Anand Mahindra has taken a trip down memory lane, remembering his old visits to Rishikesh. The Mahindra Group Chairman shared that he often visited the city when he was a young filmmaker. During those days, he used to travel to the hills behind Swargashram to film a sadhu named Bankhandi Baba.
He also loved eating at the famous Chotiwala restaurant while working on his thesis film. Although Mahindra has not visited the city for many years now, news of the city’s renovation has made him curious to return.
While he welcomed the upgrade, he also hoped that Rishikesh will not lose its old charm and peaceful feel. He also wished to visit the city again soon and see the changes. His post also brought back memories for many social media users, while some raised concerns about how changes are also making the place lose its natural beauty.
On X, Anand Mahindra wrote, “Rishikesh. These pictures take me straight back to my filmmaking days. Chotiwala restaurant was practically my canteen while I was making my thesis film. And I’d head up into the hills behind Swargashram to film the sadhu, Bankhandi Baba.”
“Haven’t been back for a while. But Rishikesh seems to be getting quite a makeover! New riverfront walkways, spruced-up public spaces. A welcome facelift for a town where nature has always done most of the decorating. But I just hope that, amid all the changes, Rishikesh holds on to its soul. Time to go back and see for myself,” the business adds.
Rishikesh…
These pictures take me straight back to my filmmaking days
Chotiwala restaurant was practically my canteen while I was making my thesis film.
And I’d head up into the hills behind Swargashram to film the sadhu, Bankhandi Baba.Haven’t been back for a while. But Rishikesh seems to be getting quite a makeover! New riverfront walkways, spruced-up public spaces.
A welcome facelift for a town where nature has always done most of the decorating.
But I just hope that, amid all the changes, Rishikesh holds on to its soul.
Time to go back and see for myself…
#SundayWanderer
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 18, 2026
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “Chotiwala as your canteen is the most Rishikesh flex possible. No Michelin star beats that.”
Another shared, “Not sure when you last visited Rishikesh, but the town has changed quite a bit over the years. With the growing number of visitors, the administration has introduced many changes.
“Some have genuinely improved the town, while others may feel unfamiliar to those who cherish its old memories. But what a blessing it is to have memories of the old Rishikesh. Some things may change with time, but the memories remain a gift from God.”
“Visit during Yatra season, you will know the real picture,” a comment read.
An individual stated, “Filming Bankhandi baba behind Swarg Ashram sounds like a whole movie in itself. Really hope the town keeps its peace amid all the development.”
Another mentioned, “Leave aside the cosmetic development of the city, sitting on rocks on the banks, listening and viewing Ganga flow is still the real pleasure.”
One more added, “You are welcome just to experience some nostalgia. But this is not the Rishikesh you will see now, so keep expectations low. I am sitting on the walkway as I type this. I have seen things going wrong in the last few years.”
Rishikesh became famous around the world after the Beatles visited the city in the 60s. They stayed at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram, where they also wrote several songs. Today, the city is known for its cafes, ashrams and temples. It is also a popular spot for adventure lovers.
