Lakshman Jhula
The Iconic Ganga Footbridge
Overview
Lakshman Jhula is an iron suspension footbridge across the Ganga river in Rishikesh, India, originally built in 1929 and named for the legend that Lakshman crossed the river here. At about 137 m long, it links Tapovan and Jonk and is flanked by riverside temples, ashrams, and the multi-storey Tera Manzil temple. It is the visual signature of Rishikesh's spiritual riverfront. MyTripMyTravel includes it on the escorted Ganga-and-ghats route, timed around the aarti.
Lakshman Jhula is the postcard of Rishikesh, a slender iron bridge slung across the green Ganga, with temples stacked up both banks and the Himalaya beginning just upstream.
It is less a monument to enter than a vantage and a thoroughfare: the crossing, the riverside temple cluster, and the cafés and ashrams that define the spiritual-traveller belt all radiate from it. (Note: access can change with periodic safety works on the historic span.)
MyTripMyTravel walks it as part of the escorted riverfront route, timed so the crossing and a Ganga Aarti vantage fall in the same evening.
At a glance
Lakshman Jhula in brief
What to see
Highlights
The river crossing
The classic Ganga vantage with the foothills upstream.
Tera Manzil temple
The riverside multi-storey temple beside the bridge.
Ashram-and-café belt
The spiritual-traveller quarter radiating from both banks.
Aarti proximity
Walkable to the evening Ganga Aarti ghats.
Visitor information
Our tips
Cross in late afternoon, then move to a Ganga Aarti vantage for dusk.
Check current access, the historic span periodically undergoes works.
The café terraces above give the best elevated bridge view.
Good to know
Lakshman Jhula, your questions
What is Lakshman Jhula?
A 1929 iron suspension footbridge over the Ganga in Rishikesh, the visual signature of the town's spiritual riverfront.
Can you walk across it?
It is a pedestrian bridge, though access can be restricted during periodic safety works on the historic span; our escort confirms current status.
What is near Lakshman Jhula?
The Tera Manzil temple, riverside ashrams, the café belt, and the Ganga Aarti ghats, all on the escorted route.
When should I visit?
Late afternoon into the evening aarti for the best light and atmosphere.
Visit with us
See Lakshman Jhula, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Lakshman Jhula into a wider Rishikesh and Himalayan Peaks itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Lakshman Jhula
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