Explore the Spiritual Marvel of Ram Jhula in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 

Ram Jhula is one of the iconic landmarks of Rishikesh, a town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand known for its spiritual and adventure attractions. Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge that spans across the river Ganges, connecting the Sivananda Nagar area of Muni Ki Reti to Swargashram. The bridge offers a stunning view of the river, the mountains and the ashrams that dot the banks.

History and Significance

Ram Jhula was built in 1986, following the model of Lakshman Jhula, another suspension bridge located 2 kilometers upstream. The bridge is named after Lord Ram, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, who is believed to have crossed the river at this spot along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman during their exile. The bridge is also associated with Swami Sivananda, a renowned spiritual leader who founded the Divine Life Society in Muni Ki Reti. The bridge connects his ashram to other prominent religious centers in Swargashram, such as Gita Bhawan, Parmarth Niketan and Shivananda Ashram.

Attractions and Activities

Ram Jhula is more than just a bridge; it is a hub of cultural and recreational activities. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy the breeze and the scenery, or take a boat ride under it and admire its engineering. The bridge is also a popular spot for photography, as it offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. On both sides of the bridge, there are many ashrams and temples that offer spiritual guidance, yoga classes, meditation sessions and vegetarian food. Some of the notable ones are:

- Gita Bhawan: A large complex that hosts discourses on the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture. It also has a library, a museum and a book store.

- Parmarth Niketan: One of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, known for its evening Ganga Aarti, a ritual of offering lamps and prayers to the river goddess.

- Shivananda Ashram: The headquarters of the Divine Life Society, where Swami Sivananda lived and taught. It has a temple, a hospital and a yoga center.

- Beatles Ashram: The former Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the Beatles stayed and composed some of their songs in 1968. It is now a tourist attraction with graffiti-covered walls and meditation huts.

Apart from these, there are also many shops, cafes and restaurants near the bridge that cater to different tastes and budgets. Visitors can also indulge in some adventure activities such as rafting, bungee jumping and camping that are available in Rishikesh.

Best Visiting Timings and Ease to Reach

The best time to visit Ram Jhula is during the winter months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and clear. The bridge is open throughout the day and night, but it is advisable to avoid peak hours when it can get crowded with pedestrians and motorbikes. The bridge is also frequented by monkeys, so visitors should be careful with their belongings.

Ram Jhula is easily accessible by road from Rishikesh town. It is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Rishikesh railway station and 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Dehradun airport. There are also local buses and taxis that ply between Rishikesh and Muni Ki Reti/Swargashram. Alternatively, visitors can also take a boat ride from either side of the river to reach the bridge.

Conclusion

Ram Jhula is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Rishikesh. It is not only a marvel of engineering but also a symbol of spirituality and culture. It offers a unique experience of crossing the holy Ganges and exploring the ashrams and temples that enrich its banks.