Crossing one side of the Ganges River in Rishikesh, to the other, is done in striking fashion across Lakshman Jhula. This iron and cable suspension bridge narrowly links the bustling streets at the north end of town with the continuing urban sprawl on the opposite side. For the residents of this edgewater community, Lakshman Jhula connects a city divided by the holiest of India’s rivers, allowing the easy transport of salable goods from the nearby villages to various retail outlets. For tourists, the 450 foot span bridge presents a superb view of the hillside town and it’s picturesque surroundings.

Construction began in 1927 to replace a rope bridge washed away by floods in 1924. Now seen as an iconic landmark of Rishikesh, Lakshman Jhula was initially greeted with fanfare upon it’s 1930 completion as the first suspension bridge to carry vehicular traffic in Uttar Pradesh. Walking the bridge isn’t for the faint of heart; for it sways to and fro even on the calmest weather days. Creaks and groans emanate as the undulating 6 foot wide path distributes the weight of passing pedestrians, an assorted bunch of people and animals. Agile monkeys (call them anything but timid) climb the suspension cables in hopes of snatching food from passersby while being more successful in unknowingly posing for pictures. Scooters soon to zip by play an urgent warning of their horn giving mere seconds to jump clear of their path. Bicycles struggle to stay upright as the bridge throws off the rider’s balance. And the occasional jeep sends everyone scurrying for a spot against the vibrating handrails.

Navigating through the assorted traffic along the slender route of Lakshman Jhula, high above the rushing blue surface of Ganga below, is a uniquely Indian experience. Fortunately several cafes are located near either end of the bridge where tourists can reward themselves with a drink and hours of fun watching the motley crew who cross the bridge daily.