Manas Resort is home to India's first resort petting zoo — a distinction held since 1991 when the founders introduced farm animals and birds as part of the resort experience, long before the concept became a trend. Today the petting zoo has grown into a curated, supervised habitat featuring dozens of species and over a hundred individual animals, all cared for full-time by trained handlers on the 7-acre property.
The petting zoo is exclusive to residential guests — meaning you won't find day-visitors crowding the experience. Interaction windows are scheduled during specific times of day to protect animal welfare and ensure quality encounters. A handler is present at all times, guiding guests on how to approach and interact with each species safely.
Animals You'll Meet
Dogs: A lively pack of huskies, labradors, golden retrievers, spitzes, and more. The off-leash dog park (15,000 sq ft, fenced) is where you'll find them during their active hours. If you're travelling with your own dog, they're welcome to socialise here too.
Birds: The walk-in aviary is a highlight — scarlet macaws, conures, parrots, lorikeets, cockatiels, and a variety of exotic species. Supervised bird-feeding sessions are popular with children and adults alike. The birds are accustomed to calm human interaction and many will step onto a guest's arm or hand.
Small animals: Rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets are available for gentle interaction in designated handling zones. Handlers demonstrate safe pick-up and petting techniques before you engage.
Reptiles: Iguanas, bearded dragons, and tortoises round out the collection. For many guests — especially children who've never seen these animals up close — this is a genuine moment of wonder.
Farm animals: Horses, ponies, goats, and ducks maintain the resort's farm-to-table roots. Pony rides for young children are available on request (handler-supervised, safety-first).
Pet Therapy at Manas
Beyond the standard petting zoo experience, Manas has developed what it calls Pet Therapy — a more intentional, guided session connecting guests with the calming effects of animal interaction. Research consistently shows that time spent with friendly animals lowers cortisol levels, reduces blood pressure, and improves mood. At Manas, trained staff facilitate 30–45 minute sessions where guests can sit quietly with dogs, hold small animals, or simply observe birds in the aviary.
These sessions are especially popular with corporate groups (post-meeting decompression), parents with anxious children, and solo travellers seeking a gentle reset. They are available on request and subject to handler availability.
Great for Children and Families
The petting zoo is one of the primary reasons families with young children choose Manas over other resorts in the Igatpuri area. Children who grow up in cities have limited contact with animals — a visit to the petting zoo provides genuine education disguised as delight. Seeing how animals behave, learning their names, watching a parrot speak or a tortoise eat — these are the moments children remember and recount for months.
The resort is fully fenced, so children can't wander off. Handlers are experienced with children of all ages including toddlers. Photography is encouraged; the resort's in-house photographer sometimes captures candid moments in the petting zoo for guests as a complimentary gesture.
Petting Zoo Guidelines
The petting zoo experience is designed around animal welfare as much as guest enjoyment. A few simple guidelines apply: follow handler instructions at all times; don't feed animals outside designated feeding sessions; avoid flash photography near birds; and wash hands after animal contact (sanitiser stations are provided). Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult in the interaction zones.
The petting zoo is open to registered resort guests only, during designated morning and afternoon windows. Timings are shared at check-in. Advance registration is not required, but popular sessions (bird feeding, pony rides) can fill quickly on peak weekends.
