Complete Guide to Laxman Jhula
The Bridge: Facts & Story
The bridge: Laxman Jhula is a 450m iron rope suspension bridge across the Ganga connecting the west bank (Tapovan area) to the east bank (Jonk area and Tera Manzil temple). It hangs about 70 feet above the river.
The legend: The bridge is named after Laxman — brother of Lord Ram — who is said to have crossed the Ganga here on jute ropes during his travels in the Ramayana. The original jute-rope crossing was formalised into a bridge in 1889 and rebuilt in iron rope in 1929–1930.
Vehicle ban since 2019: After structural concerns, the government banned all motor vehicles from crossing Laxman Jhula in 2019. The bridge is now pedestrian and cattle only. This has significantly improved the atmosphere — the bridge no longer carries scooters and autos, making the walk across it calm and meditative. The walking experience across the swaying bridge, with the Ganga visible through the bridge deck below, is one of Rishikesh's signature experiences.
Reconstruction: A new, wider Laxman Jhula bridge has been under construction/discussion since the vehicle ban. The current pedestrian bridge is the original 1930 structure. Check current status on arrival.
Tera Manzil Temple (Trayambakeshwar)
Immediately east of the Laxman Jhula bridge on the east bank stands the 13-storey Trayambakeshwar temple — one of the most visually distinctive buildings in Rishikesh. Each storey of the temple houses a different deity, and the stacking of temple architecture upward gives the impression of a vertical Hindu temple complex. The top floors offer some of the best unobstructed Ganga views in Rishikesh — the suspension bridge to the south, the forested hills upstream, and the market below. Entry is free; climb as many floors as you like.
East Bank: Market, Cafes & Character
The east bank at Laxman Jhula is the heart of Rishikesh's international and yoga-culture scene — a dense concentration of cafes, guesthouses, yoga studios, Ayurvedic medicine shops, rudraksha sellers and spiritual bookshops in a pedestrianised, vehicle-free area.
Best cafes:
- Little Buddha Cafe: Rooftop, Ganga views, international and Indian menu, excellent juices and smoothie bowls. The most popular.
- Oasis Cafe: Israeli-influenced food, falafel, hummus, shakshuka. Very popular with international visitors.
- German Bakehouse: Best baked goods in Rishikesh — breads, croissants, cakes. Excellent morning coffee.
- 60s Cafe: Music, eclectic menu, vibrant young crowd.
Shopping: Rudraksha beads (₹50–₅,₀₀₀ depending on type and mukhi count), mala prayer beads, yoga clothing (₹300–₁,₅₀₀), Tibetan singing bowls (₹500–₃,₀₀₀), incense, essential oils, Ayurvedic skincare, spiritual books. Negotiate 30–40% off the first price quoted.
Laxman Jhula as Base for Rishikesh
Laxman Jhula is the best base for a Rishikesh stay — walking distance to:
- Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia): 2 km south along the east bank
- Parmarth Niketan (for Ganga Aarti): 1.5 km south (walk along east bank to Ram Jhula end)
- Ram Jhula bridge: 2 km south (auto ₹30–₄₀)
- Shivpuri (rafting start): 16 km north (shared auto ₹60–₈₀, 20 min)
- Neergarh Falls: 7 km (auto ₹80–₁₀₀)
How to Reach Rishikesh
239 km from Delhi (5–6 hrs), 24 km from Haridwar. See Rishikesh overview. Laxman Jhula is 3 km north of Rishikesh main bus stand — auto ₹40–₆₀ from the bus stand.
Budget, Hotels & Travel Tips
- Best time to visit Laxman Jhula bridge: Early morning (6:30–8 AM) is magical — mist on the Ganga, pilgrims heading to the bridge for their morning bath, the cafes just opening, and very few tourists. Late afternoon (4–6 PM) is the liveliest with the market active and sunset approaching. Night-time is atmospheric — the bridge is lit from below and the Ganga sounds audible in the dark.
- Shoes on the bridge: You do not need to remove shoes on the bridge itself — only inside temples. The temple inside the east bank market complex requires shoes off at the entrance.
- Safety on the bridge: The bridge sways noticeably when groups walk across — this is normal and the bridge structure is safe (pedestrian load only since 2019). The open-mesh deck allows views down to the Ganga below — children may need reassurance. Do not attempt to climb the bridge cables.
FAQs
- Can vehicles cross Laxman Jhula bridge?
- No — since 2019, all motor vehicles have been banned from crossing Laxman Jhula due to structural load concerns. The bridge is now pedestrian and light animals (cattle) only. Autos and motorbikes use the road bridge further away from Laxman Jhula. The vehicle ban has significantly improved the walking experience on the bridge. A replacement bridge was proposed; check the current status locally as construction timelines have changed multiple times.
- What is near Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh?
- Within 2 km of Laxman Jhula: Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) 2 km south, Patna Waterfall 3 km, Neergarh Falls 7 km (auto). The east bank immediately surrounding the bridge has the Tera Manzil temple, the dense market and the best cafes in Rishikesh. The west bank has the Tapovan area with many yoga studios and mid-range guesthouses. See Rishikesh places to visit for a full map and list.