11 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in India

As pet parents, we’ve canceled vacations at the wag of a tail if our pet hasn’t been able to come along. Luckily, when we planned a trip to India, we were delighted to know that it’s a very pet-friendly destination! The thought of exploring a vibrant culture and discovering this new destination was undoubtedly more exciting with the prospect of our four-legged companion by our side. Not only is it a pet-friendly nation, but we also found many options for pet-friendly hotels in India.

What’s more, we found options not just across budgets but also across different kinds of places in different states. Everywhere we went, people welcomed our ‘paw’-some friends with great enthusiasm. Plus, we got to stay at resorts, boutique hotels, B&Bs, and even houseboats! No matter where we went, the places won us and our pets over in a jiffy with their excellent locations and even better service. To that end, check out our guide to pet-friendly stays in India.

President – IHCL SeleQtions, Mumbai, Maharashtra

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The iconic President, Mumbai – IHCL Seleqtions pampered our pet to no end. This hotel sits in the chic, high-end, and serene lanes of the leafy suburb of Colaba. President offers all the usual pet amenities, such as toys, bowls, and beds. What impressed us was that they went beyond that – much, much beyond. For one, the hotel offered our pet a specially curated menu featuring delicacies like chicken steak and minced lamb risotto. All this while we enjoyed brunch at the pet-friendly, poolside HerbHouse bistro.

In fact, it has an open terrace where our pets could even get agility training under the observation of a pet trainer. While we were here, the hotel even hosted a “Canine High Tea,” where we, as pet parents, could socialize, play games, and mingle with our furry friends. All in all, we loved that the hotel’s staff was well-sensitized on how to interact with pets. And they charged an additional pet fee of 3,000 INR (36.2 USD) per pet.

We were mightily impressed by the rest of the hotel too. It not only had a swimming pool but also the Jiva Spa with its pampering spa treatments. Plus, the rooms were modern and done up very well. There are 24-hour business and fitness centers. Finally, we loved digging into specialties from Western and Southern India at the Konkan Cafe, which is decorated like a typical home in Mangalore.

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Eco Trails Houseboats, Kottayam, Kerala

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Most unique. Who said pets can’t stay in houseboats? Welcome to Eco Trails Houseboats in Kottayam, which is home to swaying palm trees, cascading waterfalls, and serene backwaters. Tucked in the southwestern part of “God’s own country,” Kerala, the place and the surroundings emanate a small-town charm and are a true rustic hidden gem. In fact, we found Kottayam to be a very pet-friendly destination, with lots of open spaces for our furry friends to run around, like rubber plantations and lush paddy fields.

Eco Trails welcomed both us and our pets with the same enthusiasm and provided our pooches with plush bedding, food, and water bowls. Since Kottayam, and Kerala, in general, is a humid region, the houseboats even had air-conditioning that made it easy for our pets to adapt to the humid and hot climate. What’s more, they allow not one but two dogs of any size to stay in each room, and that too without any additional fee!

Besides our rooms, we could hang out on the main balcony of the houseboat, which also has a seating area, a dining area, and free Wi-Fi! Our days began with vegetarian/Asian/continental breakfasts, and we’d spend our days riding bicycles, going on walking and fishing tours, and even picnicking near a waterfall.

The Mandrem House, Goa

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What’s a holiday in India without heading to Goa, right? After all, it’s one of the most visited cities in India. Welcome to the Mandrem House, Goa, which also welcomes pets of all shapes and sizes! This charming villa was perfect for our group holiday along with our pets and is surrounded by gardens and mango orchards. We’d sunbathe by the pool⁠ while our pets scampered around to their hearts’ content. Not only is the four-bedroom villa home to more than 30 60-year-old mango trees, but it’s also home to some 15 species of butterflies. Plus, Mandrem Beach is hardly a five-minute walk away, where we could take our pets for a game or out for a run. All this for no extra pet fees or charges – woof woof!

“Since we were a large group of 12 people (which is as much as the villa’s capacity), we enjoyed our stay to the hilt. What made it all the better is that there was no additional charge for pets.”

WOW Travel

The rest of the villa was equally amazing for us pet parents, complete with a patio and a private pool, as mentioned earlier. Free Wi-Fi and free parking aside, the villa also had a satellite flat-screen TV, two luxe bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a terrace with mountain views.

Another pet-friendly property in Goa, the Arco Iris Homestay, also happens to be one of the best hotels in Goa, India.

The Den Corbett Resort and Spa, Uttarakhand

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Most versatile pet-cation. Since we love safaris, the Three-Day Jim Corbett National Park Tour is one of the most thrilling adventures we indulged in India. That didn’t mean that we left our four-legged companions behind; it only meant that we stayed at the amazing Den Corbett Resort and Spa. It lay just 20 minutes from the entry to the Dhikala Zone, which is the most sought-after primary zone of this national park.

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We were swept off our feet by the hospitality and amenities here. First of all, this Himalayan resort in the Himalayas welcomes pets of all shapes and sizes. What’s more, there was even a pet-friendly menu for our “pawsome” friends, complete with veggies, steamed rice, and chicken. Heck, they even got an interesting breakfast platter with peanut butter and mashed banana! When we weren’t on safaris, we’d head to the pet play area, where our doggies would be entertained with games and treats. However, what truly impressed us was that they didn’t charge anything for our pets!

We had a grand time at the property, which offered excellent and spacious accommodation and a restaurant that served vegetarian meals, with the exception of a few egg dishes. But we had nothing to complain about, and it’s one of the best resorts we’ve stayed with our pets.

Foothill Pushkar Resort, Pushkar, Rajasthan

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India is a land of temples, and the state of Rajasthan has some of the grandest temples we’ve ever seen. The Hindu pilgrimage town of Pushkar, which is located four hours south of the capital Jaipur, is particularly known for its timeless temples. It’s here that we found the ultimate lush luxurious stay at the Foothill Pushkar Resort, which allowed us to glamp in style – with our pets! It’s one of the best pet-friendly resort properties in India that allows us to stay with our furry companions and that too without any extra fees. However, we did have to inform them about getting our pets in advance.

Thanks to the spacious verandah and the open land to run around in, our pets had a ball staying here. What made it all the better was that the owners themselves are proud parents to a couple of Labradors and some cats! So, our doggo even had company while exploring this new place. We also took the pets to the Pushkar Ghats and indulged in an interesting village safari experience.

The rooms here are very interesting in the form of large but very comfortable tents, complete with four-poster beds, seating areas, and luxe attached bathrooms. They also had flatscreen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and minibars, while other amenities offered at the property include a ton of activities and games, dry cleaning, and a tour desk.

Della Resorts, Lonavala, Maharashtra

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The designer Della Resorts in Lonavala lies a mere four-hour drive from the financial capital of Mumbai. Our pet had a whale of a time here, enjoying what was a truly adventurous holiday. This sprawling pet-friendly hotel in a picturesque location went above and beyond to make our pets’ stay comfortable. For one, they provided food and water, bowls, and blankets. What’s more, they also served special meals for our furry four-legged friends. But what our doggies really loved was the access to the massive verdant gardens, which had not one or two, but multiple swimming pools.

We even enjoyed an outdoor dining experience with our pooch and called for their dog-walking services when we were off doing human adventures. For all this, they don’t have any additional charges for pets. All they asked us pet owners was to keep them away from the restaurants and the pool, which is fair enough. Did you know that Della Resorts also adopts and shelters rescue dogs? Yes!

Since we wanted adventure, we chose the tent-style but luxurious accommodations, which even allowed us to enjoy bonfires and barbecues with our pets by our side.

The Elgin Darjeeling Heritage Resort & Spa, West Bengal

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We’re now headed east to the wonderful Elgin Darjeeling Heritage Resort & Spa in the scenic West Bengal hill station. All Elgin hotels are pet-friendly, and the Darjeeling outpost is no exception. Lillian, the in-house doggo, was very excited to welcome our four-legged friends and her companions-to-be. While we had to take care of our pets and their food, the staff was more than happy to help out with special requests that we had for our pooch. And, of course, they didn’t charge a rupee for our pets to stay here with us.

Tucked 6,000 feet high up in the Eastern Himalayas, this 125-year-old resort is the former summer palace of the King of Cooch Behar. Staying here was a joy for us – and our Instagram feed – as the hotel blends the grandeur of the colonial era with the elegance of modern staying. The hotel had gardens where our pets could frolic around joyfully, and the terrace was perfect for breakfasts. What’s more, all rooms came with garden and mountain views, seating areas, flatscreen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Wrapping up the amenities were the onsite restaurant that served various cuisines, a bar, and a tea lounge.

The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa, Sohna, Haryana

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Best pet package. Located just two hours from India’s capital city of Delhi, the Westin Sohna Resort and Spa was the epitome of modern luxurious living for our pets. And it’s easy to see why! The entire property comprises just 97 opulent villas and rooms nestled amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. When we checked in, our pets received a pet menu with all of their canine favorites. What’s more, they had a plethora of amenities already ready in villas, including pet hampers, treats, bowls, and plush pet beds. In fact, the resort even offers a special ‘Pawfect Petcation’ package that includes complimentary meals and pet-sitting services for all furry friends.

We loved staying at this Westin property for more reasons than one. While our pets loved running around the landscaped gardens, we’d enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or a relaxing massage at the indoor spa. Moreover, all elegant villas came with flatscreen TVs, living areas, Westin’s “Heavenly Beds,” and deep soaking bathtubs in the bathrooms. Besides a fantastic poolside eating venue, the hotel also has a 24*7 restaurant and a signature restaurant serving authentic Chinese dishes. Meditation and yoga classes and a well-equipped fitness center wrap up the amenities here.

A Dog’s Story – Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

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The popular hill station of Mussoorie, around six hours from Delhi, is known for its laidback appeal and scintillating charm. So, we were very excited to explore this hilly escape that’s famously known as the ‘Queen of Hills,’ complete with majestic views of the snow-capped Himalayas and the famed Doon Valley. This is where A Dog’s Story lies, where pets get to experience Mussoorie’s royal lifestyle. We were given a warm welcome with drinks and garlands as we were led to landscaped gardens where our pets could frolic around. Later on, they even gave our pets separate plush beds, individual food bowls, and even a basket of toys for them to play with! If all that wasn’t enough, there was a chef who was ever-ready to prepare our pet’s favorite meals on demand.

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As our pets enjoyed, we’d enjoy swimming in and lounging by the swimming pool. Once settled, we’d even take our pets out to play catch and explore the nearby trails. We loved the rooms here, complete with mountain and garden views, free Wi-Fi, a patio, and continental breakfasts served every day.

RAAS Devigarh, Udaipur, Rajasthan

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We’re back in Rajasthan; this time, we’re at RAAS Devigarh, which lies in the imposing Aravalli Hills. This former 18th-century palace hotel was built originally by the great Maharana Pratap, the king of Mewar. All of the hotel’s rooms are suites, which makes for a very unique stay. However, what we liked was that some of them come with a private garden, which was ideal for our pooch. While we relaxed and watched TV, they’d scamper around in the garden. Moreover, the resort even provided special meals for our pets whenever we requested them. And the best bit? They didn’t charge any fees for their stay.

The resort is an exemplary example of Rajput architecture from the era. We took a tour with a staff member who showed us hidden balconies and courtyards. Meanwhile, we enjoyed the comfort of modern amenities such as the heated pool and spa, which were the perfect respite from the heat of Rajasthan. Multiple dining venues, a hot tub, and a billiard room complete the amenities.

Four Season’s Hotel, Mumbai, Maharashtra

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Most luxurious. Located in the heart of the city, Four Seasons, Mumbai, is our top choice for a luxurious staycation with our pooch in India. This chic, pet-friendly hotel, which is located in the heart of Mumbai, was the perfect home away from home for us and our four-legged companion. The expert service team went out of their way to provide excellent service for our pets and make them comfortable. This included not just giving them toys, beds, bowls, and meals but also pet food. What’s more, the pet food even included homemade meals as well as packaged options, depending on what we wanted. Their pet policy says that we could get one pet weighing 15 kg (33 lbs) in the room for 1,750 INR per pet per night. Their only stipulation was that we had to keep our pets away from the hotel’s restaurant and bar and the poolside.

The rest of this tranquil haven was equally fantastic and full of sincere Indian hospitality. Besides the comfy rooms that offered sweeping views of the city, the hotel also has a long list of amenities. It has an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa. We especially loved the steam bath, ice fountain, and the Ayurvedic treatments at the spa. Rounding up the amenities are a restaurant and wine bar, babysitting, and concierge services.

Our Verdict!

While we love all the hotels on this list, here is a more specialized list to help you choose where to head to.

• Most unique: Eco Trails Houseboats, Kottayam, Kerala
• Most versatile pet-cation: The Den Corbett Resort And Spa, Uttarakhand
• Best pet package: The Westin Sohna Resort And Spa, Sohna, Haryana
• Most luxurious: Four Season’s Hotel, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Where To Stay in India with Your Pet?

On the whole, India is becoming a pet-friendly destination, and the number of places that are pet-friendly is only growing. When it comes to where to stay in India with our pet, there are a fair number of destinations spanning the length and width of the country. We begin with Goa, which is a beautiful blend of Portuguese and Indian culture. Adding to the vibe of this pocket-sized paradise is the addition of the sun, the sand, the seafood, and the sea. In fact, Goa has many non-traditional hotels, a.k.a. homestays, and guesthouses, that welcome your four-legged companions.

Next, there’s Kerala, a.k.a. God’s own country, which is all about open, green spaces dotted by lush backwaters and swaying palm trees. This laidback state is a true pet-friendly paradise. When you want to do luxury, no city does it as amazingly as Mumbai and Delhi do. The national capital and the financial capital of the country are home to some of the swankiest stays that welcome pets. Finally, there’s the gorgeous state of Rajasthan with places like Pushkar and Udaipur, which is all about heritage luxury in the middle of the desert – along with your pet.

If you’re traveling to India, check out this list of the best India travel guidebooks.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants / Bars in India

• Woodside Inn, Mumbai: This place is a very popular go-to choice for extraordinary Sunday brunches, besides also being fabulously pet-friendly. What we like is that till 6 p.m. between Mondays and Fridays, we’re allowed to carry pet food along and feed it to our four-legged companions at the bar.
• Puppychino, New Delhi: Take your puppy along to this amazing place when you need a sweet treat. Not only do they have gluten-free choices, but the treats at this flighty bistro are very yummy. Did you know they even make doggie cakes? Yes!

Pet-Friendly Activities In India

• Yari Road Pet Park, Mumbai: This extremely popular pet park is one of Mumbai’s most popular parks and makes for a secure, clean, and safe environment. What’s more, it hosts regular awareness drives and events with the objective of promoting happy lives for all furry fellas.
• Off The Leash, Gurgaon: This park/cafe in New Delhi’s Gurgaon is owned by true-blue pooch lovers, and that’s why it’s the perfect place to go with our pets! The place is filled with warmth and a fabulous staff, along with a full roster of activities for your pooch. These range from pools where they can take a splash to playing fetch with the ball. There’s even a cafe where you can go with your pooch and satiate your hunger pangs.

Best Pet Stores In India

• Ohh My Dog: Having been founded way back in 1957, this well-established pet shop is a one-stop destination for all pet lovers. Not only do they sell a wide variety of products for pets of all kinds, but also they have a pet cafe where owners can plan fun activities for their pets.