Champawat

Champawat is small district in Uttarakhand state located near Pithoragarh and named after King Arjun Deo’s daughter ‘Champawati’. It is known for being the erstwhile capital of the famous Chand dynasty of Kumaon. As per a legend, the place has mythological importance as well. It is said that Lord Vishnu once appeared in Champawat, in his Kurmavatar. The place is famous for its historical, archaeological and sculptural significance. A small fort and the temples of Baleshwar, Champadari, Ratneshwar and Durga embellish the city. 

There are numerous famous temples situated near Champawat, like Narsinh Danda, Hingla Devi, Hidimba Ghatotkach Temple, Maneshwar, Karanteshwar and Sun Temple (at village Ramak). Other than this, the area is known for the magnificent scenic vista it offers. Situated at 1,615 meter above the sea level, Champawat boasts of a topography that varies from Terai areas to the high mountain ranges. 

The Terai areas of the district are very hot, whereas the hilly ranges are relatively cooler. Around 65 percent area of Champawat is sheltered with flora and fauna. Rest of the areas is made up of agricultural land, residential land and meadows. The plains of Champawat are covered with plenty of exotic and traditional species of plants, like Amla, Ayur, Ecliptus, Babool, Teak, Sagon, Jamun, Bans, Bail and Madar.

Transport

Places to See:

Baleshwar Temple

Baleshwar temple, was built during the reign of Chand dynasty, is located in the heart of Champawat city. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its magnificent stone carvings.

Nagnath Temple

Known for its wonderful ancient Kumaoni architecture, Nagnath temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was destroyed by the Rohilla and Gorkha invaders in 18th century. Today, the glorious carved doorway and a double storey wooden structure, the temple's only remains, tell the tale of its magnificent architecture.

Mayawati Ashram

Located at about 22 km from Champawat, Mayawati Ashram is a major centre for spiritual learning in Uttarakhand. People in search of spiritual satisfaction come here from various parts of India and abroad.

Vanasur-Ka-Kila

Vanasur-Ka-Kila is a fort located approximately 20 km away from Champawat, at an elevation of 1859 m from sea level. A legend about the fort goes that the assassination of Vanasur, a demon, took place here.

Ek Hathiya ka Naula

Approximately 5 km away from Champawat, Ek Hathiya ka Naula is a uniquely structured place. It is said to be constructed by one-handed artisan, overnight. 

Kranteshwar Mahadev

Dedicated to Kandev, Kranteshwar Mahadev temple is situated at a lofty hilltop, in the east of Champawat. It is also called ‘Kumarpad’.

Lohaghat

Lohaghat is a small town situated on the banks of Lohawati River, in Tanakpur district. It is basically known for housing a number of beautiful temples, scenic beauty and historical-mythological associations. Apart from that, this place is also famous for its grand Holi and Janmashtmi celebrations.

Abbott Mount

Tanak Pur...........
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Tanak Pur

Tanakpur is a quiet little town located on the edge of Tarai areas of Champawat district in Kumaon within the hill state of Uttarakhand in India. Tanakpur is just 3 Km away from the Indo-Nepal border. 

Situated at an elevation of 245 meters above the sea level, Tanakpur is a beautifully laid out town by the banks of river Sharda. The roads and pavement of this town are wide and one can comfortably explore Tanakpur on foot. 

In terms of things do here, one can choose from a variety of activities like visiting places of worship, taking a stroll by the river side or just walking through the town. Tanakpur is also the doorway to the venerated Purnagiri temple and offers interesting excursions in the areas close by. 

Transport

Places To See:

Sharda Ghat 

This Ghat, well known as Ma Purnagiri Sharda Ghat, is located near the bus stand in Tanakpur. It is here that people bathe to cleanse themselves before visiting the revered Ma Purnagiri shrine which is close to the town. This Ghat is also utilized for performing Hindu religions ceremonies like 'Mundan' (ceremonial shaving of child's first hair). For the locals, this Ghat also serves as a place of socialization. People come here to relax and spend time with friends. Hawkers are seen selling delicious 'chaat' along with other traditional snacks, adding to the joy of the visit. 

Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple

This is a famous temple in Tanakpur, dedicated to Lord Shiva in his panchmukhi or five faced form.  

Purani Jama Masjid 

Built around 1886 while the road to Champawat was being constructed, this is a mosque located on the banks of river Sharda, close to the bridge to Nepal. 

Tanakpur Methodist Church 

This church was built in 1988 with donations from the Parish. It is today the only church in the area within the radius of about 25 Km. 

Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sahib 

This Gurudwara serves as an important resting point for the pilgrims en route Sri Ritha Sahib which is an important Sikh pilgrimage.

Excursions...........
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Tanakpur Excursions

Some interesting places to visit near Tanakpur are:

Shakti Peeth Purnagiri

Adya Shakti Peeth, Boom

Vivekananda Ashram, Shyamlatal...........
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Abbott Mount

This beautiful hamlet of Abbot Mount is situated approximately 8 km away from Lohaghat, in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. A less exploited destination, it is very calm and serene region, far away from the maddening crowds and hullabaloo of cities. Situated at a height of approximately 2001 meters, in the eastern side of Champawat, this area gives awe-inspiring panoramic views of the 600 km-long Himalayan ranges like Nanda Devi and Panchauli. 

In Abbot Mount, there is a famous bungalow built by Mr. Abbot, in 1914, amidst the dense forests of oak and deodar. It is after this bungalow only that the place is named ‘Abbot Mount’. Today, the place stands adorned with a number of magnificent colonial architectural bungalows, built during the British Raj. In order to give a boost to the tourism here, various activities and games are held close to the field situated at the Mount. One of the most popular sports is trekking. 

On the hill top of Mount Abbot, there are two places surely worth a visit, a quaint and beautiful church set amidst the forest and an old cricket pitch with an unparalleled view of the mountains. The place is an ideal destination for those who want to spend their holiday in serene silence amidst nature. Abbot Mount is also frequented by the enthusiasts of Mahaseer fishing, a type of fishing popular in nearby city of Pancheshwar, at the confluence of Saryu and Mahkali rivers............
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Lohaghat

Lohaghat is located within Champawat district of Uttarakhand state in India. It is a quiet little hill station, blessed with natural beauty in abundance. Situated at an elevation of 1645 meters above the sea level, Lohaghat is often referred as one of the most scenic places in Uttarakhand. 

The beautiful hill station of Lohaghat is situated along the banks of river Lohawati. Nestled amidst tall pine and oak forests, Lohaghat promises to enthrall any visitor with its scenic splendor. 

Lohaghat is an idyllic destination to holiday. For those searching for a resort to retreat from the maddening crowds of usual urban surrounds, Lohaghat is where their search ends. The town's old world ambience is sure to do wonders in calming your soul and rejuvenating your flagging spirits. 

Transport

Places To See: 

The Town

Interestingly, the bus stand is the focus of all activity in this beautiful little hill station. The market place which is small but busy has a handful of eateries and shops selling all essentials that you may require. A walk though the town gives you a feel of a tiny hill settlement whose culture has yet not been eroded by regular urban developments that have completely taken over most of the hill stations of India. There are a couple of old buildings in the market place, bearing beautiful wood carvings which will give you a glimpse into the town's rich heritage. 

Lohawati River

The town is situated on the banks of pristine Himalayan river - Lohawati. A walk by the river side is a soothing experience. Also you can visit, a relatively new temple of Rikeshwar Mahadev, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located outside the main town, on the banks of river Lohawati. 

Excursions...........
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Lohaghat Excursions

Some interesting places to visit around Lohaghat are:

Advait Ashram

Mayawati

Banasur Fort

Mount Abbot

Pancheshwar...........
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How to reach Lohaghat

Air

Nearest Air Port is at Naini Saini, 80 kms away (Pithoragarh).

Rail

Nearest railhead is at Tanakpur, 75 kms away.

Road 

It is well connected to other parts of district............
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Kanatal

Kanatal is one of the most beautiful hamlets in Uttarakhand. A quaint little town, it is located on the Mussoorie-Chamba road, in the district of Tehri Garhwal. Perched at an altitude of about 8,500 feet, Kanatal offers a magnificent vision of the snow-capped mountain ranges and verdant green forests. It is merely 40 km from Mussoorie and 300 km from Delhi. The town has one big advantage over the other more well-known and popular hill towns in North India i.e. it is away from over gathering, ultra-urbanization, contamination and commercialization. 

Kanatal offers a mystic and peaceful experience to the tourists, in the lap of the untouched, unscathed environment. It is the perfect destination for those people who love to have a word with untouched, untamed and unspoilt nature. With pleasing weather throughout the year, Kanatal offer a welcoming interlude from the scorching heat, humidity and dust-filled environment of polluted cities and towns in the plains. It has a pleasing range of 10-25 degrees Celsius temperature in summer and is chilly in winters.

The high point of the weather at Kanatal comes between December to February, when more than 50 inches of powdery snow flooring its grounds, creating an amazing scenario and transforming the entire area into a stunningly beautiful white wonderland. Other than the beautiful scenic vista it offers, its strategic location, on the Chamba-Mussoorie highway, also develops its prospects of becoming a major tourist spot in Uttarakhand, in the near future.

Transport

What Activities to Do...........
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