Location:
Uttar Pradesh
Attractions: Baleshwar Temple, Nagnath Temple
Best Season: April to June and September to
October
Languages / Dialect: Kumaoni, Hindi and
English
THE LAND OF
KURMAVTAR
Situated 1,615
m above sea level, Champawat was originally the capital of Chand Raja
of Kumaon. Located 76 kms. from Pithorag
arh, it was at Champawat that
lord Vishnu is said to have incarnated as Kurmavatar, hence Kumaon
came to be known as Kurmanchal.
A small fort
and the temples of Baleshwar, Champadari, Ratneshwar and Durga adorn
the city. Champawat is famous not only from historical and
archaeological point of view but also for its abundant scenic beauty
and marvellous sculptures.
The places
worth seeing near Champawat are Narsinh Danda, Hingla Devi, Hidimba -Ghatotkach
Temple, Maneshwar, Karanteshwar & temple of Surya at village
Ramak.PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Temples
Baleshwar Temple:
The group of temples dedicated to Baleshwar, Ratneshwar and
Champawati Durga, built by the early Chand rulers, stand with
intricate structural carvings that enthrall the visitors. The carvings
and paintings on the ceilings of these temples are evidence of the
ancient glory and artistic excellence of the era.
Nagnath
Temple:
This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva was devastated by
Rohilla and Gorkha invaders, in the 18th century. A huge carved
doorway and a double-storeyed wooden structure remain now. The Nagnath
temple is an excellent example of traditional Kumaoni temple
architecture.
Punyagiri
Temple: (55 kms.) It is one of the most famous temples of Kumaon.
Thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine during the period of April to
June. A distance of 6 kms, has to be trekked.
Mayawati
Ashram: (23 kms.) Headquarters of Adwait Ashram, it was sanctified
by Swami Vivekanand and is also known for its charming surroundings.
Devidhura:
(45 kms) Situated at a height of 1615 m, Devi Dhura is well known
for the temple of Barahi Devi. A fair is held here annually on
“Raksha Bandhan”.
Abbot Mount:
Situated amongst thick forests of
oak and deodar, Abbot Mount is one of Kumaon’s idyllic hill resort
for peaceful secluded holidays.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Pithoragarh, 80 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Tanakpur 89 kms.
Road: Well connected to Nainital, Haldwani & Tanakpur.
Local Transport: Jeeps, Taxis, Ponies, Dandi.
