Aastha Path

Aastha Path, locally known as Marine Drive, is a vehicle-free riverside promenade running approximately 3 to 5 kilometers along the right bank of the Ganges River in Rishikesh. Extending from Triveni Ghat to the Barrage near Barrage Colony, this wide paved walkway features ornamental lampposts, benches, small shrines, and ghats leading to the water. It offers a serene environment for walking, jogging, and meditation with views of the Shivalik Mountains and the flowing river, serving as a peaceful escape from the town's busier areas.

Visitors can expect a wide, clean, and well-maintained paved pathway free from motor vehicle traffic. The promenade is lined with benches facing the river, carved railings, street lamps, and small temples at regular intervals. Steps descend to the river at various points, allowing visitors to sit by the water or witness the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. The path provides uninterrupted views of the Ganges and the surrounding forested hills, creating a calm atmosphere suitable for morning walks, evening strolls, and photography.

The path is culturally significant as a devotional riverfront space where pilgrims and locals engage in spiritual practices, including morning dips, meditation, and attending the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. It reflects Rishikesh's identity as a spiritual hub.