Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh
Location
Rishikesh
Distance
3 km from City Center
Opening Hours
10:00:00 - 16:00:00
Entry Fee
₹200.00
About Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh
The Beatles Ashram, also called Chaurasi Kutia, is the abandoned meditation centre where The Beatles stayed in 1968 to study Transcendental Meditation. Today it is a forest heritage site full of stone domes, murals and graffiti. It sits on the east bank of the Ganga, close to Swarg Ashram, and is one of the most visited places in Rishikesh.
Beatles Ashram at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | East bank of the Ganga, near Swarg Ashram, Rishikesh |
| Timings | About 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in winter, until 5:00 PM in summer |
| Entry fee (Indians) | About Rs 200 for adults, lower for seniors and students |
| Entry fee (foreigners) | About Rs 1,200 |
| Ticket counter | Forest department, at the gate |
| Distance | About 2 km from Rishikesh town, 1 km from Ram Jhula |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
The site lies within the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, which is why the forest department issues the tickets. Fees have changed in the past, so check the gate.
History
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi set up the ashram as an international meditation academy in the 1960s. In 1968, The Beatles stayed here for several weeks and wrote many songs that later appeared on their White Album. The ashram was later abandoned and went back to forest. It has since been reopened as a heritage site, and artists have covered the old buildings with murals.
What to see
- Meditation domes built of stone for individual practice.
- Graffiti and murals with Beatles themes and spiritual art.
- Old residential quarters now overtaken by creepers.
- Forest trails that lead towards the river.
- Quiet corners for sitting and reading.
How to reach
From Ram Jhula, walk north along the east bank for about 20 to 25 minutes, or take an auto or taxi for 5 to 10 minutes. From Haridwar, the drive to Rishikesh takes around an hour. Our Haridwar to Rishikesh taxi can drop you at the gate.
Best time to visit
October to March is best. Go early in the day for softer light and fewer people. Midday in summer is hot, and there are no shops inside, so carry water. The monsoon makes the paths slippery.
Tips
- Carry water and a cap, as there is little shade in some parts.
- Wear shoes with grip for uneven paths.
- Food is not allowed inside, so eat before you enter.
- Photography is allowed, but be respectful of other visitors.
- Keep quiet near the meditation domes.
- Do not paint or scratch the walls.
Nearby places
Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula and Vashishta Gufa are close by. For adventure, see our Rishikesh activity guide.
Plan your Rishikesh trip with Gokeys India
We plan day trips and stays around Rishikesh. See the Haridwar and Rishikesh two-day tour or visit the Rishikesh destination page.
Related on Gokeys India
- Tour packages: Haridwar, Rishikesh and Neelkanth 2-day tour · Rishikesh, Mussoorie and Dhanaulti tour
- Read next: Rishikesh adventure activities · Hill stations near Rishikesh
Frequently asked questions
What are the Beatles Ashram timings? About 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in winter and 5:00 PM in summer, with last entry an hour before closing.
How much is the entry fee? Around Rs 200 for Indian adults and Rs 1,200 for foreigners. Confirm at the gate.
Why is it famous? The Beatles stayed here in 1968 to learn Transcendental Meditation.
Is food allowed? No, food is not allowed inside.
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