6 Must-Visit Tourist Places In Champawat

Champawat is a small town located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. Top 6 famous tourist places to visit in Champawat let us know about this amazing place. Baleshwar Temple, Nagnath Temple, and Kanteshwar Temple are three of Champawat’s most popular tourist places. Apart from the temples, Champawat is renowned for its natural beauty.The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is home to a number of ancient temples and monuments. Champawat is also known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for trekking and hiking.

Famous Tourist Place in Champawat:

Baleshwar Temple:

• Baleshwar Temple is an ancient temple located in the town of Champawat, Uttarakhand, India.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva, considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region.
• The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, and is a fine example of Kumaoni architecture.
• The temple complex comprises of a main shrine, a mandap, and several smaller shrines, all of which are intricately carved with images of gods and goddesses.

Champawat Tiger Reserve:

• This reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of animals and birds, including the Bengal tiger.
• Known for Bengal tigers and other wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and deer
• Includes a variety of plant species and rivers/waterfalls
• Managed by the Forest Department of Uttarakhand
• Open to visitors for wildlife viewing and nature photography.

Purnagiri Temple:

• This temple is situated on a hilltop and is dedicated to the goddess Purnagiri. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
• It is dedicated to the goddess Purnagiri, a form of the Hindu goddess Parvati.
• The temple is situated on a hilltop and is believed to be one of the Shakti Peethas.
• It is considered to be a sacred site for Hindu pilgrimage and visited by thousands of devotees annually.
• The temple is also known for its scenic location and views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.

Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple:

• Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple located in Champawat, Uttarakhand
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Built in the 10th century AD and is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the area.
• The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict various Hindu deities and legends.
• The temple is considered as a sacred site by Hindus and visited by thousands of devotees annually.
• it is believed that the temple has the power to cure diseases and bring prosperity.

Khirsu Temple:

• Khirsu Temple is a notable Hindu pilgrimage site situated in the Pauri Garhwal region of India.
• It is believed to have been constructed by sage Adiguru Shankaracharya, who also established other temples in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
• Also associated with Goddess Parvati, this temple is said to be thousands of years old and is renowned for its intricate carvings. Grand architectural beauty as well as fantastic views of the snow-capped Himalayan range.
• This pilgrimage site is located approximately 5 km from the small village of Khirsu in Chamawat at an altitude of 1,715 metres above sea level on Pauri road.

Martola:

• A small village located near Champawat, Martola is known for its scenic beauty and traditional houses. It is a popular spot for trekking and hiking.
• A great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
• Perfect for activities such as hiking, bird watching, and river rafting.
• Offers a chance to experience rural life and culture of the area.

Lohaghat:

• It is a small town located on the banks of Lohawati river, known for its beautiful temples and scenic beauty, situated around 50 kms from Champawat.

• It lies at a height of 1760 meters above sea level and overlooks the stunning views of the Himalayas. This village is known for its wonderful old British bungalows and deodar cedar (Himalayan Cypress) forests.

• Tikonia Balan, also known as Hindu Kharak is an ancient temple situated here in Lohaghat which was built by Kharkpal clans, who are believed to be Kshatriyas migrated from Hastinapur during Mahabharata times and settled in this place. People come here to take blessings from Kul Devi Chamunda Devi and also enjoy adventurous activities like rock-climbing.

• Eco tourism activities are taking place here with various camp sites around natural beauty and heritage sites such as lake Keshetra (which has medicinal properties), Corbett fall, Bishot patti fall, Kilbury Bird sanctuary etc for bird watching and even rafting on Saryu river up till August mountain.

Why is Champawat famous?

1. Rich Cultural and Historical Heritage: Champawat has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with a number of ancient temples and monuments that date back to the 8th century.
2. Natural Beauty: The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is known for its scenic beauty. It is a popular destination for trekking and hiking, as it is situated in the midst of the famous Kumaon Himalayas.
3. Biodiversity: Champawat district is known for its rich biodiversity, including the Bengal tiger, which can be found in the nearby Champawat Tiger Reserve.
4. Pilgrimage Site: Champawat is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, with several ancient temples like Baleshwar Temple, Purnagiri Temple, Ransi Temple, Khirsu Temple and many more.
5. Adventure Sports: The town is also a popular destination for adventure sports such as rock climbing, river rafting, paragliding, and other adventure activities.
6. Traditional Villages: The nearby traditional villages like Martola, Lohaghat, and many more are famous for its scenic beauty and traditional houses, which are a major tourist attraction.

Why is Champawat called Kali Kumaon?

• Champawat is called Kali Kumaon because of its association with the goddess Kali.
• According to people, the town was once ruled by a powerful demon king who performed human sacrifices in honor of the goddess Kali.
• The goddess Kali was pleased with these sacrifices and blessed the king with invincibility.
• The temple of goddess Kali built in Champawat is known as the Baleshwar Temple and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region.
• The temple is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures and is still visited by thousands of devotees every year.

Is Champawat a hill station?

Yes, Champawat is a Hill Station! It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests. This picturesque town is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India and makes for a perfect getaway spot with its stunning landscapes and fresh mountain air.

Mahakali River: The Mahakali river passes through Champawat making it one of the main attractions of this hill station. One can take boat rides or go for a swim in this fast-flowing river with its crystal clear water. 

Surya Mandir :This temple is situated at an elevation overlooks the district’s sprawling valleys below it and makes a great addition to sightseeing spots while you’re here. Dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God), it features intricate stone carvings that date back over centuries highlighting its grandeur while giving insight into Hindu mythology here deep rooted in the region’s culture.