Champawat, the ancient capital of the Chand rulers is well known for its temples and natural beauty. The historical town 76 kms from Pithoragarh has an ancient fort, which is now headquarters of the Tehsil office. The mythological legends suggest that Lord Vishnu appeared here as 'Kurma avatar' (the tortoise incarnation). The story of Golla Devta is also associated with Gorilla Chaur of Champawat. Jim Corbett, the famous hunter came to this region in the first decade of the 20th century to hunt for man eating tigers. His first book, "Man Eaters of Kumaon" is related to Champawat.
Champawat was declared as a separate district on 15 Dec. 1997 by then CM of UP Ms. Mayawati, then it was a part of UP. Earlier Champawat was only a Tehsil of Pithoragarh district.
Champawat once been the capital of the Chand Dynasty is a historical place of Kumaon. Besides its historical importance, its very famous for the beautiful architecture and carvings on the temples, Baleshwar Temple being one of them. Champawat is a beautiful town with breathtaking landscapes and terraced fields, which cover the valley. A river snakes past these landscapes and fields forming a beautiful picture. Champawat offers the tourists with virtually everything they expect from nature, ranging from pleasant climate to varied wildlife and good places to trek.
Champawat district nurtures many other places of historical, cultural and religious importance. Devidhura, Pancheshwar, Poornagiri, and Baleshwar temple are a few to name.
Champawat is well connected by road with other parts of Kumaon. Hotels and Dharamshalas are available for night stay at Champawat.
Champawat Stats
Area: 1781 sq km
Total Population: 224,542
Literacy: 71.11%
Baleshwar Temple :
Baleshwar temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. It was built by the Chand rulers. Baleshwar Temple is a marvelous symbol of stone carving work. There isn't any historical manuscript that dates the Baleshwar temple, however it is believed to be built between 10 - 12 century A.D.
Nagnath Temple :
It is another excellent example of ancient architecture of Kumaon.
Ek Hathiya Ka Naula :
It is 5 kms from Champawat and is believed to have been constructed in just one night by the one handed artisan.
Kranteshwar Mahadev :
The sacred shrine atop a hill to the east of Champawat is also called as Kurmapad or Kandev.
Lohaghat :
This historical town 14.3 kms from Champawat is set on the banks of river Lohawati and is noted for its natural beauty and mythological legends. The area is also famous for the blooming 'Burans' flowers during summers.
Mayawati Ashram (9 kms):
The ashram amidst scenic surroundings attracts large number spiritualists from all over the world. Swami Vivekanand decided to shift the publication office of 'Prabuddh Bharat' from Madras to Mayawati during his visit to Almora in 1898.
Abbot Mount (8 kms):
The beautiful site offers a peaceful and secluded holidays. It affords breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks.
Devidhura (45.2 kms):
The charming site is known for the Varahi temple, where a unique tradition of Bagwal (organised stone throwing between two groups) is practiced on Raksha Bandhan. Jim Corbett's tale 'Temple Tiger' is associated with the Devidhura temples. It is also an excellent site for trekking.
Pancheshwar (40.1 kms):
It is located at the confluence of river Kali and Saryu on the Nepal border. Pancheshwar is famous for the Shiva temple of Pancheshwar, where Jaat of Chaumu is worshipped as protector of animals. Large number of devotees visit the shrine during the fair and take a dip at the holy confluence. The region affords excellent views of the Himalayan grandeur and has fine trails and treks for adventure seekers.
Vanasur-Ka-Kila (7.3 kms):
This fort built during the medieval times is said to be associated with legendary Vanasur, who was assassinated here. The Lohawati river originates nearby.
Meetha Reetha Saheb :
This important Sikh pilgrim centre is 72 kms from Champawat. It is said that Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs came here and had spiritual discussions with Gorakhpanthi Jogis. The Gurudwara here stands at the confluence of Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers, near village Deyuri. There are trees of Reetha (Sapindus emarginatus) in the Gurudwara premises, which according to legends have become sweet due to the miraculous touch of the Guru. Adjoining the gurudwara is the temple of Dhernath. A fair is held here on 'Baisakh Poornima'.
Purnagiri Temple :
The sacred shrine atop the Poornagiri hill is 20 kms from Tanakpur and 92 kms from Champawat. Large number of devotees visit the shrine from all over the country, especially during the Chaitra Navratri in the month of March - April. The area reverberates with the holy chants of devotees climbing the hill. River Kali flows from here and is known as Sharda in the plains. A motorable road is built upto Thuligarh, which is 14 kms from Tanakpur. From Thuligarh one has to trek upto the temple. The temple affords awe-inspiring views of the expanse of river Kali, its islands, the township of Tanakpur and a few Nepali villages.
It is 56 kms from Champawat and is famous for the Swami Vivekanand Ashram on the banks of the beautiful Shyamlatal lake. The blue waters of the lake sprawl over an area of 1.5 sq. kms There are also some ruins dating back to early Chand rulers and some of them are even associated with the legendary Pandavas. The Jhula fair held here is also very popular.
How to reach Champawat
By Rail: Nearest rail head for Champawat is Tanakpur at a distance of 75.9 kms
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