Ram Jhula, Rishikesh: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Ram Jhula Overview

Another architectural marvel in the yoga capital of India, Ram Jhula is an important landmark of the city and is also one of the sought after Rishikesh tourist places. Located only 3km from the heart of the city, this 450ft suspension bridge connects the banks of the Ganges with Shivananda and Swarga ashrams at both of its end.

Also known as the 'Shivananda Jhula', this magnificent bridge was built during the late 80s by the regional government; the contribution of Shivananda Ashram Divine Life Society is very significant in the construction of Ram Jhula. Like the Lakshman Jhula, it was also once a jute bridge and serves as an important name in the list of places to visit in Rishikesh.

While crossing the bridge, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Ganges and for the nature photographers, it serves as an ideal destination to click some amazing pictures!

Ram Jhula is one of the most iconic places in Rishikesh and if you are planning a pilgrimage to the city, or just visiting for a holiday, you must stop by this iconic bridge. It is a suspension bridge, built entirely out of iron and the length of the bridge is around 450 feet. It was constructed in the year 1986, by the PWD.

The bridge is located over the holy Ganga river and it connects Sivananda Nagar in Muni Ki Reti, in the district of Tehri Garhwal in the west to Swargashram in the district of Pauri Garhwal, in the east.

This bridge can be found in the state of Uttarakhand, approximately 3 kilometres away from the main town of Rishikesh. It is a comfortable walking distance from Rishikesh, and if you like long walks in the midst of stunning scenery then you can walk the length of the bridge as well.

People can also traverse the bridge with bikes or cycles. A number of holy ashrams and Hindu religious centres and temples can be found lining the side of the bridge. These ashrams encompass the true essence of Rishikesh, with their peace, hospitality and piety.

Another well-known bridge in the area is the Lakshman Jhula, which is lengthier than Ram Jhula and is situated 2 kilometres upriver, on the banks of the Ganga.

One of the most memorable experiences you can enjoy at the Ram Jhula is overlooking the holy city of Rishikesh from the bridge itself in all its natural and historical glory, surrounded by the river and the mighty mountains.

History of Ram Jhula

The famous Ram Jhula was initially a bridge made of very strong jute ropes, tightly intertwined to give it strength and to help it bear the weight of passers-by. It did not have any pillars to provide structural support in the beginning. Later, it was re-constructed with iron in the year 1986 by the PWD under government supervision.

Since it is located in the spiritual and holy city of Rishikesh, the name of the bridge is derived from the Aryan King- Lord Ram- the protagonist of the epic Ramayana.

The other famous bridge on the river is the Lakshman Jhula. The story goes that in the era of Ram’s reign, Lakshman had crossed the Ganga with the help of two ropes.

To commemorate this mythological event, the Lakshman Jhula was constructed with ropes, in the year 1889. Therefore, a gesture of sibling love and camaraderie between the two brothers- Ram and Lakshman, the second bridge was named ‘Ram, indicative of the divine bond between the two brothers.

About Ram Jhula Market

Keeping in mind the vast number of tourists and pilgrims who visit the place every year, there are innumerable shops and markets near the starting and ending point of the bridge.

The Ram Jhula Market can be found in the point where the bridge ends, where you can find shops selling everything imaginable- from groceries to mementoes and religious tokens. You can find religious sculptures, statues and framed pictures of different gods and goddesses, dress materials, jewellery and other artefacts available in the markets.

One can buy authentic semi-precious stones and gems at reasonable prices from here as well. Shoppers can choose from beautiful, ethnic, locally sourced handicraft items to bright and comfortable cotton clothes like sarees, lehengas and cholis, all at reasonable prices.

How To Reach

By train: If you want to travel by train, the nearest railway station is the Rishikesh Railway Station. From here, you can hire an auto to reach Ram Jhula.

By air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is approximately 22 km away. Taxis are available for hire outside the gates of the airport to take you to any place in Rishikesh, including Ram Jhula. A ride to Ram Jhula from the airport will cost you around INR 1,500.

By road: An efficient bus service is also available from the airport. Travelling from Haridwar to Rishikesh on road will be more cost-effective if one is travelling on a budget. The town roads are well connected with rickshaws and autos to help you navigate the city and its surroundings without any trouble.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Ram Jhula and to take full advantage of its natural beauty and spiritual serenity is between the months of February and May. Since Ram Jhula is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and on the River Ganga, the weather is always suitable for a visit throughout the year.

However, the summers are hot and dry and the temperature can soar up to 40 degrees Celsius. The winters are comparatively more enjoyable. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season, as the rains may hinder sightseeing and other sports like river rafting and roads can become slippery and dangerous for treks.

Other Essential Information

Places to stay in Ram Jhula

Due to the huge influx of people who travel to Rishikesh every year to offer their prayers and complete their pilgrimage, there are innumerable hotels, inns and resorts one can choose from when travelling to Uttarakhand. If you are keen on visiting the Ram Jhula, here are the best accommodations you can check out:

1. Aloha On Ganges - This is a three-star hotel located near Ram Jhula in Tehri Garhwal district. It is a luxury hotel where a visitor can choose to stay in a tent or even grand suits with plush double and single bedrooms, according to their preference.

They have an in-house restaurant and the guests can enjoy activities like campfires and river rafting organized by the hotel itself. Room rent starts from INR 6,500 per day.

2. Rishabh Resort - This is a two-star hotel located on the Lakshman Jhula road. The hotel is surrounded by scenic beauty with the Ganga flowing in its vicinity. The rooms are spacious and well furnished. Guests can enjoy activities like trekking and river rafting from the hotel.

It also has special halls for yoga and meditation. It has a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. Cost of rooms starts from INR 2000 per day.

3. The Nirvana Palace - This hotel is a two-star luxury hotel located on the Ram Jhula Road providing a very comfortable and convenient stay for guests. The hotel offers luxurious suites along with luxe, king-size suites to spacious well-furnished bedrooms. Guests can enjoy well-prepared Asian, Western and Indian cuisine from their in-house restaurant.

All modern facilities, like free wi-fi, AC rooms, yoga and meditation halls and prompt medical attention, are available here. Rent for the rooms starts from INR 2,100 per day.

Tips for visiting Ram Jhula

- Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when you are visiting Ram Jhula:

- Apart from being one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the country, you can also find a number of spiritual centres here. Make sure you check out their yoga centres and meditation ashrams for a spiritually rewarding experience.

- You must also visit the International Yoga Festival held in March every year.

- The “aarti’ that takes place in the evening on the banks of the Holy Ganga is another sight to behold.

- You should carry your own supply of medicines. Carrying your own water bottles when you are touring the place can also make the trip convenient.

- Winters can get quite cold in the area, which is why it is essential to pack accordingly. No matter what time of the year you are travelling in, make sure you carry some warm clothes to combat the cold.

- If you are travelling with children, it is important to take special care of them because of the crowds that you will inevitably be met with when you are there.

Ram Jhula FAQs

Why is it called Ram Jhula?

It is called Ram Jhula after Lord Ram, the hero of the famous Indian epic- Ramayana. Initially, there was only one bridge called Lakshman Jhula, dedicated to the memory of Lakshman, brother of Ram.

Later, an iron bridge was constructed in the vicinity of the Lakshman Jhula and considering the legendary brotherhood between Ram and Lakshman, the second bridge was named Ram Jhula, as a companion for the Lakshman Jhula.

Who made Ram Jhula?

The Ram Jhula was constructed by the PWD in 1986 under the supervision and instruction of the government. It was initially a bridge made with strong jute ropes connecting the two banks of the river Ganga. It was later reconstructed with iron to make it sturdier.

How can I reach Ram Jhula?

Ram Jhula can be reached conveniently by air, railway and road. The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh Railway Station in Rishikesh and the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Bus services and cars that can be hired are available in plenty from the railway station and the airport. Ram Jhula can be reached by road from Haridwar via bus also.

How old is the Ram Jhula

The Ram Jhula was constructed in 1986, making it 33 years old. It was initially constructed with ropes during the British rule in India to help facilitate travel between Sivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram.

It was then re-constructed in metal by the PWD with aid from the government to make it safer and more stable.

When was Ram Jhula built?

The bridge was originally constructed in 1927 by the British who wanted to cross the Ganga from that particular point. Back then it was made with jute ropes. However, it was rebuilt with iron in 1986 by the local government.