Champawat District
essenceofkumaun
CHAMPAWAT DISTRICT STATS ~ essenceofkumaun
AREA: 1766 sq KM
FOREST AREA: 1224 sq KM
DISTRICT HQ: CHAMPAWAT
ALTITUDE: 1615 m
LANGUAGE: Kumaoni, Hindi
BEST SEASON: Oct- May
HISTORY OF CHAMPAWAT ~ essenceofkumaun
The Champawat district gets its name from princess Champawati, the daughter of King Arjun Deo who ruled the region in historic time and had capital in Champawat.
The region has also been known in different times by the names of Kiratamandala, Khasadesha, Kalindavishaya, Kurmachala and Kurmavana. In order to save the earth, Vishnu in his second incarnation assumed the form of the Kurma (Tortoise) and remained standing for three years at a particular spot in the district. The specific rock on which the God stood came to be known as Kurmashila, the entire hill as the Kurmanchal and the surrounding forest as Kurmavana. It is from these terms that the name Kumaon is supposed to have been derived.
For a long time the name, in the form of Kali Kumaon, that is Kumaon on the river Kali remained confined to the small tract round about the hill, now roughly covered by Champawat district, but during the medieval period, when the power of the Chand raja of Champawat expanded rapidly the name Kumaon gradually came to denote the entire region extending from the snow ranges in the north to the tarai in the south.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CHAMPAWAT DISTRICT
What is Champawat famous ?
Champawat is steeped in history and heritage and is best known for its temples, many of which date back to the times of Chand rulers. The architecture of the temples is noteworthy chief of these is the Nagnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The popular temple is one of the finest examples of Kumaon architecture. Another noteworthy temple is Baleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kranteshwar Mahadev is another spiritual site here, and one of the most revered in the region. Perched on the top of a hill to the east of Champawat, this temple of Lord Shiva is also known as Kurmapad or Kandev.
Mayawati Ashram
22 km from Champawat, this ashram is situated at an altitude of 1940 m. Mayawati shot into prominence after the Advait Ashram was established here.
Abott Mount
Panorama takes a new meaning as you treat yourself to views of peaks like Trishul, Nanda Kot, Nanda Ghunti and the Nanda Devi spanning in an arc in front of you across a valley.
Pancheshwar
Pancheshwar lies at confluence of Kali & Saryu. It's famous for Chaumu temple, where an annual fair is held and dip at confluence is considered to be sacred.
Gurdwara Reetha Sahib
Guru Nanak Dev had an encounter with Nath yogis whom he tried to bring to path of active humanitarian service along with remembrance of God’s Name.
Baleshwar Temple
Baleshwar temple was built by ruler of Chand Dynasty between 10th - 12th century. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. This is one of the most artistic temples of Kumaon, it showcases intricate stone carving.
Golu Devta Temple
It is dedicated to Golu Devta, a revered local deity in Kumaon and is also called Gwal Devta Temple. A large number of pilgrims come from all over the area to pay respects.
Purnagiri
Purnagiri Temple is 92 km from Champawat, and is visited by devotees throughout the year. Devotees come here in large number, particularly during Chaitra Navratri (March April)
Lohaghat
At an elevation of 1706 m, Lohaghat is 14 km from Champawat. Lohaghat is situated on bank of river Lohawati and is a centre of historical and mythological importance.
PLACES TO VISIT IN CHAMPAWAT
DEVIDHURA
Devidhura is famous for Varahi Temple. It’s a Culture Heritage Of Bagwal and commonly Practiced on Raksha Bandhan.
VANASUR KA KILA
Built in the honour of Banasura,mythological son of king Bali. From this medieval-era fort one can get panoramic views of surrounding Himalayas.
EK HATIYA NAULA
Its 5 Km away from Champawat and is believed to have been constructed in one night by one handed artisan. One of the Showcase Master Craft.
NAGNATH TEMPLE
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it was built in 18th century, and exhibits the traditional Kumaoni architecture. Its 0.5 Km from Champawat city.
HOW TO REACH CHAMPAWAT
BY AIR
The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, about 170 km from Champawat.
BY ROAD
Distance from Champawat to other cities is listed below.
BY TRAIN
Nearest railway station is Tanakpur (around 75 Km).
CHAMPAWAT DISTANCE CHART
CHAMPAWAT WEATHER
CHAMPAWAT MAP
