About the City

Champawat is situated 1615 meters above sea level & 76 kms. from Pithoragarh headquarters . Champawat, once the capital of the rulers of the Chand dynasty,  is  famous  for its natural beauty and well known temples. Champawat is a historical spot and is very famous for its temples and the beautiful architecture and carvings on the temples. It is a beautiful town with breathtaking landscapes and terraced fields, which cover the valley. The Baleshwar and Rataneshwar temple is the noted attraction of Champawat. The Nagnath temple at Champawat is also an excellent example of ancient architecture of Kumaon. 4 - 5 kms. from Champawat is the   'Ek Hathiya Ka Naula', which is said to have been constructed in just one night by the one handed artisan. The story of Golla Devta is also associated with Gorilla Chaur of Champawat.     It was in Champawat that Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared as 'Kurma avatar' (incarnation as tortoise). This hill is also known as Mt. Kandev.  There  is  a  small  fort  at   Champawat.   Jim Corbett had  come  to  this region in the first decade of the twentieth century in order to hunt for man eating tigers.

Accessibility

• By Air
  The nearest airport is Pant Nagar(206 kms).
• By Rail
  Nearest Rail Head, Tanakpur, 75 Kms.
• By Road
  Bageshwar is well connected by roads with all major towns of the area.

Places of Interest

• Lohaghat
  At an elevation of 1706 mts., Lohaghat is 62 Kms. away from Pithoragarh on way to Tanakpur and 14kms.from Champawat district headquarters. Lohaghat which is situated on the bank of river Lohawati is a centre of historical and mythological importance. In 1841, so overcome was Pilgrim (Barron) by its beauty, that he had surprised why the Government of India was not developing it as its summer capital. In summer season Lohaghat is full of Burans flowers
• Devidhura
  At distance of 45 kms from Lohaghat, Devidhura is famous for its Barahi temples. A very unusual fair, which attracts people from Kumoan, Nepal, and even other places, is held every year at the temple of Barahi Devi on Raksha Bandhan day. During this festival, known  as Bagwal, two groups of dancing and singing people throw stones at each other, while they try to protect themselves with the help of large wooden shields. The famous hunter, Jim Corbett's tale 'Temple Tiger' is associated with the Devidhura temples. Devidhura is situated amidst tall deodar and oak trees surrounded by beautiful native flora and fauna. This is a wonderful place for treking and being one with the mountains.
  
• 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.
  
• Reetha Saheb
  From Dhunaghat(on the Lohaghat -Devidhura road)one can  visit Reetha Saheb or Meetha Reetha, located at a distance of 72 kms.  from Champawat. Guru Nanak is said to have visited this place and have had spiritual discussions with Gorakhpanthi Jogis. The Gurudwara was constructed in 1960 at the confluence of Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers,  near village Deyuri. There are trees of sweet Reetha (Sapindus emarginatus) in the Gurudwara premises, adjoining it is the temple of Dhernath. Before the motor Road was build  to Bhingrara,  people use  to come to this place on foot. A fair is held at the Gurudwara on Baisakhi Poornima.
  
• Baleshwar
  Baleshwar, 76 kms. from Pithoragarh, situated at Champawat is the most artistic temple of  the   district.  There are  evidences that the  group  of    temples  dedicated  to  Baleshwar, Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga were built by the early kings of the Chand dynasty.Champawat district has acquired the unique distinction of being the holy land of gods and therefore, temples of very large variety dedicated to diverse gods including local deities and demons of restricted influence are spread over the whole expanse. The temple once had intricate structural features and a  sanctuary with a mandap. The intricate  carving still visible on the ceilings of these temples is an evidence of their ancient glory and artistic excellence .
  
• Shyamlatal
  1500 mts. above sea level, Shyamlatal is 132 kms. from Pithoragarh and 56 kms. from Champawat. Swami Vivekanand Ashram is located here at the bank of the lake. The blue colored lake of Shyamlatal is spread over an area of about one & a half sq. km. This place has some ruins dating back to the days of the early Chand rulers and others which were associated with the Pandavas. Shyamlatal is also famous for its Jhula fair. Different variety of roses also attract the travelers here.