Located 233 km from Nainital and 75 km from Pithoragarh Districts, Champawat is strategically placed beside the Himalayan Ranges and the International Borders of Nepal. It has become an excellent tourist destination offering a pleasant climate with temperatures ranging between 30 degree C to 20 degree C in summers and 15 degree C to 4 degree C in winters, beautifully landscaped environs, terraced fields, cascading rivers and a view of the International borders and the Himalayan Ranges that allows for breathtaking trek routes and diverse wildlife and is also known for a human-eating Tigress who had claimed over 436 innocent lives and was eventually hunted down by Jim Corbett who followed a blood trail left by her on foot . You can avail accommodation in Hotels and Dharamshalas.
Champawat is a small village of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India set at an altitude of 1610 mts above sea level. The RamGanga River cuts between this district and Pithoragarh District in the north whereas the Pannar and Jabgura Rivers cuts between Udham-Singh Nagar and Almora Districts in the south and west. This District and Nainital District are separated by a long stretch of the South-western Mountain ranges that forms an excellent defence line due to the fact that it nears the International borders and even the Kosi River forms a forceful border between India and Nepal towards the east.
Champawat is famous for its historical significance owing to the numerous ancient Temples and fort. It was once the city capital of the Chand dynasty named after 'Champawati', the daughter of King Arjun Deo. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu appeared in this place as 'Kurma-Avatar' or 'Tortoise Incarnation'. The Baleshwar Temple including Temples dedicated to Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga built between the 10th and 12th Century by the Chand Rulers are intricately designed with excellent stones carvings that also feature a Mandap and a Sanctuary, the remains of the Nagnath Temple is also famous for its ancient architectural delight dedicated to Lord Shiva but was unfortunately destroyed by the Rohillas and Gorkhas who invaded this town in the 18th Century.
Ek Hathiya Ka Naula, located 5 km from Champawat is believed to have been built overnight by an artisan who had only one hand hence the name originated. It is uniquely architecture and is a must visit. The Kranteshwar Mahadev sacred Shrine perched on a hillock is a must-see also known as Kandev or Kurma-pad.
Lohaghat situated 14 km from Champawat is another ancient town that lies on the banks of Lohawati River surrounded by scenic beauty, myths and temples situated a few kilometres away from this town. Just 9 km away is Mayawati Ashram set amidst spectacular views and attracts numerous people from around the world who seek spiritual enlightenment. Abbot Mount located 8 km away is a serene and peaceful vacation destination for tourists seeking a secluded getaway amidst nature and the breathtaking view of the Himalayas. Vanasur-Ka-Kila is a fort situated just 7 km away was constructed during the medieval period where the legendary Vanasur was killed and from where the Lohawati River originates. A beautiful place named Devidhura lies 45 km away is famous for the Varashi Temple where a unique ritual of stone throwing between 2 groups is organised during Raksha Bandhan festival. It also features in the famous Jim Corbett's book named 'Temple Tiger' and also offers excellent trails for trekking. 40 km away is Pancheshwar that lies at the convergence of Saryu and Kali Rivers on the border of Nepal is famous for a Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva where Chaumu and Jaat The protector of animals are ardently worshipped. It also provides trekkers with beautiful trails and a wide view of the Grand Himalayas.
Meetha Reetha Saheb is a significant Sikh Pilgrimage centre located just 72 km from Champawat where it is believed that Guru Nanak Ji used to conduct spiritual sessions with the Gorakhpanthi Jogis. It is also said that the Reetha Trees that grows within the Gurudwara premises started tasting sweet after it was touched by Guru Nanak Ji. Situated 92 km away is the sacred Shrine of Shri Poorna-Giri set at the top of Poorna-Giri Hill just 20 km from Tanakpur where Chaitra Navratari is celebrated from March to April with echoes of holy chants and prayer offerings. You can get a spectacular view of the Town, Kali River and Its Islands and a few Villages of Nepal from this Hill. Another breathtaking tourist and spiritual destination is the Swami Vivekananda Ashram set 56 km away on the banks of the crystal clear blue 'Shyamla Tal' or 'Shyamla Lake' that cascades over an area of 1.5 Sq. Km. You can also visit a few ruins seen here that it believed to date back to the early Chand reign and also associated with the famous 'Pandavas' of the 'Mahabharata' fame.
