Srinagar Garhwal

Srinagar Garhwal is a historic town and municipal corporation in Pauri Garhwal district, situated on the left bank of the Alaknanda River at an elevation of 560 meters. Founded by King Ajay Pal in 1506 as the capital of the unified Garhwal Kingdom, it served as the region's political center until British rule. The town features ancient temples, monuments, and serves as an important cultural and educational hub in central Garhwal.

Visitors can explore ancient temples including Kamleshwar Mahadev, Kilkileshwar Temple, and Dhari Devi Temple located in the Alaknanda River. The town offers views of the surrounding Himalayan foothills, historic sites from the Garhwal Kingdom era, local markets like Gola Bazar, and access to nearby attractions such as Devalgarh temple complex. The riverside setting provides opportunities for sightseeing and adventure activities.

Srinagar became the capital of the Garhwal Kingdom when King Ajay Pal unified the region's 52 chiefdoms between 1506-1512 CE, shifting the capital from Chandpur Garhi. The town remained under Garhwal rule until the Gorkha invasion in 1804, after which it came under British control in 1815. The old city was destroyed by the Gohna Lake dam-burst, which submerged many historical relics.

Srinagar is an important cultural and educational center in Garhwal, home to Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University established in 1973. The town hosts numerous ancient temples reflecting Garhwali architecture and serves as a valley bazaar connecting various hill regions. It holds significance as one of the stops on the Char Dham pilgrimage route.