The Tailor-Made Guide to The Street Art Murals of Rishikesh
- Barry Pickard
- Jul 25
- 8 min read
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to show, through my own adventures, how you can have an incredible travel experience as an independent traveller, giving you the information to navigate the world with confidence.
Contents
Rishikesh, often hailed as the "Yoga Capital of the World," is renowned for its spiritual ambiance, serene landscapes, and adventure sports. However, beyond its ashrams and the sacred Ganges, Rishikesh harbours a vibrant and eclectic street art scene that adds a splash of colour and contemporary flair to this ancient town, making Rishikesh one of the worlds essential street art cities to visit. The murals and graffiti that adorn the walls of Rishikesh are not just artistic expressions but also reflections of the town's unique blend of spirituality, culture, and modernity. This blog post delves into the captivating world of Rishikesh's street art, exploring its significance, key locations, and the stories behind the murals.
What started as a casual walks through the narrow alleyways turned into an obsession. I found myself returning day after day, notebook in hand, mapping out every mural, every piece of graffiti, every artistic surprise tucked away in corners where tourists rarely venture. The sound of rickshaw horns honking mixed with the gentle splash of the Ganges created this incredible soundtrack while I photographed walls that told stories of meditation, music, and modern India.
If you're the type of traveller who loves discovering hidden cultural gems off the beaten path, you've found exactly what you're looking for. This isn't your typical "top 10 things to do" list – it's a real insider's guide to Rishikesh's street art mural scene, complete with specific locations and practical tips I learned from actually walking these streets with paint-stained fingers and dust on my boots.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting Rishikesh appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the town's street art murals, or indeed, a general tour of Rishikesh.
The Street Art Murals of Rishikesh
The Essence of Rishikesh's Street Art
Rishikesh's street art is a testament to the town's dynamic spirit. The murals often depict themes of inner peace, mindfulness, and a deep connection with nature, resonating with the town's spiritual ethos. The art is a blend of traditional Indian motifs and contemporary styles, creating a unique visual narrative that appeals to both locals and visitors. The vibrant colours and intricate designs of the murals provide a stark contrast to the town's serene and spiritual backdrop, creating a harmonious balance between the old and the new.
Key Locations for Street Art in Rishikesh
The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)
While the Beatles Ashram is primarily known for its historical significance and connection to the legendary band, it is also a hotspot for street art. The abandoned ashram has been transformed into an open-air gallery, with artists from around the world contributing to its vibrant murals. The art here often blends images of The Beatles with spiritual symbols, creating a unique fusion of music and meditation. Exploring the graffiti-covered ruins of the ashram is a must for any street art enthusiast.
The ashram gained international fame when The Beatles visited it in February 1968 to study meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. During their stay, they composed numerous songs, many of which appeared on their "White Album." The visit was a significant period for the band, marking one of their most productive songwriting phases.
After being abandoned in the 1990s, the site reverted to the local forestry department in 2003. It was officially opened to the public in December 2015 and has since become a popular destination for Beatles fans and spiritual seekers. The vibrant art installations at the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh are a relatively recent development, but this has ensured that the ashram is one of the most popular tourist places in Rishikesh.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
Don’t be put off by the signage at the entrance. It is not obvious that this is The Beatles Ashram, instead, it welcomes you to “Chaurasi Kutiya, Rajaji Tiger Reserve.” Don’t worry, there are no tigers here, instead, it is the tiger reserve organisation that also manages this site. A little confusing!
If you are a foreign visitor, you are required to show your passport when buying tickets at the entrance kiosk. I find it easier to keep a photo of my passport identification page (with your photo portrait on it), and this was accepted instead of the real copy.
Click to slide through the carousel of photos
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Janki Setu and Surrounding Areas
The area around the east shore of the Janki Setu bridge is teeming with interesting street art. The bridge itself and the nearby alleys are adorned with colourful murals that capture the essence of Rishikesh. The art here often reflects themes of peace, love, and harmony, resonating with the town's spiritual vibe. Walking through this area feels like a journey through an open-air museum, with each mural telling its own story.
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Tapovan Area
Located on the west shore of the Lakshman Jhula bridge, the Tapovan area is another hotspot for street art and one of the top places to see in Rishikesh. The walls here are covered with vibrant graffiti that showcases the creativity and talent of local and international artists. The art in Tapovan often features images of Hindu deities, yogis, and nature, blending traditional Indian themes with modern artistic styles. This area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the artistic side of Rishikesh.
The Artists Behind the Murals
While the street art in Rishikesh is captivating, the artists behind these murals often remain shrouded in mystery. Many of the artworks are created by anonymous artists who see the town's walls as a canvas for their creative expressions. This anonymity adds an element of intrigue to the art, making it even more fascinating. The artists, both local and international, are drawn to Rishikesh's unique blend of spirituality and contemporary culture, and their work reflects this dynamic fusion. You won't necessarily find any globally famous street artists here, but I can assure you that you will still be overly impressed by the quality and amount of street art murals in Rishikesh.
The Impact of Street Art on Rishikesh
The street art in Rishikesh has a profound impact on the town's cultural landscape. It not only beautifies the urban environment but also serves as a medium for social and cultural expression. The murals often convey messages of peace, love, and unity, resonating with the town's spiritual ethos. Additionally, the street art attracts tourists and art enthusiasts, contributing to the local economy and promoting cultural tourism, with a mural walk being one of my favourite things to do in Rishikesh.
How to Get to Rishikesh
By Air: The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 21 kilometres away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or cab to Rishikesh, which takes around 40-45 minutes. As for international airports, the nearest one is the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.
By Train: The closest major railway station is Haridwar Railway Station, approximately 25 kilometres from Rishikesh. From Haridwar, you can take a taxi, local bus, or shared auto-rickshaw to reach Rishikesh in about 45 minutes. There is also a smaller Rishikesh Railway Station, but it mainly serves local trains.
By Road: Rishikesh is well-connected by road via National Highway 34. You can drive from nearby cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. The drive from Delhi to Rishikesh takes about 5-6 hours. There are also regular bus services, including government and private buses, from cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar.
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Best Hotels in Rishikesh
There is a diverse range of accommodation in Rishikesh, with options to suit every budget and travel style. Rishikesh offers several options of accommodation: ashrams, guest houses, and hotels. For the authentic spiritual experience, you can stay in traditional ashrams like Parmarth Niketan. These ashram stays often include simple vegetarian meals and access to yoga classes and meditation sessions.
For budget-conscious independent travellers, there are numerous guesthouses, dharamshalas, and hostels scattered around key areas like Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram, and Tapovan (such as Madpackers, Shalom Backpackers, or Back Stayz Hostel). Traditionally, accommodation in Rishikesh was mainly budget hotels and guesthouses (I stayed at the Terrakotta, which I can highly recommend) but in recent years more upmarket options have opened along the river (such as Yog Niketan By Sanskriti or Lemon Tree Premier).
Conclusion
Rishikesh's street art scene is a vibrant and dynamic reflection of the town's unique blend of spirituality, culture, and modernity. The murals and graffiti that adorn the walls of Rishikesh are more than just artistic expressions; they are a testament to the town's dynamic spirit and its ability to harmoniously blend the old with the new. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, an art enthusiast, or simply a curious traveller, exploring the street art of Rishikesh is an experience that should not be missed.
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What do you think about the street art in Rishikesh? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting Rishikesh appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the town's street art murals, or indeed, a general tour of Rishikesh.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
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