Tiffin Top in Nainital, Uttarakhand
Tiffin Top, also popularly known as Dorothy's Seat, is a stunning hilltop viewpoint perched at an altitude of 2,292 meters (7,520 feet) on Ayarpatta Hill, offering panoramic views of Nainital town and the surrounding Kumaon Himalayas.
History of Dorothy's Seat
The stone seat atop the hill was built by British Army Officer Colonel JP Hewlett in memory of his beloved wife Dorothy Hewlett, an artist who passed away. The spot became known as Tiffin Top because British families frequently trekked up the hill to eat tiffin (lunch) while admiring the alpine vista.
Trekking & Activity Guide
- Timings & Entry: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. No entry fee required.
- Horse Riding & Trek: Visitors can either enjoy a pleasant 4 km uphill trek from Tallital / Mall Road or hire horses from Bara Patthar.
- Best Photography Spots: Sunrise and sunset offer magical lighting over Naini Lake and the Himalayan peaks.
How To Reach Tiffin Top
By Air
The nearest airport of Nainital is Pantnagar, which is about 68 km from Nainital.
By Rail
The nearest railway station of Nainital is Kathgodam, which is about 34 km from Nainital.
By Road
Tiffin Top is located at a distance of about 5 km from Nainital bus stand. Here can also be reached by walk or by horseback riding.
Best Time To Visit
The journey of Tiffin Top can be done throughout the year, but the best time to visit here is between the months of October to May. Travelling here in these months is the best and enjoyable. During the winter season, the weather of here is cold. Due to snowfall on the surrounding hills in the winter season, the temperature of here goes down very much. Due to heavy rains in the rainy season, it is a bit difficult to travel of here because of heavy rains.
