Didihat

Didihat
—  town  —
Didihat Location of Didihat in Uttarakhand and India
Coordinates	29°58′N 80°09′E / 29.97°N 80.15°E / 29.97; 80.15Coordinates: 29°58′N 80°09′E / 29.97°N 80.15°E / 29.97; 80.15
Country	India
State	Uttarakhand
District(s)	Pithoragarh
Population	4,805 (2001[update])
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 1,725 metres (5,659 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 262551

Didihat is a town and a nagar panchayat in Pithoragarh district in the state of Uttarakhand, India.

Etymology

Didihat is named after Kumauni language word 'Dand' means a small hillock.

Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census,^[1] Didihat had a population of 4805. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Didihat has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84% and, female literacy is 75%. In Didihat, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

History

Historically this region was ruled by feudal Raika Malla kings of Sirakot. Till the time of King Hari Malla, this region was under Doti Kingdom of Nepal. Later on in 1449 AD at the time of Chand dynasty ruler Bharti Chand, this region came under the control of Chand rulers, when his son Ratna Chand defeated Raikas of Doti. Still today some remnants of ancient fort and temples are present to tell the tale. Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary is administratively situated in Didihat Tehsil.

Clear view of Himalayan snow capped peaks is observed from this place, especially Panchachuli and Trishuli. Didihat is famous for ancient Shirakot Temple of Lord Malay Nath, built by Raika Kings. Nearby ten km from here, Narayan Swamy Ashram at Narayan Nager is worth visiting. Regional Headquarter of ITBP is situated at Merthi at 6 km from Didihat. Didihat falls on the pilgrimage route to Kailash Mansarovar.

Geography

Didihat is a deep Himalayan tourist destination situated 54 km from Pithoragarh. The small hilly town is full of pure natural beauty with lush green flora at an altitude of 1725 m. Didihat is situated on the hill top plain of 'Digtarh' and river Charamgad or Bhadigad streaming below. Below the town there is a fertile 'Haat valley'. In Didihat the famous temple (mandir) is known as Sirakot (Malaynath Mandir) of Lord Shiva (Bholenath). The another famous mandir is situated in the top hill of the nanpaupu village is well known as dechula.

About 53km from didihat, the small hilly town Berinag is well known for its pure natural beauty. Berinag is well known for its nag mandirs. One small tea garden also there. The one of the most famous gufa is known as "Pataal Bhuwneshwar", this is related to "Pandavas" dwaparyug.Didihat is under pithoragarh district in uttarakhand.

Administration

Administratively it is a tehsil and subdivision of the Pithoragarh district. Tehsil Didihat is divided into three developmental blocks—Didihat, Kanalichhina, and Berinag.

References

1. ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved 2008-11-01. 

External links

• Didihat, Official website