Champawat is located at a distance of 1,675 metres above the sea level in the state of Uttarakhand, India. This is a celestial abode of Gods wherein Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of kurmavatar or tortoise henceforth, Kumaon came to be known as Kurmanchal. This tranquil spot is a thriving beauty with rich natural backdrops, terraced fields and verdant elongated valleys. Also this spot has bountiful of architectural and sculptural places that are historically important. This spot is a comprehensive place where one may come across authentic beauty of nature. This place is a perfect staggering spot as it offers picturesque and scenic beauties ranging from beautiful landscapes, rushing Rivers, pleasing and soothing aura, wildlife and exhilarating places of interest for trekking. Champawat bestows many other places of historical, cultural, and religious importance namely Devidhura, Pancheshwar, Poornagiri and Baleshwar temple are some of the few amongst them.
History of Champawat
Champawat was initially the capital of the Chand Kings. This historical town has an ancient fort, which is now the headquarters of the Tehsil office. Legends of Golla Devta are associated with Gorilla Chaur of Champawat. Jim Corbett, well-known animal hunter came in this region erstwhile in the first decade of the 20th century for hunting man eating tigers. His first book, `Man Eaters of Kumaon` was based on Champawat. Champawat was declared as a separate district on 15 December 1997 by then CM of U.P., Mayawati. Initially Champawat was only a Tehsil of Pithorgarh District.
Places of interest in and around Champawat
A beautiful town with spectacular background and terraced fields, Champawat has almost everything to woo, entice and lure a tired mind. With its pristine splendor Champawat amidst the temples, shrines and architectural wonders displays the exquisite splendor so very eloquently.
Baleshwar Temple
Baleshwar temple was erected by the Chand rulers and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is a splendid and magnificent creation of the architectural and carved works. However there are no historical evidents or manuscripts that proof its existence, but it is believed that this temple was built between 10th -12th century A.D.
Nagnath Temple
This temple is an excellent example of ancient architecture of Kumaon.
Ek Hathiya Ka Naula
This site is 5kms from Champawat and is believed to have been constructed in just one night by the one handed artisan.
Kranteshwar Mahadev
This temple is piled atop the hill in the East of Champawat and is also called as Kurmapad or Kandev.
Lohaghat
This ancient town is a striking and noteworthy place for its natural beauty and famous mythological legends. This area is also prominent for its blooming `Burans` flowers during summer. This town is 14kms from Champawat and set on the banks of river Lohawati.
Manch and Guru Gorakhnath-Ki-Dhuni
Manch is situated between dense forests towards River Kali at a distance of 32km en route Kuchha road from Champawat. These are demonstrations of the local tradition that are deeply placed in the nerves of the innate about forest preservations.
The Dhuni(sacred fire that burns continuously) of Guru Gorakhnath is located beyond 1.5km trek from Manch and the entire hill has been dedicated to him.
Tamli
Tamli is the last village on the Indian side and is located downhill near the River Kali. It is situated at a distance of 19km from Manch and this place is famous for performing various forms of Black magic.
Accessibility
By Air
The nearest airport for Champawat is Naini Saini, Pithorgarh located at a distance of 80kms.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Tanakpur situtade at a distance of 75kms.
By Road
Champawat is well connected by road to major cities of India. Distances from major cities of Uttarakhand are Nainital (233kms), Haldwani (193kms), Pithorgarh (75kms), Tanakpur (75kms).
