Where art rocks: The Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
The Beatles Ashram is located in Rishikesh and is a short walk from Ram Jhula which is at the heart of this religious town. The ashram is open seven days a week between 10 am to 4 pm. The entry fee to the ashram is INR 75 per person for Indian nationals and INR 150 for foreigners.
The Beatles ashram
was once a thriving meditation centre back in the 1960s and 70s. It was during this time that the legendary British rock band ‘The Beatles’ while in search of spirituality ended up coming to this ashram.
The ashram was originally named ‘Chaurasia Kutia’ but ever since the Beatles came and spent a couple of months in the ashram, it’s been referred to as The Beatles Ashram. During the 80s and 90s the ashram used to be shut since it was taken over by the Indian Government and the land was clubbed under Rajaji National Park.
Today when you visit the ashram, it is about exploring the art murals which have been painted on the numerous walls. The art work is the major crowd puller. It’s more of an ashram in ruins which has been converted into an art gallery by a street artist. The art no doubt is mind blowing with some murals over 20 feet high.
Ever since the dawn of social media, this ashram in Rishkesh has shot to fame with young travellers from all over the country and world flocking to get a picture with the painted walls. If you are an Instagram uploader, then the Beatles ashram is an absolute must visit for you.
The best time to visit the Beatles Ashram is in the afternoon, post lunch. That’s the time when the place is at its best in terms of lighting for photographs while you stroll around the ashram in ruins. There is an in-house cafeteria which serves very basic snacks in the form of tea, coffee, Maggie. Just adjacent to the cafe is a room which has photos from when the Beatles spent time in Rishikesh.
Overall the ashram makes a good place to chill and create some content while you’re in Rishikesh. This is definitely one of the go to places while in the town. So while you are planning your trip to Rishikesh, make sure the Beatles Ashram has 90-120 minutes of your afternoon time post lunch.
