Pithoragarh, Uttar Pradesh

       "Miniature Kashmir" as referred, Pithoragarh is the eastern most hill district of Uttar Pradesh. Nestling in a small valley, barely 5 km long and 2 km wide, the town was an important landmark of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon and known as Saur Valley. It is situated at an altitude of 1,645 m. It is the district headquarter and it's government buildings are housed in the Hill fort of Pithoragarh at a distance of 7 km from the main town. It's population size is 22,000. It is on pilgrim road to Mt Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.

Accomodations:

• UP Govt Tourist Rest House is available besides a number of guest houses and lodges in the town.

How to reach there:
Pithoragarh is 505 km from Delhi, 215 km from Pilibhit, 188 km from Nainital, 218 km from Haldwani, 62 km from Lohaghat and 268 km from Barielly.

Rail: The nearest railway station is Tanakpur 151 km away. Kathgodam rail station is 212 km from Pithoragarh. 

Road: It is connected by a good network of roads to all parts of the state. It is connected by regular bus services of UPSRTC to all important centres in the region. 

What to see:
Ulka Devi Temple: This temple is located on a hill top and is dedicated to Ulka Devi, an aspect of Shakti. Adjacent to it is an obelisk in memory of war heroes. 

Rai Gufa: This cave provides an excellent example of queer limestone deposits. Chandak, Thal Kedar and Dhwaj are other sightseeing places. 

What to shop:
The main shopping centres in the town are Simalgair, Naya Bazar, Dharamshala, Siltham, Cinema Lines and Purana Bazar.

Tourists Info:

• Uttar Pradesh Tourism,
  Tourist Bureau, Pithoragarh.
  Tel :- (05964)-22527 
• District Information Office.
  Tel :- (05964)-22549.

Around the city:
Chaukori: This place situated at an altitude of 2,010 m is 112 km from Pithoragarh. Chaukori is famous for exciting views it offers of Panchchuli peaks. The equable climate accounts for the tea shrubs grown by locals and the fields of corn, fruit orchards and pine, oak and rhododendron trees. 

Devidhura: It is 58 km from Pithoragarh at an height of 2,500 m. This is famed for temple to Barahi Devi. Every year a joyous fair takes place on Shravan Purnima on the occasion of Raksha Bandan. 

Didihat: 54 km from Pithoragarh, it commands an unsurpassable view of Punchchuli peak. 

Gangolihat: Is an important religious centre, at a distance of 77 km from Pithoragarh. It boasts of a temple to goddess Kali. This is a venue for the fairs held annually during the Navratris. Not far from here is the idyllic village of Bhubaneshwar. It's claim to distinction rests on the underground caves of Patal Bhubaneshwar (an aspect of Shiva). 

Jauljibi: This is a significant trading centre bordering Nepal. Lying at the confluence of rivers Gori and Kali, it turns into a lively fair ground annually. It is 68 km from Pithoragarh. 

Lohaghat: situated at an altitude of 1,706 m and 62 km from Pithoragarh, it falls enroute to Tanakpur, the railhead for Pithoragarh. It once formed the part of chand dynasty. The scenery and the quietness around attract the devout and traveller alike. 

Berinag:  This place is 102 km from Pithoragarh and is situated at an altitude of 2,010. Berinag is set amidst tea gardens and is noted for grand view of Himalayas. 

Champawat: Situated 1,615 m above sea level, Champawat is 76 km from Pithoragarh. It was originally the capital of Chand Rajas of Kumaon and now is the district headquarter. It was at Champawat that Lord Vishnu is said to have appeared in Kurmavatar hence Kumaon came to be known as Kurmanchal. A small fort and the temples of Baleshwar, Champadari, Ratneshwar and Durga adorn the city. Champawat is famous not only for historical, sculptural and archaeological point of view but also for it's abundant scenic beauty. The places worth seeing near Champawat are Narsinh Danda, Hingla Devi, Hidimba Ghatotkach temple, Maneshwar, Karanteshwar and temple of Surya at village Ramak.

Abbot Mount: It is 56 km from Pithoragarh situated at an altitude of 2,001 m. It is noted for scenic grandeur and is one of Kumaon's idyllic hill resorts for a peaceful secluded holiday.

Purnagiri: Thousands of pilgrims undertake the arduous journey to this shrine, sanctified by the dropping to earth of the navel of goddess Sati, an aspect of Parvati. It is situated at an altitude of 900 m.

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