Nestled amidst the serene foothills of the Himalayas, the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh, India, stands as a testament to the intersection of music, spirituality, and cultural exchange.

In 1968, the legendary band embarked on a transformative journey to this tranquil retreat, seeking solace from the chaos of their lives and immersing themselves in the practice of Transcendental Meditation under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Their time at the ashram was a period of introspection, creativity, and profound influence, laying the foundation for some of their most iconic songs and leaving an indelible mark on their musical legacy.

Let me take you through the history, significance, and enduring allure of the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh.

Beatles Ashram: Entry Fee and Visiting Time

Entry fee for Beatles Ashram is different for different age groups and nationalities. For an Indian adult, the entry fee is Rs. 150, but for a senior citizen, it is Rs. 75. For children below the age of 18, it is Rs. 40 and for Indian college students (above 18 years) it is Rs. 75. In order to get this concession, you will need to show a valid student ID.

For foreign nationalities visiting Beatles Ashram, the entry fee is Rs. 600. There is no additional charge for photography.

Beatles Ashram is open to tourists from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

You can find a very practical 3 Day Rishikesh Itinerary here that includes Beatles Ashram on its checklist.

Why Visit Beatles Ashram Rishikesh: A Review

Visiting the Beatles ashram in Rishikesh is a pilgrimage for fans of the iconic band and seekers of spiritual enlightenment alike. Stepping into this historic site offers a profound opportunity to immerse oneself in the footsteps of musical legends and to explore the intersection of music and mindfulness.

The ashram serves as a living monument to the transformative journey undertaken by the Beatles in 1968, offering you a glimpse into a pivotal moment in the band’s history and the broader cultural shifts of the 1960s.

One of the primary reasons to visit the Beatles ashram is to connect with the band’s legacy in a deeply meaningful way.

Walking through the abandoned meditation huts where John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr once sought inspiration and solace, you can gain a deeper understanding of the creative process behind some of the Beatles’ most iconic songs.

The ashram’s tranquil surroundings provide an ideal setting for reflection and introspection, allowing you to tap into their own creativity and spiritual insights.

Moreover, the ashram provides a serene and tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering a sanctuary for introspection and reflection.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Himalayan foothills, you can reconnect with themselves and their surroundings, finding solace in the peaceful ambiance of this secluded sanctuary.

Whether practicing yoga amidst the lush greenery or simply meditating in one of the abandoned meditation huts, the Beatles ashram offers a welcome respite from the stresses of modern living.

Beatles Ashram is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Rishikesh. You can find all major tourist attractions in this Rishikesh Travel Guide.

The Beatles in Rishikesh- The History

The Beatles, arguably the most influential and iconic band in the history of popular music, emerged from Liverpool, England, in the early 1960s. Comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, the Beatles revolutionized the music industry with their innovative sound, catchy melodies, and charismatic presence.

From their humble beginnings playing in Liverpool’s clubs to their meteoric rise to global superstardom, the Beatles captivated audiences around the world with their infectious energy and groundbreaking creativity.

In 1967, George Harrison’s wife Pattie Boyd was trying to embrace spirituality in her life. She then found a newspaper article about a meditation course offered by a certain spiritual guru called Maharshi Mahesh Yogi in London. She immediately signed herself up for it.

George Harrison thought it would be good idea for the band to give it a try. Upon attending the course in London, the Beatles were immediately inspired by it and declared right there that they will be abstaining from drug abuse.

In 1968, amidst the peak of their fame and success, and to get a respite from the “Beatlemania,” the band embarked on a transformative journey to Rishikesh.

Seeking respite from the pressures of celebrity and a desire for deeper spiritual exploration, the band, along with their partners and support staff, traveled to the serene town nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Chaurasi Kutiya Ashram

In Rishikesh, the Beatles found a new abode in Maharshi’s Chaurasi Kuttiya Ashram, amidst the dense forest, now part of Rajaji Tiger Reserve. The most fascinating aspect of the Ashram was its 84 meditation caves built with rocks found on the banks of River Ganga.

Each cave represents different classic Yoga asanas. The name Chaurasi Kutia in Hindi means “84 Huts”. That is how the Ashram received the name Chaurasi Kutiya.

During their stay at the ashram, the Beatles immersed themselves in the practice of meditation and introspection. Surrounded by the serene beauty of Rishikesh’s natural landscape, they found inspiration for both their spiritual exploration and creative endeavors.

Away from the frenetic pace of their lives in the Western world, the Beatles dedicated themselves to meditation sessions led by Maharishi, delving into deep states of consciousness and self-discovery.

The Beatles’ arrival in Rishikesh sparked a frenzy of excitement and curiosity. News of their pilgrimage spread rapidly, attracting journalists, photographers, and fans from around the world.

The sleepy town of Rishikesh, known for its serene ambiance and spiritual significance, was suddenly thrust into the global spotlight as the epicenter of the counterculture movement.

The Beatles After Rishikesh

After their transformative experience in Rishikesh, The Beatles returned to the global stage with renewed energy and creativity. Their time in India had left a lasting impact on their music and personal lives, influencing their subsequent works and artistic direction.

Upon their departure from Rishikesh in April 1968, The Beatles resumed their recording sessions for what would become the “White Album.” Released later that year, the album showcased a diverse range of musical styles and lyrical themes, reflecting the band’s experimentation and growth during their time in India.

Songs such as “Dear Prudence,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Blackbird” bore the imprint of their spiritual journey, infused with introspection and a sense of transcendence.

Following the release of the “White Album,” The Beatles embarked on a new phase of their career, marked by individual pursuits and creative exploration.

How Chaurasi Kutia Became Beatles Ashram- The Story

In the years that followed, the Chaurasi Kutia Ashram fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned in the 1970s. In the 1990s the ashram was reclaimed by the government as a part of Rajaji Tiger Reserve. 

As early as the 1990s, Beatles fans used to trespass onto the property and leave graffiti art on the walls of the ashram as a tribute. In 2016, a group of graffiti artists were invited by the government to perfect the graffiti art and complete a Beatles Cathedral Gallery in one of the main halls of the Ashram. The same year, the government opened the ashram to tourists.

Tourists and the “Beatlemaniacs” from all over the world began to flock towards this famed relic of tribute to The Beatles. This is how the Chaurasi Kutia became the Beatles Ashram!

2018 February marked the 50^th anniversary of the Beatles’s visit to India. On this occasion, the Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool, England conducted a photo exhibition titled the Beatles in India. Later, the Canadian filmmaker Paul Saltzman brought the exhibits to the Beatles Ashram and installed a photo gallery here.

What to Expect at Beatles Ashram

As a tourist site, the Beatles Ashram is a complete package. As you get closer to the entrance to the Beatles Ashram, you will start spotting monkeys on the fencing walls and on the branches of low-lying trees from Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

Inside Beatles Ashram, you have the opportunity to explore the graffiti art, the cathedral gallery, and the photo gallery installed by Paul Saltzman. While there, also check out a small café named Chaurasi Kuttiya Canteen for some refreshments.

The Ashram is situated in a 14 acres property so there is plenty to explore. You can see the building where they stayed and meditated. An interesting attraction in the ashram is the graffitied meditation caves which you will find on rooftops as well as the backyard of the Ashram.

Conclusion: Beatles Ashram Rishikesh

From the transcendent melodies of their music to the profound teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the ashram stands as a living monument to the transformative power of creativity, spirituality, and human connection.

As visitors and fans from around the world continue to flock to this sacred site, may we carry with us the spirit of harmony, introspection, and creative expression that defined the Beatles’ journey in Rishikesh.

And as the echoes of their music fade into the distance, may we find solace and inspiration in the enduring legacy of the Beatles’ ashram, where the spirit of peace and creativity continues to thrive.