Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh is a serene, quiet and spiritual retreat situated amidst the wilderness of the Himalayas in the Rajaji National Park. The other name of the Ashram is “Chaurasi Kutiya”, or 84 huts due to the 85 huts present inside the establishment. It is called “The Beatles” as the popular Beatles band stayed here in 1968 to practice yoga under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
The proposed changes include a cafeteria, a “satvik” kitchen, an unplugged music exhibit venue, and a souvenir shop. HCP Private Limited for design, planning, and Management, has submitted a detailed projected plan to the government. The same firm also redesigned the architecture of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and the Central Vista project.
The master plan consists of all the above suggestions which are proposed. While the consultancy cost of the project will be borne by the tourism department the execution will be under the forest department as the Ashram falls within the boundaries of Rajaji National Park.
The iconic architecture lies in ruins due to ignorance and lack of funds. The current project is estimated to be 84 crore including renovation, reconstruction, and development. The printing press shop that once published writings on meditation lies in ruins and is set to be converted into a souvenir shop.
Despite its dilapidated condition the Ashram ever since its reopening in 2015 has seen an inflow of tourists with over 20,000 foreign visitors, providing a great opportunity for the tourism sector of the state and the country. As per the latest reports, the project files have been passed to the PWD and forest departments and if got a clearance, it will open new doors of income and opportunity for the government and the people.
