What to know

The capital of the Chand dynasty (10th to 16th century), Champawat is steeped in history and heritage. Today, it is best known for its temples, many of which date back to the times of the Chand rulers. As per Indian mythology, Lord Vishnu appeared here in the form of a tortoise, called "Kurmavatar". The architecture of the temples is noteworthy and a callout of the skill and intricacies of the artistes of that time. 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. Other than temples, a stunning piece of architecture is the Ek Hathiya Ka Naula. A beautifully carved work on stone, Ek Hathiya Ka Naula is situated around 5 km from Champawat and it is said it was built in one night by a one-handed artisan. Locals say that Champawat gets its name from princess Champawati, the daughter of King Arjun Deo, who ruled the region and had his capital here. Folklore also says that Champawat finds a reference in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Surrounded by lush tea gardens, which produce one of the finest teas in the region, the bustling town is also the administrative headquarters of the Champawat district.

Best Time to Visit

Champawat is pleasant year-round, except in monsoons. It's covered in snow in winter.