Champawat, the capital of the Chand dynasty from the tenth to the sixteenth century, is rich in culture and history. It is most famous now for its temples, many of which are remnants of the Chand dynasty. According to Indian legend, Lord Vishnu made his appearance here as “Kurmavatar,” a tortoise. The temples’ architecture is remarkable and a testament to the artistry and complexity of the artists of that era. The most important of these is the Lord Shiva-focused Nagnath Temple. One of the best examples of Kumaon architecture is the well-known temple. The Baleshwar Temple, which honors Lord Shiva, is another notable temple. Another sacred location nearby is Kranteshwar Mahadev, which is among the most revered in the area. Known as Kurmapad or Kandev, this Lord Shiva temple is situated on a hilltop east of It. A magnificent example of architecture other than a temple is the Ek Hathiya Ka Naula. Approximately 5 kilometers from there, Ek Hathiya Ka Naula is a stunning example of hand-carved stonework, reportedly constructed in a single night by a lone craftsman. Princess Champawati, the daughter of King Arjun Deo, who ruled the area and had his capital here, is credited by the locals with giving Champawat its name. Legend has it that the Hindu epic Mahabharata has a reference to it. Encircled by verdant tea gardens that yield some of the best teas in the area, the busy town serves as the administrative center for the district.
Best time to visit:
It is pleasant year-round, except in monsoons. It’s covered in snow in winter.
