Laxman Jhula

Highlights

Overview

Lakshman Jhula is an iconic iron suspension bridge spanning the holy river Ganges in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Originally constructed in 1929, it stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, replacing an ancient jute rope bridge. According to Hindu mythology, the bridge is built at the exact spot where Lord Lakshman crossed the river using two jute ropes. Stretching 450 feet in length and hanging at a height of 70 feet, the structure connects the districts of Pauri Garhwal and Tehri Garhwal. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the river, surrounding temples, and the majestic Himalayas. While the original bridge is currently closed to heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic for safety and preservation as of 2026, it remains a central landmark for photography and spiritual tourism, with a new parallel bridge being developed to accommodate the increasing footfall.