Pet-Friendly Resort in Igatpuri — Bring the Whole Family

Finding a resort that genuinely welcomes your dog — not just tolerates them with a reluctant note in the fine print — is harder than it should be. Manas Resort has been pet-friendly since well before it was a trend. With India's first resort petting zoo on-site and a purpose-built off-leash dog park, the property is designed around the idea that travel is better when your pets are part of it.

Pets stay with you in your room. There's a dedicated pet mattress, bowl service, and pet food can be ordered via room service (subject to availability). The fenced 15,000 sq ft off-leash park gives dogs room to run properly — a rarity at any resort. Handlers are experienced with animals and know how to introduce your dog to the resident pack in the petting zoo safely, if you and your pet want that interaction.

The 15,000 Sq Ft Off-Leash Dog Park

The dog park at Manas is one of the largest private off-leash spaces available at any resort in Maharashtra. Fully fenced, it gives dogs the freedom to run, sniff, explore, and interact with other dogs in a safe, supervised setting. The park is separated from the main guest areas, so non-pet-travelling guests and children who may be cautious around dogs have a clear, undisturbed space.

Park hours are structured to manage energy levels and avoid overheating — typically early morning and late afternoon sessions work best, and staff can advise on timing based on the day's weather. Fresh water and shaded rest areas are available inside the park.

Pet Therapy & Animal Interaction

Beyond the dog park, the resort's full petting zoo ecosystem creates a genuinely enriching environment for your pet and for you. Dogs can be walked through the garden paths alongside handlers. Curious pets often enjoy observing the aviary birds from a respectful distance — something handlers manage carefully to keep both the birds and visiting dogs relaxed.

For guests who don't travel with their own pet, the resort's Pet Therapy sessions — guided, calm interactions with resident dogs, rabbits, and other animals — are available as a standalone experience. Research consistently shows that animal interaction reduces cortisol and improves mood; Manas has seen this effect play out in thousands of guest visits since 1991.

Where Pets Are Welcome on the Property

Dogs are welcome on the resort's garden walkways, the off-leash park, and the exterior lawn areas near your room. Pet parents can take their dogs for morning and evening walks along the property perimeter — the views of the Sahyadri hills and the fresh mountain air make these walks a highlight for humans and dogs alike.

For the comfort of all guests, pets are not permitted in the main restaurant (Woodpecker), the spa, or the pool area. Room service brings meals to your room so you and your pet can eat together at any hour. The hotel team is experienced in managing pet logistics quietly — you won't be made to feel like an inconvenience.

In-House Photographer for Pet Moments

Manas regularly arranges complimentary photo and video sessions with the in-house photographer for pet-parent guests. The petting zoo grounds, the open lawns at golden hour, and the hill backdrop create genuinely stunning settings for portraits. Many guests leave with photographs of their dog that become their favourite images — the natural light at this elevation, especially in monsoon and winter, is exceptional.

These sessions are not guaranteed and depend on photographer availability, but the team makes a genuine effort to accommodate them, especially for guests who mention the request at check-in.

Pet Parent Etiquette & Guidelines

To ensure all guests — pet-travelling and non-pet-travelling — have a comfortable stay, a few simple guidelines apply. Pets must be leashed on paths outside the off-leash park. Owners are responsible for clearing up after their pets in all areas. Barking in room corridors at night should be managed; the resort team can advise on calming strategies if your pet is anxious in a new environment.

Aggressive dogs or pets that are visibly distressed in group settings may be asked to remain in the room or on-leash at all times, at the resort team's discretion. This is enforced gently and rarely needed — most dogs thrive in the open, green, low-traffic environment of the resort.

Rooms for Pet Families

Pet-friendly rooms are allocated on request at the time of booking. Ground-floor rooms in the Marmo Cottage range and the Koi Vista building are most convenient for pets — easier access to outdoor areas without elevator dependence. Villa rooms (Macaw and Conure) have direct access to their private sit-outs and gardens, which work well for calm, well-behaved pets. Let the team know your dog's size and temperament when booking and they'll advise on the best room match.

A nominal pet amenity charge applies per stay. This covers the pet mattress, food bowls, a welcome treat, and extra housekeeping to ensure your room is returned to standard for any subsequent guest. Rates and exact charges are confirmed at the time of booking.

Getting to Manas Resort with Your Pet

By road from Mumbai (110 km, ~2.5 hrs), Nashik (40 km, ~45 mins), or Pune (~185 km, ~3.5–4 hrs). Driving is the most practical option for pet families — it gives you control over rest stops and means your pet travels in their familiar vehicle environment. Igatpuri Railway Station is 2 km from the resort if you prefer train travel, though pet logistics on Indian trains require advance planning.