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Information about
Champawat
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Udham Singh Nagar is a new district in the state of Uttaranchal. It is named after freedom fighter Udham Singh who had killed General Dyer in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It is a very beautiful and charming tourist spot. Champawat is the district headquarters of Udham Singh Nagar that offers a captivating view of the delightful wooded country and has a rich historic wealth. Champawat is a historical place with magnificent scenery and landscape. |
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History of Champawat
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Champawat was the capital of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon. The tradition of the present appellation of Kumaon is also associated with Champawat. It is believed that Lord Vishnu take the tortoise incarnation (Kurm Avatar) and penanced for several hundred years on a mountain in Champawat. The place where he penanced became famous as Kurmachal and Kumaon is its natural temple evolution. The mount on which the temple of Ghatku, the illustrious Ghatotkach of the Mahabharata is sited is supposed to be the Kumarchal of Skanda Purana. This term was first applied to eastern part of present Kumaon and later extended to the entire region. |
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Tourist Attractions in Champawat |
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For the time being, the ancient shrines of Champawat have lost their main sanctum, but the remaining structure, the ancient temples of Baleshwar, Nagnath and Ratneshwar and as well as the ruins reflects the boundless creative energy of the hill artists. The places which can be seen in Champawat are the Narsingh Danda, Hingla Devi, Hidamba Ghatkach temple, Maneshwar, Kranteswar, and the Surya temple at village Ramak. Maneshwar is regarded as the place where Yudhishthira perfomed the ‘shraddha’ ceremony of his father. It is also famous for its Shiva temple. |
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Excursions from Champawat |
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Mayawati Ashram
Mayawati Ashram is situated about 22 km from Champawat and 9 km from Lohaghat. Mayawati Ashram is the cherished dream of Swami Vivekanand. The monastery has got extensive land, and at one time it even had a small tea plantation. At Mayawati, one can clearly visualize how nature supplies to a Man’s soul spiritual sustenance. The most elevating sight in Mayawati is the magnificent snow range of Himalayas and its silvery dazzle on a moonlit night reminds of Lord Shiva sitting in a meditation posture.
Abbot Mount
Abbot Mount is situated about 25 km from Champawat and 11 km from
Lohaghat. Abbot Mount is situated amidst thick forests of oak and deodar. This place was developed by Mr. Abbot in 1914, and known for its scenic grandeur and a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks. |
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Shyamla Tal
Shyamla Tal is situated about 30 km from Tanakpur along the route to Champawat and then 4 km on foot from Sukhidhang or on jeep. This place has some ruins dating back to the days of early Chand rulers and others which are associated with the Pandavas. Shyamla Tal is famous for its beautiful lake which is spread over an area of 1.5 km. In 1915, the Vivekanand Ashram was also established here.
Lohaghat
Lohaghat is situated about 14 km from Champawat on the banks of the Lohawati river. It is a center of historical and mythological importance. The town is situated amidst tall deodar trees and has a Degree College, two inter colleges and a Polytechnic college.
Vanasur's Fort
Vanasur’s Fort is situated about 7 km from Lohaghat and 20 km from Champawat. To reach Vanasur's Fort, you have to travel to Karnakaryat from Lohaghat for 6 km by road and from there you have to negotiate a distance of 1 km by bridle path to reach Vanasur's Fort. |
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Manch and Tamli
Manch is situated amidst thick forests towards the river Kali at distance of 40 km from Champawat. These forests are manifestations of the deep rooted local tradition of forest preservation. The dhune (sacred fire which burns continuously) of Guru Gorakhnath is situated here and the entire hill has been dedicated to him. The Tamli village is situated downhill near the river Kali. Tamli is the last village of India.
Purnagiri
Purnagiri is situated about 20 km from Tanakpur and 92 km from Champawat. It is a famous shrine of great sanctity. Thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country visit this holy place every year. It is said that Lord Shiva while carrying the dead body of Sati dropped her naval here. Nothing can surpass the beauty and variety of the scenery around Purnagiri. After the festival of Holi, a fair is also held here for 40 days.
Meetha Reetha Sahib
Meetha Reetha Sahib is situated about 72 km from Champawat. It is said that Guru Nanak Dev visited this place and had spiritual discussions with the jogis of Gorakhnath sect. The Gurudwara was built in 1960 at the confluence of Ladhiya and Ratia rivers near village Deyuri. |
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How to get here |
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By Air:
The nearest airport is Naini Saini.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Tanakpur.
By Road:
Champawat is linked with various places like Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet, Pithoragarh and other places in the Kumaon and Garhwal region. |
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