Lohaghat
Lohaghat is a town and a nagar panchayat (Notified Area Council, N.A.C.) in Champawat district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Lohaghat is a hill station with many tourist spots around.
Lohagha | |
|---|---|
City | |
  Lohagha Location in Uttarakhand, India  Lohagha Lohagha (India) | |
| Coordinates: 29.42°N 80.10°E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| District | Champawat |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.5 km2 (1.7 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,754 m (5,755 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 7,954 |
| • Density | 1,800/km2 (4,600/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Hindi |
| • Native | Kumaoni |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Area code(s) | 05965 |
| Vehicle registration | UK 03 |
Demographics
As of the 2011 India census,[1] Lohaghat had a population of 7954. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. The literacy rate of Lohaghat city is 80%. Male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 78%. Population of children with age of 0-6 is 1057 which is 15 % of total population of Lohaghat (NP).
Tourism
Lohaghat on the banks of Lohawati River in Champawat district is one of the important places for its temples. Located at an altitude of 1754 meters, Lohaghat is 62 kilometers from Pithoragarh. This ancient town of Lohaghat has historical and mythological importance which attracts a number of tourists. Mostly devotees and pilgrims from all over drop into Lohaghat before visiting Advaita Ashram which is also called the Mayawati Ashram. A sleepy little town of Uttaranchal it shot to fame because of the temples and fascinating locales nearby.
Spread over an area of 4.5 km2, Lohaghat is one of the most popular places in Uttaranchal because of its historical and mythological associations.
Situated 13 km from Champawat, and 62 km away from Pithoragarh on way to Tanakpur. Lohaghat is close to several tourist spots in the region, Shyamla Taal, Devidhura, Gurudwara Ritha Sahib, Abbot Mount (8 km), Vanasur fort (Vanasur-Ka-Kila) (7 km), Mayawati Ashram (Advaita Ashrama) (9 km), Galchaura, Suin(Pawa), Forti village and just 01 Km from Galchaura is village kalakot, where plenty of Shivlings were found adjacent to Maa Bhagwati temple.
It is famous for Bagwal fight carnival which takes place at Devidhura (In Maa Baarahi temple) on auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan day. Devidhura is 45 km from Lohaghat.[2]
Nearby Ritha-Sahib is a famous Sikh gurudwara and sweet Rithas that are unique in the world and Pancheshwar is famous for river-rafting and adventurous sports. 20 km far from Lohaghat, there is tourist spot called Pati.
Nearest rail-head is Tanakpur Railway station is 90 km away from Lohaghat.
Tourist attractions
Mayawati Ashram – Located at a distance of 9 km from Lohaghat this is famous for the Advaita Ashram which attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
Advaita Ashrama at Mayavati is a branch center of the worldwide Ramakrishna Math and was founded in 1899 by the English-disciple couple of Swami Vivekananda, Captain and Mrs Sevier. The first head of this ashrama was Swami Swarupananda, a disciple of Swami Vivekananda. This ashrama houses the editorial office of Prabuddha Bharata a monthly English journal. There is also a charitable hospital run by this ashrama.
Abbot Mount – Situated 7 km from Lohaghat this is one of the most serene locales near Lohaghat. Spend a few moments amidst serenity in Abbot Mount.
Kolidhek lake - There is a proposed lake in Kolidhek which will be around 2 kilometers long. This lake will serve as a tourist attraction and also help in supplying water for lohaghat town. The work is in process and it will complete in couple of years.
Overview
It is a place of mythological importance, and dedicated to Hindu God, Lord Shiva. P. Barron on his visit had said,"Why go to Kashmir, if there is heaven in the world, so its in Lohaghat". This place has a historic importance as well. There are also remains of the fort of mythological demon king Banasur, who was killed by Lord Krishna.
Apart from being a favourite destination for tourists, this place is famous for its celebration of Holi and Janamashtmi. The Khadi bazaar of the town is an added attraction, and the scenic Galchaura.
Transport
The nearest railhead is at Tanakpur, approximately 90 km away. Naini Saini Airport is the nearest airport. It is about 5 km from Pithoragarh.
See also
References
- "Census of India 2011: Data from the 2011 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
- Raksha Bandhan