Champawat District is located in the eastern part of Uttarakhand and covers an area of 1,781 sq. km. It shares its borders with Nepal in the east, Pithoragarh and Almora districts in the west, and Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts in the south. The district is divided into 4 Blocks, 7 Teshils (5 Teshils, 2 Sub-Tehsils) consisting of 313 gram panchayats, and 717 villages administratively.

From its stunning landscapes to its rich heritage, Champawat offers a unique and diverse range of tourism opportunities that are sure to delight any traveler. Over the years, different dynasties have ruled the area, including the Chand dynasty and the British Empire, leaving behind significant remnants of their respective reigns that now serve as tourist attractions. The historical pillars, monuments, rest houses, manuscripts, archaeological collections, and folklore are testimony to the historical significance of Champawat.

This district was a part of Almora district until 1972 and later became part of Pithoragarh district. In 1997, it was designated an autonomous district.

Legend has it that Kurmavtar, the turtle incarnation of Lord Vishnu, occurred in this city. The city of Champawat is famous for its temples, which date back to the reign of the Chand dynasty in the 10th century. These temples are the finest examples of Kumaon architecture. Champawat is also mentioned in the Mahabharata, as per folklore. The town finds its significance in history as an epitome of the origin of culture and religion in the Uttarakhand region. This place is considered to be the home of Nagas and Kinnars, as mentioned in Hindu mythology.

The city was originally named Champavati, derived from its location on the banks of the Champavati stream. Locals also suggest that this historical town was named after Princess Champawati, the daughter of King Arjun Deo, who ruled the region and had his capital here.

Under the Chand dynasty that Som Chand established, Champawat served as the Kumaon Kingdom's capital between the 10th and 16th centuries. During this time, the city witnessed the construction of numerous temples and ancient monuments, which are prominent tourist attractions today. Two of the prominent temples, the Baleshwar and Nagnath temples, were built in this city during this period. This was also the period when learning and new forms of painting were developed.

The district has a predominantly rural population, with agriculture being the primary occupation. The culture of Champawat is a vibrant mix of Kumaoni and Nepali traditions, which can be seen in the locals' attire, music, dance, and food.

Champawat is a region steeped in history and heritage, with a wealth of attractions for tourists and history buffs alike. From its ancient temples and monuments to its lush tea plantations, this district is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.