Are you ready to explore a place where music met meditation, and history fused with harmony? 🎶✨ Let’s dive into the mystical world of Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kutia, nestled in the heart of Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. From spiritual vibes to artistic graffiti and peaceful forest trails—this spot has it all.
🕉️ What is Beatles Ashram?
Beatles Ashram, originally known as Chaurasi Kutia, is a historic ashram located on the eastern bank of the Ganges River within the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. It gained international fame when the iconic band The Beatles stayed here in 1968 to learn Transcendental Meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
This place is not just a tourist attraction—it’s a spiritual legacy, a canvas of creativity, and a peaceful retreat for seekers, music lovers, artists, and curious souls alike.
🎤 Why is it Called Beatles Ashram?
In 1968, members of The Beatles—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—traveled to Rishikesh to attend a meditation course. Their stay at the ashram inspired them to write over 40 songs, many of which were featured on their legendary White Album.
Since then, the world started calling it “The Beatles Ashram”, although its original name is Chaurasi Kutia, meaning “84 huts” used for meditation.
📍 Location of Beatles Ashram
- City: Rishikesh
- State: Uttarakhand
- Situated Inside: Rajaji Tiger Reserve
- Distance from Ram Jhula: ~2 km
- Coordinates: 30.1167° N, 78.3167° E
🛣️ How to Reach Beatles Ashram
🚗 By Road
- From Rishikesh Bus Stand, take an auto or e-rickshaw to Ram Jhula.
- Walk along the Ganga trail or take a forest path to the ashram.
🚆 By Train
- Nearest station: Rishikesh Railway Station (~5 km away)
✈️ By Air
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) (~30 km away)
💸 Entry Fee & Timings
| Visitor Type | Entry Fee |
| Indian Citizens | ₹150 |
| Foreign Nationals | ₹600 |
| Students (with ID) | ₹40 |
🕐 Timings: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Every day)
✅ Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the serenity and natural lighting for photos!
🧱 Key Attractions in Beatles Ashram
🧘 Chaurasi Kutia (84 Meditation Cells)
Small dome-shaped huts built for individual meditation practice. They’re mysterious, peaceful, and beautifully built with stone and concrete.
🎨 Graffiti and Wall Art Domes
The walls of the abandoned buildings are covered with colorful murals, Beatles lyrics, and psychedelic graffiti. It’s like an open-air art gallery infused with spiritual themes.
📚 Lecture Halls and Dining Spaces
These large halls once echoed with meditation lectures and group activities led by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Now, they serve as windows into the past.
🌳 Forest Trails and Wildlife
Being inside Rajaji National Park, expect scenic jungle paths, birdsong, and occasional wildlife sightings. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise! 🐒🌺
📷 Photography Spots in Beatles Ashram
Looking for that perfect Instagram shot? 📸 You’ll find plenty of them here:
- Dome murals with “Love is all you need” 🧡
- The moss-covered stone meditation huts
- The staircase inside the art dome
- Sunset through the broken windows
🌅 Golden Hour Tip: Visit around 9–10 AM for soft light and fewer crowds.
🧭 Best Time to Visit Beatles Ashram
The ideal time to visit Rishikesh and Beatles Ashram is from October to March.
| Season | Weather | Recommendation |
| Summer (Apr–Jun) | Hot | Avoid mid-day visits |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Wet & Humid | Avoid due to slippery paths |
| Winter (Oct–Mar) | Pleasant & Cool | Best time to explore |
🧘♂️ Spiritual Significance
Even before The Beatles arrived, Chaurasi Kutia was a spiritual center. It was used to teach Transcendental Meditation (TM), a method aimed at reaching deep states of peace and awareness.
Thousands of followers from around the world still visit for:
- Meditation practice
- Yoga retreats
- Spiritual energy
The silence here is golden—no hustle, no rush—just you and your thoughts. 💭🕊️
🌐 Beatles Ashram in Pop Culture
The Ashram has inspired:
- 🎥 Documentaries (The Beatles and India, Meeting the Beatles in India)
- 📚 Books (Across the Universe, The Ashram: A Novel)
- 🎼 Albums (White Album, Abbey Road)
- 🎙️ Global tourism interest
This site is now a symbol of East meets West—a spiritual journey of the most famous band in the world. 🌍🎶
🛠️ Restoration & Government Efforts
After being abandoned for decades, the ashram was reopened to the public in 2015 by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Restoration projects now maintain:
- Walking trails 🚶♀️
- Direction boards 🪧
- Entry security 🚧
- Cleanliness drives ♻️
The area is now promoted under eco-tourism initiatives for sustainable development and spiritual heritage.
🧳 Tips for Visitors
- 👟 Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll walk a lot!
- 💧 Carry water; no shops inside.
- 🎒 Bring snacks or light food.
- 🔕 Respect the silence—it’s still a spiritual space.
- 🧻 Carry tissues or hand sanitizer.
- 🗑️ Don’t litter—let’s keep this place clean and sacred.
🗺️ Nearby Tourist Places in Rishikesh
🌉 Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula
Iconic iron suspension bridges across the Ganga with spiritual and historical importance.
🌅 Triveni Ghat
A beautiful ghat to attend the Ganga Aarti in the evening. It’s spiritual and deeply moving.
🕯️ Parmarth Niketan Ashram
One of India’s most respected yoga institutions. Perfect for yoga, satsangs, and guided meditation.
🏞️ Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Situated 32 km away, this ancient Shiva temple offers an enchanting drive through the hills and forests.
💬 My Personal Experience at Beatles Ashram
I spent nearly 4 hours wandering through the serene paths of the ashram, absorbing the silence, snapping photos, and sitting in the domes where John Lennon might have meditated. The entire experience felt like time travel, like being in a forgotten sanctuary where art, music, and meditation still echo softly.
It wasn’t just a place. It was a feeling—a mix of nostalgia, peace, and introspection.
🔚 Conclusion
Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh is a must-visit destination for travelers, artists, spiritual seekers, and anyone looking to disconnect from chaos and reconnect with their inner self. It’s a living memory of music history and a beacon of mindfulness.
If you’re traveling to Uttarakhand, don’t miss the chance to explore the Beatles Ashram. Whether you’re here for photos, peace, or pilgrimage—you’ll leave with your heart a little lighter and your mind a little quieter. 💖🎵
❓ FAQs – Beatles Ashram Tourist Places in Uttarakhand
1️⃣ What is the Beatles Ashram famous for?
The Beatles Ashram is famous for being the spiritual retreat where The Beatles stayed in 1968 and composed many of their iconic songs.
2️⃣ Is Beatles Ashram open to the public?
Yes, it is now open for tourists and maintained by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.
3️⃣ How much time should I spend there?
A minimum of 2–3 hours is recommended to explore the site properly.
4️⃣ Is it safe to visit?
Absolutely! It is located in a protected forest area and is generally safe during the day.
5️⃣ Can I meditate or practice yoga there?
Yes, many visitors come specifically to meditate inside the domes or find peace in the open spaces.