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 Stats
District Headquarters: Champawat
Area: 1781 sq km
Total Population: 224,542
Literacy: 71.11%
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 Stats
District Headquarters: Champawat
Area: 1781 sq km
Total Population: 224,542
Literacy: 71.11%
Places to Visit in Champawat
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 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.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport for Champawat is Naini Saini, Pithoragarh (80 kms)
By Rail: Nearest rail head for Champawat is Tanakpur at a distance of 75 kms
By Road: Champawat is well connected by road. Nainital (233 kms), Haldwani (193 kms), Pithoragarh (75 kms) and Tanakpur (75 kms)
