Champawat, the ancient capital of the Katyuri and Chand Rajas, is an idyllic resort located in the lush Champa Valley of Kumaon. Situated at a height of 1615mtrs., it is on the road to Pithoragarh. It was at Champawat the Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared in his tortoise incarnation (Kurmavatar), hence Kumaon came to be known as Kurmanchal. Kumaon is also the legendary domain of Lord Shiva.

While the ruins of the fort and temples speak of the historical and religious importance of Champawat's past, the scenic beauty of the place is still abundant, the enjoyable.

Rail
Nearest railhead is Tanakpur : 89 km. Some of the important train connections for Tanakpur-Kathgodam are Ranikhet Express (5013/5014) and Shatabadi Express (2020).

Road 
Champawat is well connected by road to Nainital(130km), Haldwani and Tanakpur. 

Kurmanchal Tourist Hotel. 
Kamal Hotel. 
UP Tourism Accommodation

Chand Tourist Rest House (KMVN). Ph : (08524)8631 

Baleshwar Temple
This comprises a group of temples built by the early Chand Rajas and dedicated to Baleshwar, Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga. The temples have intricate carvings and painted ceilings.

Nagnath Temple
This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was devastated by Rohilla and Gorkha invaders in the 18th century. What remains are a huge carved doorway and a double-storeyed wooden structure. The Nagnath temple is an excellent example of traditional Kumaoni temple architecture.