The iron suspension bridge called Ram Jhula is one of the major tourist attractions of Rishikesh. Erected on river Ganga, it is located about 3 km north-east of Rishikesh town. This bridge connects the Sivananda Nagar area of Muni Ki Reti to Swargashram, crossing the river from west to east. It is a a mammoth bridge in Rishikesh.
Built in 1986, the bridge is one of the iconic landmarks of Rishikesh. One can see many Hindu ashrams and religious centers located on both sides of the river. Similar in design, the Ram Jhula is comparatively bigger than Lakshman Jhula which is located nearby. This famous man-made bridge or pul has a length of 450 feet or 137 meters and is less crowded than Lakshman Jhula.
Interesting Facts about Ram Jhula, Rishikesh
- Ram Jhula was built by PWD with the help of Shivananda Ashram Divine Life Society in the year 1980.
- Before being a suspension bridge, it was merely a hanging jute ropeway bridge without having any support of pillars.
- Ram Jhula is also known as Shivananda Jhula and was constructed after Laxman Jhula.
- This iron bridge is the biggest landmark and attraction of Rishikesh.
Things to do
- Ram Jhula Pul is one of the most visited places in Rishikesh. It offers a panoramic view of river Ganges and temples outlining the holy river.
- It is a perfect place for those seeking spiritual bliss in Rishikesh as several big and small temples, and ashrams are located near it.
- Famous tourist places such as,
- Swargashram
- Geeta Bhawan,
- Shivananda Ashram
- Parmarth Niketan
- The Beatles Ashram
- And Yogi Niketan are also in its proximity.
- One can stroll around the market area that sprawls on both sides of the bridge.
- You can buy
- gems
- precious stones
- clothes
- puja items
- Ayurvedic medicines
- jeweler
- CDs and tapes from the street market of Ram Jhula.
- Many travelers visit the nearby attractions of this bridge by taking a ferry that crosses river Ganga.
- While crossing the bridge, one can see river Ganga gushing below with full force and the surrounding Himalayas can also be seen glistening with pride.
Travel Tip
- Since the area is full of scenic grandeur it’s a golden opportunity for the shutterbugs to capture the beauty of Rishikesh. So don’t forget to carry your camera along.
- Avoid visiting the bridge during weekends since the place remains crowded.
- Don’t take your vehicle on the bridge as it a hotspot for tourists and witnesses a heavy inflow of traffic.
How to Reach Ram Jhula
- One can reach here by taking the shared auto or Vikram that will drop you at the taxi stand. From here you need to walk towards the Ram Jhula.
- This unique bridge can be crossed from the Rishikesh town side, taxi stand.
- Rishikesh railway station at 3.6 km is the nearest railhead to this bridge and Jolly Grant airport at 21 km away in Dehradun is the closest air connectivity.