About Champawat
Champawat, once the capital of the Chand dynasty, is famous for its natural 
beauty, glaciers, meandering streams, pilgrimage centers The temples of Baleshwar and Nagnath in Champawat are examples of ancient architecture.The Baleshwar 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.
General Information
Season: Round the year
Language: Kumaoni, Hindi and English
Local Transport : Jeeps/Taxis/Ponies/Dandi
Area : 5 Sq. kms.
places To See Champawat
1. Abbot Mount
11 kms., Remarkable for scenic beauty Abbot Mount is situated 8 kms. from Lohaghat. The place is famous for peaceful secluded h
olidays.
2. Devidhura
45 kms from Lohaghat Devidhura is famous for its Varashi temple, where the traditional Bagwal (organised stone throwing between two grops) is held once every year on Raksha Bandhan.
3. Vanasur-Ka-Kila
This fort is situated at an elevation of 1859 mts., 7 kms. from Lohaghat and 20 kms. from Champawat. (Lohaghat to Karnakarayat is 6 kms. by bus and Karnakarayat to Vanasur-ka-Kila 1 km. by foot).
4. 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
Temples Of Champawat
1. Baleshwar Temple
The rulers of the Chand Dynasty had built this temple. A sanctuary 'Mandap' and intricate structural features were once the important feature of this temple. This temple is the most beautiful and artistic in the whole district. Architectural evidence shows that this place once, had temples dedicated to Baleshwar, Ratneshwar and Champawat Durga.The temple of Baleshwar is a clear pointer of the rich architecture and ancient glory of the region.
2. Gwal Devta
The Gwal Devta temples is dedicated 'Goril', a katyuric prince of Champawat, who was known for his justice and fair play Goril, unfortunately become a victim of a conspiracy hatched by his step mother, who threw him into a river, locked in an iron cage. Since than, this temple stands here and it is believed that Gwal Devta helps the victims of injustice and cruelty, when approached. A large numbers of pilgrims visit this temple all through the year.
3. Kranteshwar Mahadev
To the east of Champawat, the temple dedicated to Kranteshwar Mahadev is situated on the top of a lofty hill. It is also called Kurmapad and Kandev.
4. Meetha Reetha Sahib
The Gurudwara of Meetha Reetha Sahib is located at the confluence of the Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers. It was constructed in the year 1960 and is situated near the village Deyuri. The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev ji, had visited this place. He held much spiritual discussion with the Gorakhpanthi Jogis, who lived here.
Guru Nanak Dev ji also plucked the Reetha fruit from the Reetha tree, which had grown here. These trees are still there in the premises of Gurudwara. This is the reason why this place is called Meetha Reetha Sahib. Due to its religious background this place is considered as a holy place for Sikhs. The temple of Devnath is also located beside the Gurudwara.
How To Reach Champawat
Air
Nearest Air Port, Naini Saini, 80 kms. (Pithoragarh)
Rail
Nearest railhead is Tanakpur, 75 kms
Road
Well connected to Nanital, 233 kms. Haldwani, 193 kms. & Tanakpur 75 kms.
