Tiffin Top / Dorothy’s Seat

Tiffin Top also known as Dorothy’s Seat situated at a distance of 5 km from Tallital Bus Stand, Tiffin Top also known as Dorothy’s Seat is located in Ayarpatta Hill of Nainital. This is the second highest peak in Nainital after China Peak. Situated at an altitude of about 2,290 m, Tiffin Top is a famous vantage point in the scenic hill station of Nainital. It is one of the most famous among Nainital places to visit. It is also one of the best places for short trekking in Nainital. This place is named after Dorothy Kellet, an English Painter, who died in a plane crash. Tiffin Top is a stonework bench built in the memory of Dorothy Kellet by her husband J.P. Kellet. This was the place where she used to sit and paint the beautiful town and its surroundings. Later, it started becoming a famous picnic spot for the Rajas who ruled this place and hence was officially converted into a picnic spot and locally named Tiffin top which denotes packed food consumed during the day.

Tiffin Top is a very popular picnic spot and is sought after by aspiring painters and photographers who want to capture the scenic beauty of the hills. It commands an excellent view of the Himalayas as well as the neighboring country side. An early morning view from this place is beautiful, when the sun rays fall and lighten every corner of Nainital.

Tourists have to trek for about 4 km to reach this viewpoint. The access to this beautiful picnic spot crawls along a hill pathway and present a scenic view of Himalayas. The trekking from the road point takes about 2 hours (two-way). Travellers can also choose to take a ride on horse-back to reach Tiffin Top. Charges for hiring a pony range between Rs.500 and 700. Horse riding is another important attraction for tourists in Nainital . Horses can be hired at Barapatthar . Several tourist use horses as their transport mode to visit the different peaks of Nainital. Horse Riding is now strictly prohibited inside the Nainital town.