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The Tale of Two Bridges: Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula
Rishikesh has these cool suspension bridges that are not just amazing to look at they also have a lot of history and mythology behind them. The bridges are over the Ganges River, which’s really loud and powerful.
1. Laxman Jhula: The Story of Brothers
The Mythology: This is from the Ramayana, which’s a famous old story. Lord Ramas brother, Lakshmana crossed the Ganges River at this spot. He made a bridge using jute ropes. For a time people crossed the river using this kind of bridge.
The Change: In 1889 a new bridge was built with iron cables. A man named Rai Bahadur Surajmal Jhunjhunwala gave money to make this happen.. Then a big flood came in 1924 and the bridge was washed away.
The New Bridge: The Public Works Department built a bridge and it was opened in 1930. This bridge is still here. It is old now. Because it is not safe for things to cross it is closed to them. A new bridge with a glass floor is being built next to it.
2. Ram Jhula: The Bridge to the Ashram
The History: Ram Jhula is not as old as Laxman Jhula. It is a little bigger. It was built in 1986 by the Public Works Department. Sivananda Ashram helped make this happen.
The Good Location: This bridge is named after Lord Rama like his brothers bridge.. Its main purpose is to connect the market area with the ashrams. The ashrams are on the side of the river.
The Feeling: People here call it Shivananda Jhula. It is where people walk and ride bikes in the evening when they go to the Ganga Aarti.
3. How Far from Hotel Kamay The Grand Alova
Hotel Kamay The Grand Alova is in a spot right on Badrinath Road near NIM Beach in Tapovan. You can get to both bridges from here
To get to Laxman Jhula
It is 1.5 kilometers away.
You can. Ride a bike and it will take about 5 minutes.. You can walk and it will take about 15 minutes. You will go through the Tapovan market streets.
To get to Ram Jhula
It is 2.8 kilometers away.
You can. It will take about 8 to 10 minutes. You will go on the Badrinath Road.
💡 Tip for Guests: The streets in Tapovan can get really busy on weekends. It is often faster to walk or rent a bike from near the hotel to get to the bridges and the cafes, by the river.
