Champawat (Average altitude 1610 M) is a town with a population of 3958 and under a nagar panchayat as well as the administrative headquarters of Champawat district. The district was named after Champawati, the daughter of King Arjun Deo and in 1997 Champawat was given the status of an independent district.  

Mythologically, the people are in belief that the Kurmavtar (the turtle incarnation of Lord Vishnu) took place here.
Champawat was formerly the capital of the Chand dynasty rulers. The Baleshwar Temple built by the Chand rulers in 16th century is an excellent monument with marvelous stone carving works. Champawat was home to the Champawat Tiger. The fame of Kumaon natural beauty is known and Champawat is no exception. With rolling green hills and verdant forests, the rural beauty of the region lies in the hamlets dotting the hillsides with terraced farming. Pleasant climate with natural springs and streams meander through the landscape forming picturesque scenery. Adventure sports, beautiful trekking trails, hidden ancient temples and abundant unique flora and fauna can be explored and enjoyed in Champawat.

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.