Tiffin Top is a famous viewpoint located on Ayarpatta Hill in Nainital. It is the second most prominent peak in Nainital after China Peak, making it more popular among tourists. Situated at an altitude of 2,290 m, Tiffin Top offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the fantastic town of Nainital, the Himalayan range and even the boundary of neighbouring country. Also known as Dorothy’s Seat, the place is well-known among artists like painters, photographers and philosophers. The beautiful landscape view of Nainital town occasionally inspires many people who want to take artistic paths for their future. Tiffin Top is also known among locals as one of the best picnic spots in Nainital, as the top has a manicured lawn where people can sit and enjoy some quality time with their loved ones. To reach the top you must hike or take a pony ride, adding an element of adventure.
Tiffin Top: From Artistic Inspiration To Romantic Picnic Paradise
Tiffin Top was originally known as Dorothy’s Seat, which was named after Dorothy Kellet, an English female artist. Dorothy died in a plane crash, and hence, in her memory, her husband built Dorothy’s Seat, where she used to sit and paint.
She used to draw beautiful landscapes in the cityscape and find inspiration for her different masterpieces. Thus, the place holds a significant thought behind its creation, making it more popular among couples and romantic people.
Also Read: Places To Visit in Nainital
Tiffin Top: A Famous Picnic Spot
Earlier, when Rajas of India ruled Nainital, people started to eat day lunches at the top of Dorothy’s Seat, from which the spot got its present name, Tiffin Top. This name translates as “a place to enjoy a picnic atop a clifftop while enjoying tiffin”. Presently, the spot is the best picnic spot in Nainital, where you can sit and relax while enjoying the packed food with your family and friends.
To reach the top of the Tiffin Top, you have to climb a small trek of 3 km, which is beginner’s level and does not need pre-preparation. If you don’t want to trek, you can always take the pony or horse ride to the top, which is reasonably chargeable. It is a perfect spot for weekends as you can admire the natural beauty of Nainital, which is backdropped by the Himalayan range. The best time for a picnic is during the daytime when the weather is clear and bright and allows human’s naked eyes to be bejewelled by Nainital’s beauty.
Places To Visit Near Tiffin’s Top
Various noteworthy tourist attractions surround Tiffin Top. Here is a list of destinations that combine natural and cultural diversity.
1. Pt. GB Pant High Altitude Zoo
Image Credit: Slyronit for wikimedia commons
Officially named Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo Nainital is the one and only zoo of Uttarakhand. It is also known as Nainital Zoo, which opened to the public in 1995. The zoo is located at a high altitude, offering a favourable habitat for most of the animals and birds living there. Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, and Tibetan wolf are some of the animals you will see at Nainital Zoo.
Distance: 5.3 km
Timings: 10 am–5 pm
Related Posts: Nainital In Summer
2. St. John In The Wilderness
Image Credit: Praveen Singh Bisht for wikimedia commons
St. John in the Wilderness is a beautiful church located in the forests of Nainital. It is surrounded by various deodar trees, which increases its significance among Christian preachers. The church’s architecture is unique and ancient, providing a perfect example of 19th-century-style churches.
Distance: 1.6 km
Timings: 9 am–5 pm
3. Land’s End
Image Credit: Tanbatra for wikimedia commons
Land’s End is a popular picnic spot in Nainital. The place is located such that it almost feels like it is the last part of land on the earth. You can reach it here via a small trek, or you can also take a horse ride to reach the top of the viewpoint.
Distance: 0.3 km
Timings: 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Related Posts: Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
4. Naini Lake
Image Credit: Skalvanov for wikimedia commons
Naini Lake is the heart of Nainital, offering religious and natural significance to the town. The lake is known to have been made when the eye of “Sati” fell here while Lord Shiva was taking her body with him after her death. This made the lake so famous and now is a popular tourist attraction where people enjoy boating and peace.
Distance: 4.5 km
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
You May Also Like To Read: Places To Visit In Almora
Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy’s Seat, is the second highest viewpoint in Nainital after China Peak. One can get a bird’s eye view of the whole Nainital town, along with famous points of the Himalayan range such as Nanda Devi peak. Also known as the best picnic spot in Nainital, Tiffin Top is renowned among families and couples alike, as they get to spend some quality time with their loved ones while enjoying a beautiful view and fresh air. Tiffin Top is a must-see place to visit on your next trip to Uttarakhand if you want to enjoy nature with adventure all at once.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Amn. amain for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiffin Top
What is the altitude of Tiffin Top?
Tiffin Top is located at an altitude of 2,290 metre above sea level in Nainital. It is a very famous vintage point offering a panoramic view of the whole town.
What is the best time to visit Tiffin Top?
The best time to visit Tiffin Top is between 8 am to 5.30 pm, as during this time of the day, the weather is mostly clear, offering a better view of the whole Nainital town.
How much does horse riding at Tiffin Top cost?
Generally a horse ride at Tiffin Top ranges between INR 500 to INR 700. The ride can easily be booked at the bus stand or you can also get it from Mall Road.
How long is Tiffin Top trek?
The trek of Tiffin Top is around 7 kms and takes around 2-3 hours to reach the top by a beginner trekker. You can also take a horse ride if you are not an avid climber.
What is the meaning of the name Tiffin Top?
Tiffin Top was the name given by the locals when they started having day lunches at Dorothy's Top. Hence, the name Tiffin Top was acknowledged by the government as well.
People Also Read:
Places To Visit In Uttarakhand Things To Do In Uttarakhand Offbeat Places In Uttarakhand
With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!
