Champawat
76 kms from Pithoragarh, Champawat is situated 1615 mts. above sea level & was originally the capital of Chand Rajas of Kumaon. It was at Champawat that Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared in 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, sculptural and archaeological point of view but also for its abundant scenic beauty.

The places worth seeing near Champawat are Narsinh Danda, Hingia Devi, Hidimba Ghatokach temple, Maneshwar, Karanteshwar and temple of Surya at village Ramak.

Season: Round the year

Pilgrimage

Baleshwar Temple
Baleshwar is the most artistic temple of the district. There are evidences to the effect that the group of temples dedicated to Baleshwar, Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga had been built by the early kings of the Chand dynasty. The temple once had intricate structural features and a sanctuary with a 'mandap'. The intricate carvings still visible on the ceilings of these temples are an evidence of their ancient glory and artistic excellence.

Gwal Devta
A deity of widespread faith and influence, Gwal Devta also known as Goril or Goll, is considered to be the presiding deity of justice. It is believed that when approached, Gwal Devta dispenses justice to a helpless victim of injustice and cruelty. Historically, Goril a Katyuric prince of Champawat, known for his unwavering justice and fair play, was himself a victim of planned conspiracy hatched up by his step mother, who had him thrown into a river, locked up in an iron cage. Held in high esteem as a symbol of justice, a temple was constructed in his honour after his demise at Golchaurh in Champawat. Ever since, he has grown into a deity of great influence. The

Devidhura
At a distance of 45 kms. from Lohaghat, Devidhura is famous for its Barahi temple where the traditional Bagwal (fair) is held once every year on the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

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.

Punyagirl Temple: (94 kms) It is one of the most famous temples of Kumaon. Thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine during the period April to June. A distance of 3 kms has to be trekked from Tunyas.

Mayawati Ashram: (22 kms) Headquarters of Adwait Ashrarn, it was sanctified by Swami Vivekanand and is also known for its charming surroundings.

Abbot Mount: (22 kms) Situated amongst thick forests of oak and deodar, Abbot Mount is one of Kumaon's idyllic hill resort for peaceful secluded holidays.

Fair & festival

Purnagiri Fair
Purnagiri is located on the top of a hill and is 20kms. from Tanakpur. It is on the right bank of the river kali. A number of fairs take place here during Navratras, when devotees in a large number come from surrounding areas to have a darshan and worship the Goddess Purnagiri. The fair starts from Vishuwat Sanskranti and continues for about forty days.

Devi Dhura Fair
This fair takes place at Varahidevi temple in Devidhura, situated at the border of Almora, Pithoragarh and Nainital districts. It is held every year on the day of Rakshabandhan. An unique feature of this fair is the image of Goddess Varahi kept in a locked brass casket. The casket is taken out in a procession to a nearby mountain spring where a blindfolded priest ritually bathes the image and puts it back in the casket. The Goddess is worshipped whole night and the next morning and exciting ' Bagwaal' fair takes place. The event is marked by two groups of people fighting a battle in front of the temple, throwing stones at each other, while they try to protect themselves by using big roof-like shields. Thousands of people gather to watch this event. The fighting stops soon after the priest appears and both sides meet and reconcile.

Mata Murti Ka Mela
On this day the mother of Shri Badrinathji is worshipped, and a large fair held at the Badrinath Temple in the month of September According to a legend, when river Ganga humanity, she spread into twelve channels. The spot where the river tumbled became Lord Vishnu's adobe. The place came to be known as Badrinath. The Mata Murti Temple is dedicated to the mother of Sri Badrinathji.

ACCESSIBILITY

Air: Nearest Airport - Pant Nagar, 206 Kms.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 180 kms.

Road: Bageshwar is well connected with all the major towns of the state. Nainital, 233 kms, Haldwani. 193 kms & Tanakpur, 75 kms Pithoragarh 74 kms.