A famous landmark, Ram Jhula is a suspension bridge that spans the holy Ganga between Shivananda Nagar and Swargashram. Constructed in 1986, the 750-foot bridge is a magnificent feat of engineering that links the religious ashrams on either side of the river and provides a breathtaking aerial view of the tranquil surroundings at the foothills of the Himalayas and the powerful Ganges.
In the beginning, the well-known Ram Jhula was a bridge composed of incredibly sturdy jute ropes that were tightly wound to give it strength and support the weight of onlookers. In the beginning, it lacked any pillars to offer structural support. Eventually, in 1986, under government supervision, the PWD rebuilt it using iron.
Because it is situated in the sacred and spiritual city of Rishikesh, the bridge’s name is a reference to Lord Ram, the Aryan king and the main character of the epic Ramayana.
The Lakshman Jhula is the river’s other well-known bridge. According to legend, Lakshman used two ropes to cross the Ganga during the time of Ram’s rule.
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.
February through May are the ideal months to visit Ram Jhula in order to fully enjoy its natural beauty and spiritual tranquilly. Due to its location on the Ganga River and in the foothills of the Himalayas, Ram Jhula has year-round pleasant weather.
On the other hand, the summers are hot and dry, with highs of 40 degrees Celsius. In comparison, the winters are more pleasant. Avoiding the monsoon season is advised since the rains can make it difficult to see attractions and engage in other activities like river rafting, and they can make roads slick and hazardous for hikes.