Manas Resort Igatpuri: Inside India's First Petting Zoo Resort

Some resorts are a place to sleep. Manas Resort with Petting Zoo in Igatpuri is a place to experience. Set across mature, green grounds in the Sahyadri hills — and welcoming guests since 1989 — it holds a distinction no other property in the region can claim: it is India's first petting zoo resort.

If you are planning a stay and want to know exactly what you are booking, here is the full picture.

A resort with a story since 1989

Manas Resort was not built overnight. Its lawns have been growing for over three decades, which is why the grounds feel established, shaded and genuinely lush — not freshly landscaped. That history is part of the charm: you are staying somewhere with roots.

The petting zoo — the heart of Manas

The petting zoo is what makes Manas Resort unmistakably itself. Guests can meet and gently interact with a friendly cast of animals and birds. For children it is pure wonder; for adults it is an unexpectedly calming, hands-on break from screens and schedules. It is the single reason so many families make Manas Resort an annual tradition.

Rooms, villas and cottages

Accommodation ranges from comfortable cottages to signature villas, each designed to blend nature with modern comfort. Wake to birdsong and green views, with the space and quiet that a hill escape should offer.

The infinity pool with a waterfall

The resort's infinity pool — complete with a dedicated kids' pool and a waterfall feature — is a highlight of any stay. It is the kind of pool where an afternoon disappears happily.

Dining under the trees

Meals at Manas Resort lean into the setting — wholesome buffets, al fresco options and a relaxed poolside bar where evenings slow down. Live music on weekends adds to the atmosphere.

Space for every occasion

Beyond family holidays, the resort's lush lawns and banquet facilities make it a natural choice for destination weddings, celebrations and corporate offsites — all with the same green backdrop and on-site experiences.

Getting there

Manas Resort is easy to reach off NH3 via the Kasara Ghat, roughly two hours from Mumbai. The short, scenic climb up the ghat is part of the arrival experience.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Manas Resort special?

It is India's first petting zoo resort — a full petting zoo on the property, alongside an infinity pool, lush lawns and comfortable villas, welcoming guests since 1989.

Where is Manas Resort located?

In Igatpuri, in the Sahyadri hills of Nashik district, Maharashtra — about a two-hour drive from Mumbai via the Kasara Ghat.

Is Manas Resort suitable for families?

Yes. The petting zoo, kids' pool and indoor–outdoor games make it one of the most family-friendly stays near Mumbai.

Can I host a wedding or event at Manas Resort?

Yes — the lawns and banquet facilities host destination weddings, celebrations and corporate offsites.