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Champawat, 76 kms. from the district headquarters of Pithoragarh, was once the capital of the Chand dynasty and is extremely famous for its amazing natural beauty, the great glaciers, the charming meandering streams and pilgrimage centers. The temples of Bageshwar and Nagnath in Champawat are noted attractions of the town and epitomes of the architectural prowess of those who built them.
The History and the legends
It is believed that it was in Champawat that Lord Vishnu appeared as 'Kurma avtar', His incarnation as a tortoise. This hill is also called Mt. Kandev. The story of the great Golla Devta is also associated with one Gorilla Chaur of Champawat. Jim Corbett had also visited this region in the early 1900’s to hunt for man eating tigers.
Fairs and Festivals
Purnagiri Fair
Purnagiri, located 20kms. from Tanakpur on the top of a hill, is on the right bank of the river Kali. Many fairs are organised here during Navratras, when devotees converge to this place to have a darshan and worship Goddess Purnagiri. The fair starts from Vishuwat Sanskranti and goes on for about 40 days at a stretch.
Mata Murti Ka Mela
A large fair is held at the Badrinath Temple in the month of September and worship of the mother of Sri Badrinathji is carried out. The Mata Murti Temple situated at the place is dedicated to the mother of Sri Badrinathji. As the legend states, when the great river Ganga dispersed into twelve channels, the spot where this happened became Lord Vishnu's adobe. This very place came to be known as Badrinath.
Places to visit
Vanasur-Ka-Kila
This fort is situated 20 kms. away from Champawat at a height of 1859 mts above sea level. The journey takes a route via Lohaghat to Karnakarayat (6 kms. by road) and Karnakarayat to Vanasur-ka-Kila (1 km. trek). The place has immense beauty and romantic charm.
Ek Hathiya Ka Naula
It is situated around 4 - 5 kms. away from Champawat. It is believed to have been built in a span of just one night by a one handed artisan.
Abbot mount and Mayawati ashram are among the many other places worth visiting around Champawat.
Getting there
The nearest Air Port is Naini Saini, 80 kms. away and the nearest railway station is at Tanakpur, 75 kms. away.
Well connected to the road network, the distance of Champawat from different cities and big towns is:
Nainital (233 kms.)
Haldwani (193 kms.)
Tanakpur (75 kms.)
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