Rishikesh, India

After taking a weeklong Transcendental Meditation course with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Wales, the Beatles followed him to his ashram in the foothills of the Himalayas. Though the group was only in India for eight or so weeks, the meditative setting nurtured their creativity and they composed a score of songs—many which came out on the White Album. While the Maharishi’s ashram closed several years ago, Rishikesh is considered the birthplace of yoga and several ashrams and temples are found in the city along the banks of the river Ganges. Thousands of pilgrims and visitors, seeking inner peace, visit Rishikesh every year.