced by the present iron suspension bridge in 1939.

Nearby Attractions: Rishikesh to Laxman Jhula 

• Terah Manzil Temple: A 13-storey temple near Lakshman Jhula, known for its architecture and religious importance, is popular among visitors for its panoramic views.
• Lakshman Temple: Dedicated to Lord Lakshman, this temple is closely tied to the ancient lore of the area. It also has the Rishi Kund, a sacred water body.

Tourist Experience: Rishikesh to Laxman Jhula 

• Scenic Views: The bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding temples, ashrams, and the majestic River Ganga.
• Shopping: The market near Lakshman Jhula is vibrant, offering a wide range of items including wooden artifacts, Rudraksha beads, idols, holy books, gems, local jewelry, clothing, and street food. It is a great place to pick up souvenirs and experience the local culture.

Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh

Lakshman Jhula is steeped in rich history and mythology. According to legends, it is believed that Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, crossed the Ganga River using a jute rope. To honor this brave act, a jute rope bridge was constructed at this site. Until 1889, the bridge was a 284-foot long hanging structure, but it was tragically washed away during the floods of October 1924. Subsequently, a new bridge was built in 1930 that stands today.

Nearby, you can find several significant temples, including the Trayambakeshwar Temple, Sachha Akhileswar Mahadev Temple, Lakshman Temple, and Sri Raghunathji’s Temple. These temples enhance the spiritual ambiance of the area, making Lakshman Jhula a must-visit destination for both pilgrims and tourists alike.

Ram Jhula Bridge Rishikesh:

A similar suspension bridge built in 1986 at Sivananda Nagar, located nearby, is another key attraction in Rishikesh. Together, these bridges represent the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the town.

Lakshman Jhula continues to be one of the most visited spots in Rishikesh, celebrated for its religious history, spiritual ambiance, and captivating views of the Ganges and the Himalayan foothills.

There are some quieter neighborhoods in Rishikesh that are on both sides of the Ganga River. These places are located between two well-known bridges, called Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula (sometimes spelled Lakshman Jhula). These areas are peaceful because they are close to the river and the mountains, away from the busy, noisy part of Rishikesh city.

However, Laxman Jhula has been closed since July 2019. This bridge, built in 1929, had become really old—almost 90 years—and needed major repairs to be safe again. While they fix it, there is a temporary ferry that helps people cross the Ganges River.

Bajrang Setu Update October 2024:

A new bridge called Bajrang Setu is being built as a replacement for Laxman Jhula. This bridge will be made of cables and glass, which sounds really modern and cool! But, it’s still under construction and not open yet. No one knows exactly when it will be ready, and there’s no official date mentioned in any Indian news reports.

For now, the ferry is still the only way to cross the Ganges in the Laxman Jhula area.

The temporary ferry is really useful because it helps people cross the holy Ganges River between the neighborhoods of Tapovan and Laxman Jhula. Without the ferry, people would have to walk on a busy road, which isn’t very safe or fun.

Tapovan Rishikesh

Tapovan is located on a steep hill with twisting, narrow roads. These roads eventually lead to a main road that turns into a two-lane ‘highway’ on either side of the neighborhood. On this highway, it can get really crowded with motorcycles, rickshaws, cars, trucks, and buses.

And believe it or not, even cows can cause traffic jams! The drivers on this road are often impatient, which makes it a bit dangerous, especially in the narrow spots. So, the ferry is definitely a safer option!

In Tapovan, you’ll find more hotels, restaurants, and shops, but if you want a nicer, quieter walk, Laxman Jhula is the better spot—at least while the Laxman Jhula bridge is still closed.

Unlike Tapovan, which is on a steep hill, Laxman is flat and runs along the Ganga River. There isn’t much motor traffic, though you’ll still find cows strolling down the road, which adds to the charm.

Ferry Details at Laxman Jhula

• From Tapovan, the ferry leaves from Pebble Beach, but only when there are enough passengers.
• From the Lakshman Jhula neighborhood, the ferry departs from the Boating Center—a small, white sand beach behind the restaurants and shops.

You may need to wait a bit, especially depending on the time of day. Sometimes, if one side has a queue, the ferry will make an empty trip to pick up passengers waiting on the other side. The ferry ride costs just 40 rupees ($0.50) and takes about two minutes to cross the river.

For those with mobility issues, a small but important note: there are no steps at the dock on either side, so you might need to take a big step to get on the ferry. Once, an Indian man even helped lift me up from the dock!

There’s a chance that an extra ferry could be added at Laxman Jhula if the International Yoga Festival in March 2023 draws in a big crowd, especially after the pandemic.

More Expensive Ways to Cross the Ganga

If you’re in a hurry and need to cross the Ganga, you can opt for a private boat ride at the Laxman Jhula crossing, which costs about 400 rupees (less than $5). You can take this ride at any time, and it might be worth it if you’re traveling in a group!

Rickshaws are also found everywhere and will happily charge you a fee to cross another bridge southwest of Ram Jhula (although I haven’t tried that route, so I’m not sure about the price).

In the grand scheme of things, neither the boat ride nor the rickshaw is particularly ‘expensive.’ However, if you’re a budget traveler like me and plan to cross the river every day—sometimes more than once—those costs can really add up!

Places to See  around Laxman Jhula area

Places to Visit in Tapovan, Rishikesh

1. Satsang at Tapovan
Tapovan is a wonderful destination for visitors seeking comfortable and affordable accommodations. It serves as a hub for listening to wise spiritual teachers like Mooji and Prem Baba. With numerous yoga schools in the area, it’s ideal for yoga enthusiasts looking to deepen their practice.

2. Homestay Options
The homestays in Tapovan are cozy and conveniently located near attractions like Laxman Jhula and Kriya Yoga Ashram. Being close to the Tapovan Auto Stand, they provide easy access to adventure activities such as bungee jumping and rafting.

3. Patho Village Trek
The Patho Village trek is a delightful hiking spot near Tapovan. This half-day trek features beautiful green paths, a winding river, and stunning views of Rishikesh from above, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.

4. Secret Waterfall
Nature lovers must not miss the Secret Waterfall! Although it requires a bit of hiking, the sound of rushing water guides you to its breathtaking sight, making the trek totally worth it.

5. Yoga Training Courses
Tapovan is often described as a yoga paradise, boasting a multitude of yoga classes and retreats. With over 1,000 yoga schools, it’s a popular location for anyone aspiring to become a yoga teacher or simply improve their practice.

6. Kunjapuri Trail
The Kunjapuri birding trail is gaining popularity among bird watchers, similar to the bird sanctuary in Rishikesh. It’s a beautiful place for observing various bird species in their natural habitat.

7. Mahadev Cave
Mahadev Cave is a significant rock formation in Rishikesh, revered in Hindu mythology as the meditation spot of Lord Shiva. Visitors often decorate the cave with flowers and threads, creating a magical and spiritual atmosphere.

Gujjar and Patho Villages

Gujjar Village
The Gujjar Village in Tapovan is home to just four families who care for a small herd of cows. This nomadic village offers a glimpse into rural life. To visit, turn off the busy Badrinath Highway onto Balaknath Mandir Road, where climbing over 200 steps leads to a temple with great views.

Patho Village
Patho Village, with its 40 residents, has existed for 400 years and is reached via scenic forest paths behind homestays. The village is characterized by picturesque views and a farming lifestyle, cultivating various crops such as maize, ginger, and potatoes. The trek to Patho offers stunning vistas of the Ganges and even Haridwar, located 22 kilometers away.

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