The Chaurasi Kutiya Swargashram, popularly known as The Beatles Ashram, is set to undergo significant development to enhance its tourism appeal. Nestled within the Rajaji Tiger Reserve in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, this historic site will soon offer upgraded facilities, including a cafeteria, a satvik kitchen, a tea pavilion, an unplugged music space, an exhibition dedicated to The Beatles' time in India, and a souvenir shop. The project aims to preserve the site's cultural and spiritual significance while making it more accessible to visitors.
HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt Ltd, the consultancy firm behind major projects such as the Central Vista and Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, has submitted a comprehensive master plan and a detailed project report to the Uttarakhand government. Following government approval, a tender will be issued for the project's execution. While the tourism department will finance the consultancy, the forest department will oversee implementation, as the site falls under the Rajaji National Park.
A Legacy of Spirituality and Music - The Beatles Ashram gained worldwide fame when the British rock band visited it in 1968 while it was under the residence of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The ashram, named after its 84 meditation huts, consists of 25 buildings, out of which 12 are set to be restored under this project. The site continues to attract tourists due to its historical and cultural significance.
Project Budget and Redevelopment Plans
• The redevelopment plan, with an estimated budget of Rs 84 crore, includes repairing and reconstructing several structures and demolishing some dilapidated buildings.
• One of the key transformations will be converting an old printing press from the 1960s into a souvenir shop. This press was historically used for printing literature on transcendental meditation, including Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s works and the initial chapters of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
• Another major enhancement involves repurposing the Veda Bhawan into an unplugged music centre. Originally built as a lecture hall in 1976, the building has since become a tourist attraction, featuring graffiti related to The Beatles. However, the structure is in a state of disrepair, with cracked masonry walls, algae growth, and weakened concrete, making renovation necessary.
• Anand Bhawan and Siddhi Bhawan, built in 1976 for transcendental meditation learners, are set to become spaces for wall art and artistic installations. While their original arched structure will be maintained, modern additions such as glass doors, windows, and terrazzo flooring will be incorporated. The reconstruction cost for each building is estimated at Rs 8 crore.
• The Saptpuri complex, also known as Bungalow No. 9 and believed to have been the residence of The Beatles, will be restored to reflect the band’s time in India. Built in the early 1960s, this bungalow hosted several international figures, including Mike Love, Donovan, and the Farrow sisters. The structure originally featured modern amenities like electric heaters, running water, and English-style furniture, which will be reinstated in the restoration.
Infrastructure Development and Expansion will Lead to Visitor Surge
The redevelopment will also focus on enhancing meditation and yoga facilities. The existing 84 meditation halls and huts, crafted from local river stones, will be revitalized. Each hall represents a specific yoga posture and was designed to resemble traditional hill caves, keeping them naturally cool in summer. Under the plan, 20 of the 123 existing huts will be structurally reinforced and converted into meditation centres.
Additional infrastructure upgrades include the conversion of two buildings into toilet blocks for visitor convenience and the construction of a ticketing and control centre at the complex entrance. Furthermore, an elevator will be installed to improve accessibility for disabled visitors.
A budget of Rs 6.59 crore has been allocated for the construction of an entry road, lighting, pathways made of river stones, seating areas, and a dedicated parking space. Since its official opening to the public in 2015, the ashram has seen a steady rise in visitors. Between December 2015 and March 2023, 2.28 lakh Indian tourists and 20,573 foreign tourists explored the site. Between April 2023 and September 2023 alone, 56,224 Indian and 4,091 foreign visitors were recorded, demonstrating the site's growing popularity.
The tourism department has transferred the project to the PWD and forest department for a final review before execution. With a focus on preserving history while modernizing facilities, the transformation of The Beatles Ashram is set to offer visitors an enriched cultural and spiritual experience in the coming years.
