Igatpuri Resorts: Why Manas Resort with Petting Zoo Is the One to Book

When people search for Igatpuri resorts, they are usually after one thing: a green, cool, unhurried escape from the city that is close enough to reach in a morning's drive. Igatpuri — tucked into the Sahyadri hills of Nashik district, right off the Mumbai–Nashik highway — delivers exactly that. And within Igatpuri, one address does it in a way no other can: Manas Resort with Petting Zoo, India's first petting zoo resort, welcoming guests since 1989.

This guide is written for anyone weighing up where to stay in Igatpuri. Rather than list a dozen options, we will be honest about what actually matters when you book a resort here — and show you where Manas Resort quietly leads.

Why travellers choose Igatpuri

Igatpuri sits at roughly 600 metres above sea level, which is why the air turns noticeably cooler the moment you climb the Kasara Ghat. It is one of the greenest pockets within a two-hour radius of Mumbai, blanketed in mist through the monsoon and lined with waterfalls, lakes and trekking trails. For a weekend, it offers what a hill station should: quiet, temperature drop, and views that make you put your phone down.

What actually matters when you pick a resort in Igatpuri

Not every stay is created equal. Before you book, weigh these five things — they are what separate a good Igatpuri trip from a forgettable one:

• Something to do on-site. Igatpuri's attractions are spread out. A resort with its own activities means you are never bored between drives.
• Space and greenery. Cramped properties defeat the purpose. Lawns, trees and open sky are the whole point.
• A proper pool. After a warm drive up, a good pool is non-negotiable.
• Family and pet friendliness. If you travel with kids — or a dog — this decides everything.
• Easy access. The closer to the highway, the less of your weekend you lose to the last few kilometres.

Manas Resort with Petting Zoo — the Igatpuri resort that has all five

Here is where Manas Resort stands apart. It is the only resort in Igatpuri built around a full petting zoo — an experience you simply cannot get anywhere else in the region.

1. India's first petting zoo, right on the property

Guests can meet and gently interact with a friendly cast of animals and birds — from ponies and rabbits to parrots, iguanas and more. For children it is unforgettable; for adults it is a rare, calming way to spend an afternoon. This single feature is why families return to Manas Resort year after year.

2. An infinity pool with a waterfall

The infinity pool, complete with a kids' pool and waterfall feature, looks out over the greenery. It is the kind of pool you plan a weekend around.

3. Thirty years of lush lawns

Manas Resort has been growing its gardens since 1989. The result is mature, genuinely green grounds — space for kids to run, for morning walks, and for events under the open sky.

4. Genuinely pet-friendly by design

Because animals are part of the resort's identity, Manas Resort is pet-friendly by design — your own dog is welcome to enjoy the lawns and open space alongside you.

5. Easy access off the highway

Manas Resort is easy to reach via NH3 and the Kasara Ghat, so you spend your weekend at the resort — not hunting for it.

Who Manas Resort is perfect for

Families: the petting zoo, kids' pool and indoor–outdoor games keep every age group happy. Couples: quiet lawns, a scenic pool and relaxed dining make for an easy romantic reset. Groups and companies: banquet lawns and meeting facilities handle celebrations and offsites with room to spare.

How to book

The best rates are always direct. Choose your dates, pick a villa or cottage, and get in touch with the resort to lock in your stay. For a weekend in Igatpuri that your family will actually remember, there is really only one address worth booking.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best resort in Igatpuri?

For families and anyone wanting on-site experiences, Manas Resort with Petting Zoo is the standout — it is India's first petting zoo resort, with an infinity pool, lush lawns and easy highway access.

Is there a resort in Igatpuri with a petting zoo?

Yes — Manas Resort with Petting Zoo is the only resort in Igatpuri built around a full petting zoo, home to friendly animals and birds guests can meet.

How far is Igatpuri from Mumbai?

Igatpuri is roughly a two-hour drive from Mumbai via the Mumbai–Nashik highway and Kasara Ghat, making it one of the easiest true hill escapes from the city.

Is Manas Resort good for kids?

Very. The petting zoo, kids' pool and range of indoor and outdoor games are built with children in mind.