Photo spot in Rishikesh
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
The abandoned Chaurasi Kutia ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968, now covered in psychedelic murals and forest.
Best time
Morning, when soft light falls through the trees onto the domes; late afternoon for warm light on the painted walls.
Best angle
Stand at the edge of the cluster of domed meditation huts and take a low photo with the painted domes in front and the forest behind.
Entry fee
Ticketed — check the current rate at the gate
Opening hours
About 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (check at the gate)
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
Morning, when soft light falls through the trees onto the domes; late afternoon for warm light on the painted walls. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
Stand at the edge of the cluster of domed meditation huts and take a low photo with the painted domes in front and the forest behind. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
Amid the mural-covered domes
In the egg-shaped meditation cells
Outfit guide
What to wear at Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
For photos at Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia), white, rust and forest green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia).
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Rishikesh.
Eat nearby
Food near Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for jhangora ki kheer nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Cross the river on Janki Setu while Ram Jhula is closed, then walk downstream along the Swarg Ashram bank.
Go in the morning, when the light under the trees is soft and tour groups have not arrived.
Carry water and a snack, as there is little to buy inside the grounds.
Stay out of roped-off buildings, as some roofs and stairways are unsafe.
Ask at the gate before using a tripod or doing a professional shoot, as permission may be needed.
Wear closed shoes, since paths are uneven and there are steps into the domes.
Look for the rooftop of the main building for a view over the forest to the river.
The ashram the Beatles made famous
Chaurasi Kutia, known to most visitors as the Beatles Ashram, was built in the early 1960s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to teach Transcendental Meditation. In February 1968 the four Beatles came to study here, with partners and friends, and stayed for weeks. It became one of their most creative spells: many of the songs on the White Album were written in these huts.
Ruins and murals
The Maharishi left in the 1970s and the site was abandoned. The forest moved in, and artists began painting the walls. Today you walk among roofless halls, stone bungalows, egg-shaped meditation cells and domed huts, many of them covered in bright murals of the band, gurus and Indian gods. The large hall known as the Beatles Cathedral Gallery is the most painted space.
Inside the tiger reserve
The ashram lies inside Rajaji Tiger Reserve, and the forest department reopened it to the public in 2015. Entry is ticketed, with separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors, and it is open during daytime hours only, usually from morning to late afternoon. Check the times at the gate, as they change. Some buildings are unsafe to climb, so stay out of cordoned areas.
Getting there
The ashram is on the Swarg Ashram bank, a walk south along the river past the ashrams. With Ram Jhula closed for repairs, cross by Janki Setu and walk downstream. The path is flat but can be muddy after rain.
How long to spend
Give it an hour and a half to two hours. The site is large, and the best murals are spread out. Mornings are quieter and cooler, and the forest is full of birdsong.
Questions
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)?
Morning, when soft light falls through the trees onto the domes; late afternoon for warm light on the painted walls. Stand at the edge of the cluster of domed meditation huts and take a low photo with the painted domes in front and the forest behind.
Is there an entry fee at Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)?
Entry to Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) is ticketed — check the current rate at the gate.
What are the opening hours of Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)?
Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) is open about 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (check at the gate).
What should I wear at Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)?
White, rust and forest green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, when soft light falls through the trees onto the domes; late afternoon for warm light on the painted walls.
What food should I try near Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)?
Try jhangora ki kheer, available at nearby restaurants.
When did the Beatles stay in Rishikesh?
In 1968. They arrived in February and stayed for several weeks, writing much of the White Album here.
Is there an entry fee at the Beatles Ashram?
Yes. It is ticketed by the forest department, with different rates for Indian and foreign visitors, and concessions for some groups.
Why is the Beatles Ashram in a tiger reserve?
The land lies within Rajaji Tiger Reserve and is managed by the forest department, which reopened the ruins to visitors in 2015.
Is the Beatles Ashram worth visiting if I am not a Beatles fan?
Yes, for the murals, the forest setting and the odd, quiet feel of the ruins. Allow about two hours.