A Guide To Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh

Beatles Ashram Rishikesh
Philip
Philip 
Published
| 3 min read

The most famous band in the world, the Beatles, need little introduction. Exploding onto the popular scene in the early 60s, their decade of chart dominance produced some all-time classic tracks and seminal albums which continue to have a massive impact on global culture to this day. During their time together the Fab Four famously journeyed to India to meditate and work on many of the tunes on the iconic White Album. And it was here, at Rishikesh’s Chaurasi Kutia, where that history was made. The former International Academy of Meditation, which was once a key centre for yoga, may have been abandoned in the 1990s, but the link to the Beatles long endures - so much so that the site is today known simply as the Beatles Ashram. And, while the site may be derelict, there is much to see for any fans of the band and the Transcendental Meditation technique. So, if you’re planning on a visit to Uttarakhand province, read on for a guide to the Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh.

1. Highlights

Kutis (huts) for ascetics at the Maharishi Mahesh ashram, Rishikesh, 1979
Source: Photo by user Dialogcentret bil... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Although the complex fell into a state of disrepair in the later decades of the 20th century, today its derelict ruins have been preserved as a heritage site for fans of both the Beatles and meditation, and there are several locations of note.

The Beatles Cathedral Gallery

Situated within the former lecture hall of the ashram, the Beatles Cathedral is a gallery of artwork inspired by the Fab Four. Initially started by street artist Pan Trinity Das, the gallery grew into the Beatles Ashram Mural Project in early 2016, when a number of artists produced murals for the walls. These were given a face-lift in 2018 as part of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ visit. As well as serving as a fitting tribute to the Beatles’ stay, the hall is also still used for meditation exercises, as well.

Meditation caves

Ancient in appearance, but actually dating back to the 1960s, the striking dome-topped ‘meditation caves’ were built using stones taken from India’s holy river of the Ganges and constructed to accommodate Sanyasis and Bramacharis while practising their Sadhana. These two have been adopted by Beatles fans, and some of the ceilings contain graffiti art.

Yoga aficionados eager to follow the Beatles’ spiritual journey will also find plenty of chances to explore the spiritual meditation in Rishikesh itself. Indeed, following the Beatles’ visit, the town has been dubbed the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ and is home to a host of yoga centres. The town and its ghats, temples, palace and eateries, sit just on the other side of the Ganges.

Wildlife

While the site’s connection to the Beatles is the main draw for many visitors, the site’s conservation as an eco-friendly attraction was carried out by the Uttarakhand Forest Department, the government body which has managed the area since the ‘90s. And this link is reflected in the area’s flora and fauna, with bird watching providing enjoyment for some visitors as they wander around the ruins and local paths. Indeed, when the land was claimed by the government, the site formed part of the much larger Rajaji Tiger Reserve, which is home to no fewer than 315 species of birds, as well as the eponymous big cats, elephants, and many more animals.

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2. Travelers tips

Love Please [Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh]
Source: Photo by user Dominic Milton Trott used under CC BY 2.0

There is a small admission fee

The Beatles Ashram site is mostly in ruins, so those with mobility issues should bear this in mind before considering a trip to the site. Visitors should also note that, while the site is today in ruins, there is a small admission fee for entry, equivalent to RS150 (2 USD) for locals and RS600 (9 USD) for overseas tourists.

Take advantage of the cafeteria

There is a cafeteria/canteen on site for snacks and food to enjoy.

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3. How to get there

Laxmanjhula
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user le used under CC BY 2.0

The Beatles Ashram sits on the eastern banks of the Ganges directly across from Rishikesh’s Muni Ki Reti neighbourhood. Most of the city of Rishikesh is on the other side of the river from the ashram.

By rail

Train services can get you as far as Rishikesh’s station, which is only 3 km (2 miles) away as the crow flies, but is, in fact, some 13.5 km (8.5 miles) away from the ashram by road. After reaching the station you will need to use road transport - such as local taxis - to complete your journey.

By road

The nearest river crossings from Rishikesh to the ashram are Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula (roughly 2 km/ 1.25 mi and 3 km/ 2 mi to the north-east respectively) and the Ganga Barrage 9 km (5.5 mi) to the south.

By foot

The ashram is only 5 km (3mi) away from the railway station on foot, and can be reached by crossing over the Ram Jhula bridge. But, if you’re not familiar with the area, you’ll probably wish to take road transport to complete your journey.

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Beatles Ashram information

Beatles Ashram At Rishikesh
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user SnehaShrivastava used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Beatles Ashram

Address: Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249304, India

Department of Tourism: Visit Uttarakhand

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

Price: Locals: 2 USD; Visitors: 8.50 USD

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Philip, a writer and photographer situated in the heart of the picturesque Scottish Highlands, is a seasoned professional journalist with a rich portfolio of contributions to various newspapers,...Read more

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