Rishikesh's landmark suspension bridges, swinging high over the holy Ganga.
Lakshman Jhula & Ram Jhula is in Rishikesh. Entry is Free for Indian visitors. It opens open through daylight hours. Ram Jhula open; Lakshman Jhula closed for repair. The best time is Early morning. Before the crowds and heat.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lakshman Jhula | built 1929 |
| Ram Jhula | built 1986 |
| Crosses | the river Ganga |
| Entry | Free |
| Location | Rishikesh, Uttarakhand |
Two pedestrian bridges define the Rishikesh skyline. Lakshman Jhula was built in 1929. Ram Jhula followed in 1986.
They link the ashram banks across the Ganga. Legend says Lakshmana crossed the river here. The bridges frame temples, cafes and ghats.
Lakshman Jhula closed in 2019 for repairs. A nearby ferry and a new bridge serve visitors. Ram Jhula remains open to cross.
Sources: Lakshman Jhula β Wikipedia Β· Ram Jhula β Wikipedia Β· Uttarakhand Tourism.
Swaying pedestrian bridges over a fast green river.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lakshman Jhula | An iron suspension bridge, 1929 |
| Ram Jhula | A larger bridge, 1986 |
| Links | Ashram banks across the Ganga |
| Note | Lakshman Jhula closed for repair |
Key facts and figures β every data point links to its source.
| Detail | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lakshman Jhula built | 1927β1929 | Wikipedia |
| Its span | 137 m (450 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Height above water | about 18 m | Wikipedia |
| Older bridge | washed away, 1924 | Wikipedia |
| Closed | 2019 (unsafe) | Wikipedia |
| Ram Jhula built | 1986 | Wikipedia |
| Ram Jhula span | 230 m (750 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Bridges apart | about 2 km | Wikipedia |
| Legend | Lakshmana crossed here | Wikipedia |
| Replacement | a glass-floor bridge | Wikipedia |
| Ram Jhula links | the ashram banks | Wikipedia |
Two bridges define Rishikesh. Lakshman Jhula is the older. It was built from 1927.
Its iron span runs 137 metres. It hangs about 18 metres up. A 1924 flood took its predecessor.
It closed in 2019, judged unsafe. A glass-floored bridge replaces it. Ram Jhula still carries the crowds.
Ram Jhula opened in 1986. Its span is 230 metres. It links the ashram banks.
The two sit about 2 km apart. Both frame the rushing Ganga. Temples and cafes cluster around them.
Legend says Lakshmana crossed here. He used a jute rope, it is told. The bridge keeps his name.
The bridges are Rishikesh's icons. They sway high over the Ganga. Pilgrims and tourists cross them.
Legend gives Lakshman Jhula its name. Lakshmana crossed the river here. He used a rope, it is told.
The old bridge closed in 2019. Engineers judged it unsafe. A glass-floored span replaces it.
Ram Jhula still carries the crowds. It opened in 1986. It joins the ashram banks.
Temples and cafes cluster around. Rooftops face the rushing river. It is a fine place to pause.
The current runs fast and green. The hills rise on both sides. Mornings are calm and cool.
Sources: Lakshman Jhula β Wikipedia Β· Ram Jhula β Wikipedia Β· Uttarakhand Tourism.
Room by room, and detail by detail.
Sources: Lakshman Jhula β Wikipedia Β· Ram Jhula β Wikipedia Β· Uttarakhand Tourism.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1924 | A flood destroys the old bridge. |
| 1929 | Lakshman Jhula is built. |
| 1986 | Ram Jhula opens. |
| 2019 | Lakshman Jhula is closed. |
Sources: Lakshman Jhula β Wikipedia Β· Ram Jhula β Wikipedia Β· Uttarakhand Tourism.
Fees and timings change from time to time. Confirm on the official site before you go.
| Visitor | Ticket |
|---|---|
| Everyone | Free |
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open through daylight hours. |
| Weekly closing | Ram Jhula open; Lakshman Jhula closed for repair. |
| Best time to visit | Early morning, before the crowds and heat. |
| How long to allow | Allow an hour to walk and take photos. |
Sources: Lakshman Jhula β Wikipedia Β· Ram Jhula β Wikipedia Β· Uttarakhand Tourism.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Location | Across the Ganga at Rishikesh |
| Nearest station | Rishikesh / Yog Nagari, then an auto |
| Mode | Best for | Book / source |
|---|---|---|
| βοΈ Air | Reaching Rishikesh from afar | IndiGo |
| π Rail | Trains across India | IRCTC |
| π Taxi / app cab | Door-to-door comfort | Uber / Ola |
| πΊ Auto-rickshaw | Short local hops | meter / app |
Autos reach the bridge areas. Cross Ram Jhula on foot while Lakshman Jhula is repaired.
Plan around India's seasons. Early morning, before the crowds and heat.
| Season | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| π OctβMar | Cool, dry, pleasant | Best time to visit |
| βοΈ AprβJun | Hot on the plains | Go early; carry water |
| π§οΈ JulβSep | Warm, monsoon showers | Fewer crowds, green views |
Base yourself in Rishikesh to visit with ease. It has stays for every budget. Book ahead in the cool season. Compare hotels on Booking.com. Find homes on Airbnb. See our Rishikesh guide for the best areas.
Beat the crowds and the sun.
Lakshman Jhula is under repair; use Ram Jhula.
A good guide brings the history alive.
Shade can be limited here.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| π« Entry (Indian) | Free |
| π« Entry (foreign) | Free |
| π§βπ« Local guide | βΉ300β800 for a tour |
| π· Camera / video | Often a small extra fee |
| π Transport | βΉ100β500 by auto or cab |
Costs are indicative. Confirm official rates on site.
Pair Lakshman Jhula & Ram Jhula with sights close by. Together they make a full, rewarding day. Start early to beat the crowds and heat.
No. Both bridges are free to cross.
Lakshman Jhula is closed for repairs. Ram Jhula is open.
The bridge was built in 1929.
The Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula bridges do.
Location: Across the Ganga at Rishikesh; Nearest station: Rishikesh / Yog Nagari. Then an auto.
Early morning, before the crowds and heat.
Allow an hour to walk and take photos.
Yes. Rishikesh's landmark suspension bridges, swinging high over the holy Ganga.
You can also visit Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh guide.
Stay in Rishikesh. See our Rishikesh guide.
Keep exploring around Rishikesh.