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BEATLES ASHRAM
Discover the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
The jungle slowly reclaims the abandoned ashram once used by the Beatles creating a haunting yet beautiful site
The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
Rishikesh, North India
01
About
Tucked away in the forested outskirts of Rishikesh, the Beatles Ashram is where East met West in one of the most iconic cultural crossovers of the 20th century.
Officially known as Chaurasi Kutia, this was once the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the spiritual guru who brought Transcendental Meditation to the world stage. In 1968, it became globally famous when The Beatles arrived here, seeking peace, answers, and perhaps unknowingly; sparking a global wave of interest in Indian spirituality.
For a few months, John, Paul, George and Ringo lived, meditated, and wrote here; some say nearly 48 songs, many of which ended up on the White Album, were conceived inside these very domed kutirs and concrete meditation pods.
Today, it’s a semi-ruined, graffiti-laced time capsule, where spirituality and pop culture still echo off the moss-covered walls.
02
How to get there
Inside Rajaji Tiger Reserve, just outside Swarg Ashram area, Rishikesh
Option 1: On Foot (from Tapovan or Laxman Jhula)
Distance: Around 3.5 km from Laxman Jhula
Time: 45–60 mins walk
Walk south along the riverside path past Ram Jhula, cross into the Swarg Ashram zone, then follow signs through the forest path to the old gate. (Check the video, to see, how I got there).
Option 2: Auto Rickshaw or Scooter
From Tapovan organise a scooter or rickshaw through your hostel and have them drop you door to door (You can hire your own scooter for around 500 Rupees a day).
Opening Hours
10am to 4pm daily
Entry Fee: ₹150 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners); subject to change (you will need your passport)
Tip: Bring plenty of water, good shoes, and give yourself time to get lost a bit.
03
Architecture Highlights
The Meditation Caves (Kutirs)
84 egg-shaped domes built into small stone huts, designed for solitary meditation
Arranged in grids, some stacked with spiral staircases
Built using stone masonry, lime mortar, and ferrocement domes
Almost Brutalist in structure; spiritual in intention
The Lecture Halls & Residences
Long concrete blocks with sweeping barrel roofs
Murals of Maharishi & Beatles-era graffiti now decorate the interiors
Stark, practical buildings; a far cry from ornate Indian temples
The Beatles Cathedral Gallery
Not part of the original ashram; this is an evolving open-air art space, filled with Beatles tributes, psychedelic murals, and street art
Integration with Nature
Built deep into a tiger reserve, the architecture blends isolation and introspection
You can feel the intention: no distractions, only the self and silence
Fun Fact: George Harrison said Rishikesh was “a great place to get your head straight”; and these stark kutirs made that possible.
04
Where to Stay
Backpackers: Joeys on the ganga A nice spot with good dorms, less social than its New delhi Counterpart. But the views make up for it.
Mid Budget: Yog Niketan by Sanskriti A more casual experience on the water front of Rishikesh, a good budget option but less
Luxury Retreat: Ananda in the Himalayas For those who want it all taken out of their hand and to end up in a place where you can recharge and rejuvinate yourself
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Architect Jack