The Beatles Ashram, also known as Chaurasi Kutia, is an ashram close to the north Indian city of Rishikesh in the state of Uttarakhand. It is located on the eastern bank of the Ganges river, opposite the Muni Ki Reti area of Rishikesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is the ashram where the famous English rock band the Beatles stayed and composed some of their songs in 1968, along with other celebrities such as Donovan, Mia Farrow and Mike Love. Visit during One day Haridwar and Rishikesh Local Sightseeing by Private cab
The Beatles Ashram is also a place of meditation and spirituality, as it was the training centre for students of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who devised the Transcendental Meditation technique. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of this ashram, such as its location, timing, entry fees, how to reach, things to do, must see, significance, FAQs, and conclusion.
Location of The Beatles Ashram
The Beatles Ashram is located near Swarg Ashram area of Rishikesh city, about 1 km from Ram Jhula and 4 km from Lakshman Jhula. It is easily accessible by road from various parts of Rishikesh and nearby cities. The ashram covers an area of about 14 acres (57,000 m2) along the river bank and has a forested campus with buildings, huts and caves.
Timing / Entry Fees The Beatles Ashram
The ashram is open for visitors from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm every day. There is an entry fee for visiting the ashram. The fee ranges from Rs 150 to Rs 600 per person depending on the nationality and age of the visitor2.
How to Reach The Beatles Ashram
The ashram is well-connected by road from various parts of Uttarakhand and nearby states. The nearest airport to the ashram is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, which is about 21 km away from Rishikesh. The nearest railway station to the ashram is Rishikesh railway station, which is about 3 km away from the ashram. There are regular buses and taxis available from the airport and the railway station to the ashram.
Alternatively, visitors can also take a shared auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw from Ram Jhula or Lakshman Jhula to reach the ashram. The fare ranges from Rs 10 to Rs 20 per person.
Things to Do / Must See The Beatles Ashram
The main attraction of The Beatles Ashram is the ashram itself, which is a place of music and meditation. Visitors can explore the various buildings, huts and caves where the Beatles and other celebrities stayed and composed some of their songs in 1968. Some of the things to do and see at The Beatles Ashram are:
- The Beatles Cathedral Gallery: This is a large hall where Maharishi Mahesh Yogi used to give lectures and where the Beatles attended his sessions. The hall has been converted into a gallery that displays paintings and graffiti made by various artists depicting the Beatles and their songs. The gallery also has a stage where live music performances are held occasionally.
- The Meditation Huts: These are small huts where the Beatles and other celebrities used to meditate and write songs. Each hut has a nameplate with the name of the occupant and some of their songs written on it. The huts are surrounded by trees and offer a peaceful atmosphere.
- The Maharishi’s Hut: This is a large hut where Maharishi Mahesh Yogi used to live and teach his students. The hut has a spacious room with a fireplace and a balcony overlooking the river. The hut also has a library with books on meditation and spirituality.
- The Caves: These are natural caves where some of the meditators used to retreat for deeper meditation. The caves are dark and quiet and have a mystical vibe.
- The Nature Trail: This is a walking trail that goes around the ashram campus and offers scenic views of the river and the hills. The trail also passes by some old buildings that were part of the ashram complex but are now abandoned.
Significance of The Beatles Ashram
The Beatles Ashram is not only a tourist attraction but also a historical and cultural landmark that has a lot of significance for music and meditation lovers. The ashram is the place where the Beatles spent some of their most productive and creative time as songwriters, where they composed most of the songs for their self-titled double album, also known as the “White Album”.
The ashram is also the place where the Beatles learned and practiced the Transcendental Meditation technique, which influenced their music and lifestyle. The ashram is also a place where visitors can experience the legacy and spirit of the Beatles and their music, as well as the teachings and philosophy of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and his meditation technique.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit The Beatles Ashram?
A: The best time to visit The Beatles Ashram is during the winter months from November to February. The weather is pleasant and the river is calm and clear. The ashram is less crowded and you can enjoy the beauty of the ashram without any hassle.
Q: What are the other places to visit near The Beatles Ashram?
A: Some of the other places to visit near The Beatles Ashram are:
Ram Jhula: A suspension bridge across the Ganges that connects Swargashram and Sivananda Ashram.
Lakshman Jhula: Another suspension bridge across the Ganges that connects Tapovan and Jonk.
Parmarth Niketan: A large ashram that hosts daily yoga classes, meditation sessions and evening aarti.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that is located on a hilltop about 32 km from Rishikesh.
Conclusion
The Beatles Ashram Rishikesh is a place of music and meditation that attracts thousands of visitors every year who seek inspiration, creativity and peace. It is a place where you can experience history, art and spirituality at the same time. It is a place where you can create unforgettable memories with your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to The Beatles Ashram Rishikesh today!
