Are you in Rishikesh or desiring to have a nearby short trip to Rishikesh? Then, without any further ado, just start picturing yourself standing on a historical bridge, where the serenity of the Ganga’s warm breezes and the beautiful serenity of Rishikesh make you feel alive. Welcome to Laxman Jhula, a place of faith, adventure and peace! This heroic suspension bridge isn’t just a pass over the river. It’s a trip through time and spirituality. If you are seeking peace, or you are the one who is an adventure enthusiast or the one who is serious about experiencing India’s rich culture, then explore Laxman Jhula with the Rishikesh tour package that provides you with a unique blend of experience that you can cherish forever.
Best Time to Visit Laxman Jhula
October and April are the best months to explore Laxman Jhula. The weather during these months is nice and idyllic for sightseeing and an outing. The monsoon (July to September) is characterised by heavy rains that can make an area slippery and not very accessible. Therefore, it would be better to plan your visit during the colder, drier months to have a nice visit.
Things to Do at Laxman Jhula
Laxman Jhula is not the only attraction that will amaze you, there are many other things that you can experience in the beautiful hills of Rishikesh. The best 5 things to do while in Rishikesh include:
1. Walk Across the Historic Bridge
Crossing over Laxman Jhula is more than a mundane crossing, but is an experience of India’s living mythology and a sensory odyssey in one. With the soothing tones of the pilgrims, locals as well as other travellers, you are welcomed when stepping up to this historic suspension bridge. Down below, the sacred river Ganges flows with elegance, its waters giving a shimmering show of emerald and silver.
The tiny tremble of the bridge gives a touch of thrill even at every step, making you feel full of adventure. Throughout, you’ll see sadhus meditating, temple bells ringing in the distance, even perhaps squirrels and monkeys scampering about across the railings. Every little part of this place is a dance between the earth and the supernatural, leaving you with the eternal soul of Rishikesh’s spirit.
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2. Visit the Laxman Temple
A few footsteps from the location, you are the revered Laxman temple, where you are walking past an architectural marvel and a holy sanctum of tranquillity. According to its legend, Lord Laxman, brother of Lord Rama, meditated here after crossing the river. The temple’s frontage comes alive with tracings of artistic carvings in bright colours, which urges visitors into an era of profound devotion.
Inside, there are flickering oil lamps and the ancient idols, while the air is covered with a fragrance of sandalwood and incense. This is not merely a site of ritual; it’s a sanctuary of contemplation where myths come to life through stone and where visitors may stop and think, pray or just spend some time in peace, as the tranquil energy soothes all.
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3. Explore the Local Markets
A feast for your senses, the market’s bells come to life just off the bridge with the chattering noise of market stalls. In here, artisans and shopkeepers gleefully prick out handcrafted gems, the beaded malas, fragrant spices and the colourful fabrics of India’s wealth of heritage. There are yoga mats, Ayurvedic products, and cute souvenirs, to name a few.
The hustle is accompanied with the warmth of the locals making for a once in a life time shopping experience. Bargaining is part of the fun, and even if you do not make a buy, then you will still take away the sights, sounds and tales of this vibrant bazaar, a good amalgamation of tradition and modernity.
4. Enjoy River Rafting
Laxman Jhula is a gateway to one of India’s best river rafting, for thrill seekers. The Ganges here is not only sacred; it’s wild and thrilling, featuring rapids of varying difficulty, from the beginning to the hard ones. Placed in safety gear and under the directions of professionals, you will travel through the foamy white waves among dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and chants of far-off temples.
In between rapids, fox, bird, and other wildlife can be seen as well as the natural splendour. These are not your regular adventures but a buzz in the system with a chance to communicate with nature in a manner that is refreshingly restorative and balanced by contentment.
5. Witness Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
A visit to Rishikesh is incomplete without a witness to the mystical Ganga Aarti, and Triveni Ghat, which lies almost within a stone’s throw from Laxman Jhula. As the sun sets, priests in long saffron robes follow a coordinated ritual, reflecting the great ancient culture. The sky is darkening, but atop it, the light of flames from great brass lamps flickers as it dances over the ripples on the river.
Hymns and mantras move about the atmosphere, accompanied by the sound of clapping for devotees. Small diyas (lamps) that are set afloat hold wishes and prayers downstream, forming an enchanting sight of hope and light. The Aarti is a very sentimental ceremony that stays with you long after the final bell has sounded.
Places to Visit Near Laxman Jhula
Though fascinating, don’t just stop here; many more places near the Laxman Jhula will excite you in the same manner or even better, as per your preference. The top 5 places to visit near Laxman Jhula are:
1. Ram Jhula
Another famous suspension bridge is Ram Jhula, which is a short walkway from Laxman Jhula that not only conveys foot traffic, but centuries worth of spiritualism. This bridge, a little bigger and usually not as crowded, gives just as wonderful a view of the river and sprawling ashrams on its banks. Walking across, you will see sages in deep meditation, yogis doing asanas, and pilgrims at the forefront offering flowers to the Ganges below. The bridge links Sivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram, which are two of the highly venerated spiritual centres, thus, it is an important vein of Rishikesh’s devotional life. Whether it is because you need to get across or just want to experience the views, Ram Jhula is a gentle representation of how peaceful and unified this sacred town is.
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2. Tera Manzil Temple (Trayambakeshwar Temple)
This colossal, 13-story wonder guarded by Laxman Jhula with its magnificently decorous front is a work of colour and devotion. Tera Manzil Temple is designed such that each of its floors is filled with shrines of different Hindu gods, providing a spiritual climb as you use its winding stairs. The higher you go, the more the silence- until you reach the rooftop where you get a bird’s eye view of Rishikesh and the emerald Ganga.
Devotees visit here for prayers, and travellers enjoy the lovely atmosphere and the beauty of the architecture. The complex statues and murals of the temple tell the stories of the Hindu epics, thus placing a pilgrimage to the temple as not a climb but a sacred journey through the mythical gifts of India.
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3. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Located amidst thick woods and harsh hills around 32 km from Laxman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev temple is a pilgrimage to one’s body and soul. Based on legend, the churning of the cosmos spewed forth poison from the ocean here, and Lord Shiva drank it- and turned his throat blue, hence the name Neelkanth (the blue throat). The trip to the temple, road or trekking, to the temple is adventure enough, surrounded by nature’s untouched beauty.
As you enter, there is a warm welcome by the vibe of the temple itself through its colourful carvings and the colourful statues describing various events in the life of Shiva. This place is a must-visit to feel the divine and experience how nature can be so gorgeous.
4. Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
The Beatles Ashram is a sign of the legendary band’s famous transformation in 1968. Officially named Chaurasi Kutia, the ashram was mildly alive with the sounds of meditation and music, but now it is a tranquil ruin with its walls painted by spectacular murals and graffiti inspired by that trip by the Beatles. There are caves to meditate in, yoga halls, and open plains where the voices of creative genius still echo.
Walking through this serene, accented by nature, it is a fascinating window of access into the ways that Eastern spirit impacted Western music and culture, and it is a must-see for fans and seekers alike.
5. Parmarth Niketan Ashram
Parmarth Niketan is Rishikesh’s biggest, if not most peaceful, ashram situated on the banks of the Ganges. It is a paradise for spiritual seekers who are on leisure vacations, and it provides them with daily yoga sessions, meditation topics and Ayurvedic massages in the backdrop of lovely gardens and never never-boring river. The ashram also welcomes international yoga festivals and spiritual discourses, and is visited by visitors from all over the world.
Aside from its programs, Parmarth Niketan is famous for its beautiful Ganga Aarti, at which hundreds come together every day for prayers and music in respect of the sacred river. Whether you’re on an overnight stay or a simple visit, the ashram provides relaxing surroundings with deep inner focus and serenity.
How to Reach Laxman Jhula?
Travelling to Laxman Jhula is easy, with more than one conveyance available:
- By Air: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun, about 35 km distant.
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station is approximately 6 km away from Laxman Jhula.
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis take you to Rishikesh from major cities such as Delhi and Dehradun.
Getting off in Rishikesh, then an auto-rickshaw or a short walk will get you to the bridge.
Laxman Jhula is not only a bridge; It is a door to the spiritual-cultural heart of Rishikesh, which is a must-visit. Whether history, adventure or spiritual quest is your key attraction, this world-famous landmark attracts everyone to itself. Don’t miss out on visiting this architectural marvel if you plan to visit Rishikesh. So pack away your bags and take off on a trip that will be not just enriching and enlightening but also adventurous and thrilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Laxman Jhula so famous and special?
Laxman Jhula gained its famed for its myth that Lord Laxman used to cross the Ganges here. The bridge also provides wonderful views and links some spiritual sites in Rishikesh.
2. Why is Laxman Jhula closed?
Safety concerns resulting from the old structure led to the closure of the bridge in July 2019. There is a new bridge being built to meet the increased footfall.
3. What is the distance of Laxman Jhula from the Rishikesh city centre?
Laxman Jhula distance located about 5 km northeast of Rishikesh town centre.
4. What is the history of Laxman Jhula?
Laxman Jhula’s history can be described as an old bridge that was built in 1889 and washed away during a flood. The existing iron suspension bridge was built in 1929 and has since been an important landmark.
5. Do they charge for the entry to Laxman Jhula?
No, there is no entry fee to visit or cross Laxman Jhula.
