Home to H N Bahuguna Garhwal University (formerly Garhwal University), Srinagar is situated on the banks of Alaknanda river. Srinagar was the capital of Garhwal before the arrival of British rule. Srinagar received its name from Sri Yantra. It is believed that with an objective of killing Kalasura ( a demon) 'Sri Yantra' was established on a slab here and Goddess killed the demon at a nearby place Kaliyasaur. Long ago hundreds of tantric adepts especially those belonging to the tradition of Sri Vidya did their practices here. Tantrik practices including human sacrifice prevailed until 8th Century when Adi Shankaracharya displaced this slab and hurled it into the Alaknanda river. This slab remains the most significant shrine in this area lying in the riverbed on the town outskirts. It is regarded as a living Sri Yantra, the most complex of all yantras. Here tantrics propitiated the Divine Mother in the form of Sri Vidya.

With a population of over 40,000 at present day, it's a historical saga on other hand. Devotion and worship, mythology and spirituality, education and learning, and, art, culture and traditions have painted the city with soul catching colors. Srinagar at an immediate knowledge, founded by King Ajay Pal in 14th century, it remained capital of Garhwal for over 300 years, Srinagar offers simply a view of a moderate sized typical mountain town, bigger than other mountainous towns, with slopes and descending - ascending lanes and streets, sights of tall trees, green paddies and colorful horizons with criss-crossed hills and peaks all around. It offers a fresh air to view scattered townships, buildings, temples, monuments and above all the sneaking, rushing Alaknanda, another tributary of mighty holy Ganga, the legendary river, rather a mother Ganga for every Indian.

As Srinagar is a proud place for its every citizen and for a curious traveler sticking around for a while, it makes us to feel the place with different feelings. As Srinagar is a historical saga on Garhwal's past and present, it boasts of a thriving antiquity, myths, mystery and epical poems of times immemorial.

Kamleshwar Temple
Prominent and popular to date and a very ancient Shiva temple enunciated by legendary accounts that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here and offered lotus flower to him. Shiva tested Rama's devotion by stealing one of the lotus flower, and Lord Rama was ready to replace the lost flower with one of his eyes. On seeing this Lord Shiva was pleased and blessed him with Sudarshan Chakra. Hence the place is known as Kamleshwar.

On the occasion of Baikunth Chaturdashi (some time in November) special worship is performed and a big fair takes place here. Childless couples, women worship Lord Shiva for whole night holding ghee lamps on their palms making certain that the Ghee Lamp kindle until dawn. It is a strong belief that they are blessed with progeny (have a baby) if they can gratify Shiva.

The Kamleshwar Temple is invested with divine powers as it is said and it has been observed so. In 1893 when a devastating flood caused by the bursting of the Gohna Lake, swept away a major portion of the town, the temple remained undamaged. In August 1970, again the dam of the beautiful lake created by a big land slide, collapsed, there was flood worse than the one a century before, the temple again remained untouched in its pristine purity.

Shankar Math
It is believed that the name Srinagar was derieved from a Sriyantra, drawn on a huge slab of stone . According to legend, human lives were sacrificed in front of this Sriyantra in order to please the divine powers. In a bid to stop this cruel practice Adi Guru Sankaracharya had the slab thrown into the river Alaknanda, where it still lies.

It was at the same spot that the Guru first realized the amazing powers of Lord Shiva. So the Shankar Math came up. However, Lord Vishnu and the Goddess Lakshmi are also held in veneration here. Interestingly, the idols of Vishnu and Laxmiji are said to have vibrant energy and powers and the Shaligram form of Vishnu in the statue is rare of its kind to be found anywhere.

Named after Shankar Dobhal, a secretary in Garhwal Kingdom of feudal times, who initiated the construction of this temple, the Shankar Math Temple is also described and known as Vishnu Mohini Temple or Ashwatirth as legend it carries is Rishi Narad's fascination and participation in Swayamvar for marrying Mohini Laxmi had been transformed into a funny event by Lord Vishnu himself to convey his supremacy on this material-world by playing forms of Maha Maya (virtuality or the illusions). Therefore, this temple is referred to as Vishnu Mohini Temple also.

Dhari Devi
The temple dedicated to goddess Kali is a much worshiped Goddess of the region. People are of the opinion that the stone carved deity changes face of a girl, woman, and of old lady as the day progresses. A mythological account says that once a severe flood washed away a temple and Dhari Devi's idol was trapped against a rock near the village Dhari. Villagers heard the wail of the idol and a devine voice directed them to install the idol there.

Every year on the occasion of Navratras special worship is offered to Goddess Kaliasaur. People from far & near visit this sacred haunt in great number to get the blessings of Goddess Kali. An ancient cave is also present near the temple. The temple is 15km from Srinagar on Delhi- Niti National Highway 55 leading to Badrinath. A 1km-cement pathway leads one to the temple on the bank of river Alaknanda.

HNB University Museum
The department of History, Ancient History, Culture and Archaelogy (HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar) has established its own Museum in 1980 as a creative centre for encouraging and preserving the Himalayan heritage, traditional folk crafts and arts along with varied manifestation of the life styles from the past to the present, from stone age to the present. The Museum of Himalayan Archaelogical and Ethnography is displaying the explored and excavated archaelogical material-artifacts, teracotta's implements, pottery, sculptures and other antiquities discovered in the mid-central Himalayan region.

It has housed the archival collection of manuscripts, literature, paintings, periodicals, newspapers, local records etc. and also the ethnographic material. The museum has got full fledged graphic and photographic section and a large collection of photographs, slides and line drawings of temples, sculptures and excavated and explored sites of the central Himalayan region. The museum also assists scholars and researchers working in Archaelogical field for the same purpose.

The HAEM invites and encourages people, especially those from Srinagar and Uttarakhand to provide the museum if they have any details or material which has such historical, artistic, archaelogical significance. Materials or collectibles atleast 100 year old, eg. Manuscripts, Tools, Pottery, Sculptures, Coins, Silver or Gold Ornaments, or, any such things could be given to the Museum. This is a unique social service and it will help us all to preserve the Himalayan Culture and Heritage. Any such contribution will be duly acknowledged by the Museum.

Gorakhnath Cave and Temple
Just opposite Shankar Math and in the courtyard of a house, a huge rock protrude from the mountain slopes. This is where Guru Gorakhnath meditated and where he met his desciples. A tiny unobtrusive door (through which has to literally crawl) will take you inside the rock- to the Guru's cave. An image of him has been installed there, and the trustees look after the place. The prayer at this temple is conducted by the sadhus of Gorokh Panths (followers of Gorakhnath) of the "Nath Sect".

Shankaracharya who had knowledge of Shiva Shakti felt that the worship of Shiv Pooja in this cave would be ideal. So the place has been accepted to be the best for Sadhana. Guru Gorakhnath did his penance at this place and it is said that he took "Samadhi" in this cave. According to Atkinson the tomb was built in 1667 but according to the imprint on the copper plate lying with the pujari, it was in 1677 that the Samadhi was renovated. Presently the cave is totally abandoned and worn out and till date no remuneration activities have been done to protect the structure of archeological & Historical importance, which is a major threat to the extinction of the temple.

Sri Yantra Tapoo (Island)
Sri Yantra Tapoo (Island) is a legend, landmark and place of divine energy, carrying equal importance as any Temple or place in Srinagar. In fact, Srinagar received its name from Sri Yantra. Sri Yantra and Sri Tapoo are two mystic entities, divine energies which influence the being of Srinagar. Srinagar was the capital of Garhwal before the arrival of British rule. Srinagar received its name from Sri Yantra. It is believed that with an objective of killing Kalasura ( a demon) King Satyendra Singh penanced here to get 'Sri Yantra' and the King could get the 'Sri Yantra'. After that "Sri Yantra" was established on a slab here and Goddess killed the demon at a nearby place Kaliyasaur.

Long ago hundreds of tantric adepts especially those belonging to the tradition of Sri Vidya did their practices here. Tantrik practices including human sacrifice prevailed until 8th Century when Adi Shankaracharya displaced this slab and hurled it into the Alaknanda river. This slab remains the most significant shrine in this area lying in the riverbed on the town outskirts. It is regarded as a living Sri Yantra, the most complex of all yantras. Here tantrics propitiated the Divine Mother in the form of Sri Vidya. All said, done and experienced, Sri Yantra Tapoo, todate, remains as a living energy for Srinagar

Other than being mythologically important, Sri Yantra Tapoo includes a nice Alaknanda patch and the riverbed which is yet not fully developed as Tourist Place. Locals however, use and enjoy this spot frequently on various occasions. Sri Yantra Tapoo has also been witness to Uttarakhand Andolan touching its climax here, resulting in two youths sacrificed their lives in Police Firing in 1994. Sri Yantra Tapoo is located just before you enter Srinagar after passing Kirtinagar, on Rishikesh Road.

The Hill Top
The Hill Top on Srinagar-Pauri Road is still a less frequented spot by the visitors. Those keen on exploring Srinagar valley sensibly must not miss this place. It gives a clear and beautiful view of almost entire Srinagar with some Picnic and Hiking possibilities around.

If you are keen on taking up a half-a-day hike and want to use your feet, walk-up this mild ascend. The stretch is enjoyable enough with few turns, twists and fun on the way. The road ahead goes to Pauri and the nearby stretches and strolls can set up a joyous trek.