Iconic Dorothy's Seat in Nainital Collapses After Landslide

Dorothy's Seat, a key tourist spot in Nainital also known as Tiffin Top, has collapsed due to a landslide triggered by heavy rain. No casualties were reported. The famous site, built by Colonel Kellett in memory of his wife, offered panoramic views and was a favorite among visitors.

Dorothy's Seat, Nainital's renowned tourist attraction also known as Tiffin Top, has buckled after a landslide spurred by torrential rains. There were no casualties reported from the incident.

The collapse occurred around 11 pm on Tuesday, filling the town with a resonating crash as large boulders tumbled down, according to sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Pramod Kumar. Officials noted that deep fissures had formed in the hill leading to Tiffin Top, causing Dorothy's Seat—a circular terrace perched atop a flight of stairs with a bench—to fracture.

A local tea shop owner, Dinesh Suntha, revealed he was alerted to the landslide by his nephew Ashutosh, who was asleep inside the shop at the time. Built by British Army officer Colonel Kellett in memory of his late wife, Dorothy's Seat stood at 2,290 meters and offered stunning vistas of the lake town and the Himalayas, making it a preferred destination for both locals and tourists.

(With inputs from agencies.)