Two excursions justify extra days in Rishikesh: the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple — 32 km of winding forest road to a Shiva shrine free of entry fees, with reported darshan windows 5 AM–1 PM and 4–9 PM — and the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia), where the band stayed in 1968 and wrote much of the White Album, now a mural-covered monument with a reported entry of ₹150 Indians / ₹600 foreigners and ~9 AM–4:30 PM hours.
Checked 02 October 2026.
The facts
| Site | Distance | Timings/Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neelkanth Mahadev | ~32 km | Darshan 5–1 & 4–9; free; parking ~1 km before | Reported |
| Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) | Rajaji park edge | ~₹150/₹600; ~9–4:30 | Reported (fees vary) |
| Tera Manzil temple | Laxman Jhula side | 13 floors of deities | Reported |
Doing them well
- Neelkanth early — the road is one-lane scenic; leave by 6 AM and you’re back for lunch. Elders: the twists are real; motion-sickness planning applies.
- Beatles Ashram mid-morning — the murals photograph best in soft light; carry ID.
- Tera Manzil at sunset — climb the 13 floors for the river view after the aarti at Triveni.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Neelkanth from Rishikesh?
Reported ~32 km — about an hour on the winding road.
Is the Beatles Ashram worth the ticket?
For music history and the murals, yes — the reported fees are modest either way.