68 Abode of Gods
In fact the grandeur and magnificence of old Srinagar is
now visible only through the paintings of Maula Ram who lived
in the court of Panwar kings. Besides being a gifted poet and
painter he was also a versatile writer. He wrote Chandrodaya
Kavya which gives deep insight into the functioning of the
Himalayan Kingdom and the tales of its friendlines, feud, dissen-
sions and wars with its neighbours.
Srinagar has also been a centre of intense religious and politi-
cal activity because of Kesoraya Math and other traditional
houses. Today Srinagar is seat of Garhwai University.
The Tiger of Rubraprayag
From Srinagar onwards the journey to Rudraprayag passes
all along the Alaknanda. Rudraprayag is 30 kilometers from
Srinagar and a little before it lies the spot where Jim Corbett
shot his kill, the Tiger of Rudraprayag.
On this very spot
was killed
The man eating leopard
of
Rudra Prayag
by
JIM CORBETT
On 1 May 1926 at 10 p.m.
At Rudraprayag Mandakini meets Alaknanda after descending
down the slopes of Kedarnath valley. A motor road passes all
along it up to Gaurikund from where foot journey to Kedarnath.
starts which has been described elsewhere in this book.
The Pindar Valley
Karanprayag is 30 km. from Rudraprayag. It is situated on
the confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar. From here one motor
route bifurcates towards Katyur Valley all along the Pindar up
to Gwaldam (6000 ft.) which lies at a distance of 66 kms. and
from where Baijnath is further 18 kilometers. From Garur one
route goes to Kausani-Almora and another to Bageshwar and
further. Gwaldam presents a magnificent view of the Trisul
group of peaks. From here one trek leads towards Rupkund