Location: Champawat
Activity: Local Sight-Seeing

About Champawat
A historical town in the Uttarakhand district, Champawat, sitting proudly at an elevation of 1670 meters above sea level, is located in the southeast region of Uttarakhand. Ancient temples that have been erected for years, sacred Hindu shrines with remarkable and noteworthy architecture such as those of Baleshwar temple, Kanteshwar temple, and Nagnath Temple all of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, is what makes Champawat famous. The architecture is proof that they have been built by some skilled artists. The rituals that were performed in the 10th century are still performed in Champawat to date to keep their culture and traditions alive. Champawat has a historical significance as Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a tortoise, and was called ‘Kurmavatara'. Champawat has been named after the princess Champawati, daughter of the king of the region, King Arjun Deo.
 
About the Sightseeing Activity
Champawat, known for its religious and historical significance, has temples in abundance. You get to explore various temples and seek blessings from different Gods. You can also explore the various attractions, Gurudwaras, and the main market of Champawat, where you can also collect souvenirs for your loved ones while returning.

Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple
Seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings, devotees from all over visit this temple. At a distance of 6km from the main market of Champawat, Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple, famous for its history and temples of unique architectural design, is at an elevation of 6100 meters above sea level. One can reach here by taking a taxi or by trekking from Champawat.

Ek Hathiya Ka Naula
Ek Hathiya Ka Naula is located in the Kumaon Region of the state of Uttarakhand. At a distance of 5km from the city of Champawat, is a marvelous architectural piece with beautiful carvings on stone. It is a historical monument and a stunning piece of art. It is called Ek Hathiya Ka Naula because there is a belief that the carving was done by an artist with only one hand and on top of that this stunning piece was completed in just one night and that makes this place even more worth the visit. 

Reetha Meetha Sahib
Gurudwara Reetha Meetha Sahib is a Gurudwara near Champawat at a distance of 72km from Champawat city. Constructed in the 1960s, the Gurudwara is sacred for the Sikhs and is located near the Deyuri village at the convergence of the Ratiya and Lodhiya rivers.
There is a common belief among the people that Guru Nanak paid a visit to this place and turned the soapnut fruit which is mostly bitter, sweet. He encountered Nath Yogis and tried to keep them in humanitarian service. A soapnut tree still stands there although it is not the original one and the devotees are given soap nuts as prasad. Almost 10km from the Gurudwara is a land called Nanak Bagchi, meaning Nanak’s Garden, where there are many trees from which the fruits are collected and given as prasad to pilgrims.

Champawat Market
One can also explore the Champawat Market and buy local handicrafts, clothing, and different kinds of eateries. The shopkeepers hang their sample of the stock outside their shops which attracts tourists and compels them to buy it. On the last day of the trip, it is advised that one may visit the market and do their shopping from here itself.

Abbott Mount
At an elevation of 1981m above sea level in Champawat district, Abbott Mount is a hamlet with a picturesque view. It is named after a British businessman, John Harrold Abbott, who was so enthralled by the tranquility of the place that he decided to develop it as a European settlement. The place is bestowed with various colors, the place is home to several Himalayan birds and colorful butterflies. About 10 km from the Abbott Mount is the Abbot Church, located in the Kali Kumaon region of the Champawat district.

Best Time To Visit Champawat

• Champawat in Summers: For trekking and sightseeing in Champawat, summers are favorable for tourists. Most people prefer visiting Champawat during summer.
• Champawat in Monsoon: Monsoon brings heavy rains, leading to landslides and road blockages, thus it is advised to always check the weather forecasts before planning a trip to Champawat during the rainy season.
• Champawat in Winters: Winters are chilly and the region witnesses snowfall with the temperature dropping to 0℃.
• The best time to visit Champawat is during March to June when the temperature is neither too low nor too high and rains don’t become a barrier between you and the amazing trip ahead.

How To Reach Champawat

Champawat by Air
Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to Champawat approximately 160 km in Nainital, Uttarakhand. Since the airport has a well-connected road network, several taxis are also available from there.

Champawat By Train
The nearest railway station to Champawat is Tanakpur, located at a distance of 60km from Champawat. Busses are also available from the railway station

Champawat By Road
Champawat has a good road network with major cities in India. Busses to Champawat are easily available from Anand Vihar, New Delhi.

• Delhi to Champawat: Distance- 425km
• Chandigarh to Champawat: Distance- 621 km
• Shimla to Champawat: Distance- 720 km
• Lohaghat to Champawat: Distance- 7 km 
• Pithoragarh to Champawat: Distance- 73 km
• Kedarnath to Champawat: Distance- 393 km

Things to Carry in Champawat

• ID Proof: Carry a valid ID proof issued by the government.
• Clothing: Warm clothing (Down Jacket/Fleece Jacket, Woolen Cap/Scarf, Hat, Lowers, Woolen & Cotton Socks, Thermal wears), Cotton Towels, Trekking/Hiking shoes & other comfortable regular wear.
• Toiletries: Lip balm, wet wipes, skin moisturizer, sunscreen.
• Medical Related: Personal medicines (if any), Mosquito repellent, prescribed medicines for high altitude sickness, Dehydration salt.
• Optional: Sunglasses, Rubber Slipper, Power Bank, Candy, Dust Mask, etc

Do`s & Don`ts in Champawat

Do`s

• Do carry your essentials
• Do carry your sanitizer
• Do wear proper layers if you are going in winters
• Do wear a mask at all times
• Do keep your medical kit

Don`ts

• Do not litter here and there 
• Do not spit in a public place
• Do not take off your mask
• Do not harass the locals
• Do not harm flora & fauna