Champawat, the ancient capital of the Katyuri and Chand Rajas, is an idyllic resort located in the lush Champa Valley of Kumaon. Situated at a height of 1615mtrs., it is on the road to Pithoragarh. It was at Champawat the Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared in his tortoise incarnation (Kurmavatar), hence Kumaon came to be known as Kurmanchal. Kumaon is also the legendary domain of Lord Shiva.

While the ruins of the fort and temples speak of the historical and religious importance of Champawat's past, the scenic beauty of the place is still abundant, & enjoyable.

Accessibilty

Rail
Nearest Railhead is Tanakpur:89 km.
Some of the important train connections for Tanakpur-Kathgodam are : Ranikhet Express (5013/5014) and Shatabadi Express (2020).

Road
Champawat is well connected by road to Nainital(130km), Haldwani (193 kms ), Tanakpur(75 kms), & Pithoragarh 74 kms.

Accomodation

• Kurmanchal Tourist Hotel.
• Kamal Hotel.

State Tourism

• Chand Tourist Rest House (KMVN).
  Ph : (08524)8631

Post & Telegraph

Head Post Office, Champavat

Tourist Office, Pithoragarh. (76 km)

Baleshwar Temple
This comprises a group of temples built by the early Chand Rajas and dedicated to Baleshwar, Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga. The temples have intricate carvings and painted ceilings.

Nagnath Temple
This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was devastated by Rohilla and Gorkha invaders in the 18^th century. What remains are a huge carved doorway and a double-storeyed wooden structure. The Nagnath temple is an excellent example of traditional Kumaoni temple architecture.

Mayawati Ashram
22 kms. from Champawat and 9 kms. from Lohaghat, this ashram is situated at an altitude of 1940 mts. Mayawati shot into prominence after the Advaita Ashram was established here. The ashram attracts spiritualists from India and abroad.

Abbot Mount
11 kms., Remarkable for scenic beauty Abbot Mount is situated 8 kms. from Lohaghat. The place is famous for peaceful secluded holidays.

Devidhura
45 kms from Lohaghat Devidhura is famous for its Varashi temple, where the traditional Bagwal (organised stone throwing between two groups) is held once every year on Raksha Bandhan.

Vanasur-Ka-Kila
This fort is situated at an elevation of 1859 mts., 7 kms. from Lohaghat and 20 kms. from Champawat. The names of Shonitpur and Lohawati are linked with the myth about the assassination of Vanasur at this place. One has to walk about 2kms. to get to the fort. Lohawati river originates near this place.

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