Champawat:
Champawat is town in Kumaon region in Chapawat district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Champawat is famous for its intrinsic natural beauty and historical temples. Champawat is one of the easternmost towns of Uttarakhand perched at an elevation of 1670 meters (5480 feet) above sea level. The town of Champawat has a wide variety of fauna and flora including Teak, Babool, Eucalyptus and Jamun to name but a few. Champawat was once the capital of the Chand dynasty and is famous for its natural scenic landscapes and well known temples. Champawat covers an area of 1766 sq.km. Champawat is a region steeped in history and heritage with a wealth of attractions for tourists and history buffs alike. Champawat is believed to be the place where the Kurmavtar (the turtle incarnation of Lord Vishnu) took place. The original name of Champawat is said to be Champavati, which was due to its location on the banks of the Champavati stream. To the west of this region was a fort called Donkot, where the local Rawat kings resided. Champawat as an autonomous district was formed in 1997 from Pithoragarh district. The region of Champawat is bounded by Nepal on the East, Udham Singh Nagar district on the south, Nainital district on west and Almorah district on North West. Champawat is geographically divided into terai, shivalik and high mountain ranges is widely known as the origin of culture and religion in Uttarakhand. Champawat is predominantly a rural region with agriculture being the primary occupation and the culture of Champawat is a vibrant mix of Kumaoni and Nepali traditions. Champawat is considered to be the land of Naga and Kinnar as per Hindu Mythology. Historical pillars, monuments, manuscripts, archaeological collections and folklores all are evidences of the historical importance of Champawat. The famous book of Jim Corbett ‘Man Eaters of Kumaon’ is also based on the experience of the wildlife in Champawat.
Activities and attractions in and around Champawat:
Champawat offers a unique and diverse range of tourism opportunities for its stunning landscapes and rich heritage.
Baleshwar Temple: Baleshwar Temple is a historical temple in Champawat built by the rulers of Chand Dynasty in the 16th century. The deity of the Baleshwar Temple is Lord Shiva. Baleshwar Temple is one of the most artistic temples of Kumaon region with innovative and precise stone carving work. Baleshwar Temple is located at 0.5 km from Champawat.
Ek Hathiya Ka Naula: It is a beautifully carved work on stone. Ek Hathiya Ka Naula (The Well of One Elephant) is situated 05 km from Champawat and as per legends it was constructed in just one night by a one handed artisan. The pristine spring water that flows here adds to the allure of this off-the-beaten-path destination. The trail meanders through village homes, lush farms, and tranquil forests.
Kranteshwar Mahadev: This sacred shrine of Kranteshwar Mahadev is perched on the top of a hill to the east of Champawat. This place is also known as Lord Kurmapad or Lord Kandev and is located at 06 km away from Champawat.
Patal Rudreshwar: Patal Rudreshwar at Champawat is a cave where Lord Shiva did serious meditation to attain salvation nestled at 1350 meter (4429 feet). This cave was discovered in 1993 which is 40 metres long and 18 metres wide. Earlier Patal Rudreshwar temple was a lesser known tourist spot, but gradually this subterranean shrine started gaining popularity among eco-friendly travellers as an offbeat and tranquil destination. With its mystical appeal, historical significance and mythological heritage of the region, Patal Rudreshwar Temple became a must visit place in Champawat.
Meetha Reetha Sahib: Meetha Reetha Sahib is a Sikh gurdwara in the small hamlet of Dyuri which is 72 km from Champawat at the confluence of Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers. It is believed that Guru Nanak Ji visited here. On the occasion of Baisakhi Poornima a large fair is held here. There are trees of Reetha (Sapindus Emarginatus) in the premises.
Lohaghat: Lohaghat is a popular destination on the banks of River Lohawati in the Kumaon region situated 13 km from Champawat at an elevation of 1745 meters above sea level. Lohaghat holds great historical and mythological importance. During summers the area is covered with ‘Burans’ Rhododendrons, the state flower of Uttarakhand.
Banasur Ka Kila (Banasur Fort): Banasur Fort also known as Banasur Ka Kila is medieval era fort built in the memory of mythological character Banasur. This fort is located at a distance of 18.7 km from Champawat via Lohaghat. Banasur Fort area is a perfect vantage point for the view of the Himalayas. On reaching here tourists need to trek 02 km to reach the fort.
Gwal Devta Temple: Gwal Devta Temple is dedicated to Golu Devta (the God of Justice) the most revered local deity of Uttarakhand. Gwal Devta Temple in Champawat is a temple held in high esteem as a symbol of justice.
Nagnath Temple: The Nagnath Temple is one of the oldest and holiest Shrines in Champawat. The Nagnath Temple is Champawat was built by Guru Goraknath – a renowned sage. The ancient wooden carvings in the temple showcases the exclusive Kumaoni styled architecture of the 18th century.
Maneshwar Temple: Maneshwar Temple in Champawat was built by Nirbhay Chand of Chand dynasty in 08th century and is the oldest temple of Chapawat. Maneshwar Temple is located 07 km from Champawat and 01 km from Champawat – Pithoragarh motorway. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Ghatotkach Temple: This temple in Champawat is dedicated to Ghatotkach – the son of Bhim and Hidimba lies amidst tall deodar trees on Champawat – Tamli road near Malli Chowki. Ghatotkach Temple is located at 02 km from Champawat and is also known as Ghatku Temple or Ghatku Devta Mandir.
Henry Waterfall: Henry Waterfall is located in Dhaun Village at Champawat at a distance of 13 km away. Henry Waterfall is mainly known as a hiking destination among tourists. It also offers spiritual and natural experience in Champawat.
Sipti: Sipti or Sapteshwar Waterfall is a popular spot for angling, especially to spot the ‘Golden Mahseer’ or ‘Tiger of Freshwater’. Sipti is located at 17 km from Champawat in Pancheshwar. Sipti is also known for the confluence of Saryu and Kali rivers.
Dhankeshwar Rudrakund: Dhankeshwar Rudrakund is a tourist spot located at 10.8 km away from Champawat is an ideal spot for solitude. Dhankeshwar Rudrakund is specially known as an ideal spot for children.
Excursions:
Devidhura: It is situated 45 km from Champawat. There is a famous Varahi Temple here which holds great importance amongst the locals. Devidhura is also an adventure site for trekking. ‘Temple Tiger’ – the tale of famous Jim Corbett is associated with Devidhura temple also.
Shyamlatal: It is a beautiful lake situated 56 km from Champawat at an elevation of 1500 meters above sea level. There is a Swami Vivekananda Ashram on the banks of this emerald lake. The lake is spread over an area of 1.5 sq km. The famous Jhula Fair of Kumaon region is held at this place.
Abbott Mount: Abbott Mount is situated at an elevation of 2018 meter. Abbott Mount offers a peaceful and picturesque environment. Abbott Mount remains covered with sheets of snow during winters. The enchanting snow clad Himalayan peaks are clearly seen from Abbott Mount which is located around 21 km from Champawat.
How to reach:
By Air: Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the nearest airport to Champawat located at 170 km away. Pantnagar Airport is well connected by regular flight services with rest of Uttarakhand and other major cities of India. From Pantnagar Airport by hiring local bus or taxi tourists can reach Champawat.
By Rail: Tanakpur is nearest rail head to Champawat located at 75 km away. Tanakpur is also well connected by regular railway networks with major cities of India. Apart from that Tanakpur is also well connected with motor-able roads with rest of Uttarahand.
By Road: Champawat is well connected by good motor-able roads with neighbouring districts of Uttarakhand. Champawat is also well connected by roadway networks with rest of India and also neighbouring country of Nepal through Tanakpur.
Best time to Visit: Champawat is best visited during the summer from March to June when the climate remains pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. June to September is best avoided due to heavy rainfall. October to February is the winter season with possibility of snowfall which creates a serene and picturesque surrounding. October and November is the autumn which offers pleasant climate and lesser number of tourists.
Champawat Hotels