Some trips are for friends, some are for family, but a trip with your furry best friend is a whole new level of fun. When we go on vacation, it can be hard to leave our pets behind because they are such a big part of our families. The good news is that you don’t have to! More and more places in India are welcoming pets, and more hotels, cafes, and other places will treat your pet like a VIP.
But it can be hard to travel with your pets for the first time. It takes more planning and thought, but it’s totally worth it to see your pet run free on a beach or hike up a mountain trail. It’s not only possible to plan a great trip, but it’s also easy with the right information.
We made a list of the best places in India for pets and their owners to go together. This will help you get started.
Before You Leave: Quick Tips for Taking Your Pet with You
Before you even leave the house, you need to plan a successful trip with your pet. Here are some important things to remember:
- Go to the vet: Make sure your pet gets a full check-up and all of their shots are up to date. Some places may ask for a fitness-to-travel certificate from your vet.
- Plan how you’ll get there: Taking a car is often the easiest way to travel with pets. You need to book a First Class cabin if you’re taking the train. Airlines like Air India let small pets ride in the cabin on flights, but other airlines have their own rules for pet cargo.
- Put together a bag of pet supplies: Make sure to bring your pet’s food, water bowl, favorite toys, leash, bedding, a first-aid kit, and a lot of poop bags.
- Call Ahead: Even if the hotel or resort’s website says they are pet-friendly, you should always call them directly to make sure. Find out about any rules, extra fees, or areas that are off-limits.
The 10 Best Places in India for Pets
“Let’s now look at the amazing places you and your best friend can go!”
1. Kottayam, Kerala: The Secret of the Backwater
Alleppey gets a lot of attention, but Kottayam, a quieter, less well-known town nearby, is a paradise in the Kerala backwaters. It’s a great place to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the area with your pet.
Why Your Pet Will Love It:
- The one-of-a-kind experience of staying on a houseboat that allows pets.
- Having a picnic or going for a walk near one of the many lovely waterfalls.
- The calmness of the fishermen’s homes along the banks.
Suggestions:
- Eco Trails Houseboats, Lake Palace Family Resort, and Green Garden Holiday Homes are all good places to stay with pets.
- Halais Restaurant is a pet-friendly cafe.
2. Uttarakhand: Bhimtal, The Quiet Lake Town
Bhimtal is a peaceful town built around a beautiful lake. It’s quieter and less crowded than its famous neighbor, Nainital. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere makes it a great place for you and your pet to get away.
Why Your Pet Will Love It:
- Take a hike through the beautiful forests that surround the town.
- The excitement of camping in the woods for a night.
- Taking a much-needed break from the noise of the city in the great outdoors.
Suggestions:
- Emerald Trail, Aamod at Bhimtal, Mountain Club, and Oak Climbing Resort are all good places to stay with pets.
- Cafes that welcome pets: iHeart Cafe Himalayas.
3. Lonavala, Maharashtra: The Quick Getaway
Pet owners in Mumbai and Pune should go to Lonavala for the weekend. This hill station is known for its beautiful waterfalls (especially during the monsoon), green valleys, and wide-open fields where your pet can run and play.
Why Your Pet Will Love It:
- Hiking trails that are easy and safe for pets and great for getting some exercise.
- There are a lot of safe areas where you can run around without a leash.
- A lot of resorts have big lawns and private villas that are great for pets.
Suggestions:
- Camp Della Resort, Lonavala Holiday Homes, Rumours Sky Villa & Resort, and The Bob House are all good places to stay with pets.
- Cafes that allow pets: Cafe Durga and Elephant & Co.
4. Jaipur, Rajasthan: The Royal Experience
Don’t let the noise and activity of the Pink City fool you; Jaipur can be a surprisingly fun place for your pet to visit. There are a lot of heritage homes and resorts just outside the city that have big, open spaces that are great for pets.
Why Your Pet Will Love It:
- Taking a walk on the beautiful lawns of pet-friendly heritage hotels.
- Going on a one-of-a-kind camping trip in the desert.
- Taking a jeep safari through the nearby deserts.
Suggestions for pet-friendly places to stay:
- Woods Villa Resort, Sunrise Health Resort, and Haveli Kalwara.
- Halflight Coffee Roasters and Café Quaint are two pet-friendly cafes.
5. Pondicherry: A Getaway with a French Flavor
This peaceful coastal town with its beautiful French buildings is a great place for people who want to relax and get some sun. The atmosphere is relaxed, which makes it a great place to take your pet on vacation.
Why Your Pet Will Love It:
- Walks in the morning and evening that you won’t forget through the French Quarter’s beautiful streets lined with bougainvillea.
- Taking a scenic drive along the seaside highway with the windows down.
- A lot of cafes with outdoor seating are happy to let pets in.
Recommendations for places that allow pets:
- Dune Eco Group, Prince Park Farmhouse, and Time Travellers Hostel.
- The Motorcycle Diaries and Café des Arts are two pet-friendly cafes.
6. Goa: The Best Beach Party
Goa is not only India’s most popular party spot, but it’s also one of the best places in India for pets. The laid-back beach vibe is great for pets, too. Many hotels, shacks, and even tourists are happy to have your furry friends around.
Why Your Pet Will Love It:
- Running around on the endless sandy beaches.
- Swimming in the calm waves of the Arabian Sea is a lot of fun.
- Relaxing at a beach shack that allows pets while you eat.
Suggestions:
- The Mandrem House, Goa, the Arco Irish British Homestay, and the Presa Di Goa Country House are all good places to stay with pets.
- Montego Bay Beach Village, Gunpowder, and Artjuna are all pet-friendly cafes.
7. Ooty, Tamil Nadu: The Queen of the Hills
Ooty is a popular tourist destination in the Nilgiri Hills because of its rolling tea gardens and charming cottages from the colonial era. The roads that twist and turn are great for taking your dog for a long walk or run, and the weather is always nice for them.
Why Your Pet Will Love It:
- Being able to relax in a quiet and calm hill station.
- Hiking around the many beautiful lakes that are scattered throughout the area.
- The green gardens are the perfect setting for a cute pet photo shoot.
Suggestions for pet-friendly places to stay:
- Destiny Farm Resort, Tulips Valleyview Resort, and Ganga’s Sri Balaji Cottage.
- Le Cafe is a pet-friendly cafe.
8. Manali, Himachal Pradesh: A Himalayan Paradise
This pretty hill station is one of the most popular places to visit in North India. It’s great for pets that like cool weather and open spaces. The clear mountain air and stunning views make it a nice break from the city.
Why Your Pet Will Love It:
- Long walks along the winding mountain roads and beautiful hiking trails.
- The chance to play in the snow in the winter.
- Enjoying the cool, nice weather.
Suggestions for places to stay with pets:
- The Pine Palace, Mary’s Cottage, and Chalet Windflower.
- Cafes that welcome pets are Café Stories N More and Fat Plate.
9. Kalpetta, Wayanad: The Green Paradise
Kalpetta is a dream destination in the beautiful Wayanad district of Kerala. It has evergreen forests, clean, fresh air, and big hills. This is the best place for you and your pet to connect with nature.
Why Your Pet Will Like It:
- Long walks in nature through the coffee plantations and green hills.
- The fun of camping in the meadows or deep in the woods.
- A lot of homestays have big, open areas where pets can run and play.
Suggestions:
- Greenex Farms, Wayanad Silverwoods, and The Four Season Homestay are all good places to stay with pets.
- Clay Hut is a pet-friendly cafe.
10. Coorg, Karnataka: India’s Scotland
Coorg is known for its misty hills, fragrant coffee farms, and stunning waterfalls. There are a lot of homestays and resorts there that not only allow pets but also love them, so it’s a great place for pets to stay.
Why Your Pet Will Love It:
- Running through the big, open areas of coffee farms.
- Going on a trek to beautiful places like Raja’s Seat or Abbey Falls.
- The weather is nice and cool, which is good for pets, especially those with thick fur.
Suggestions:
- The Tamara Coorg, Evolve Back Coorg, and many local homestays are all pet-friendly.
- The Falls at The Tamara and Big Cup Cafe are two pet-friendly cafes.
FAQs
Q. Are there hotels in India that really welcome pets?
A. Yes! A lot of hotels now do more than just let pets stay with them. Some, like the Tree of Life Resorts in Jaipur or Vivanta by Taj in Kerala, have special menus, beds, and big, open spaces for pets.
Q. Which Indian airlines let pets ride in the cabin?
A. The most famous airline that lets small pets (in a carrier) in the cabin is Air India. It’s important to check the latest rules for other airlines, like SpiceJet, before you book.
Q. What should I do if my pet gets sick while I’m away?
A. Before you leave, find a vet in the place you’re going and save their contact information. You should also have a pet first-aid kit with some basic medicines.
Q. Is it okay to bring my dog to Manali?
A. Yes, Manali is a great place to take your pet. Your dog will love the cool weather and all the hiking trails. Many hotels and cottages in and around Manali are happy to have pets.
Last Thoughts
Taking your pet on a trip can be one of the most enjoyable and healing things you can do. It turns a regular vacation into an adventure full of love and friendship. We hope this list has encouraged you to travel if you’ve been putting it off because you don’t want to leave your pet behind.
These places, from the beaches of Goa to the mountains of Manali, will make sure that you and your best friend have the best time ever. So pick a place to go and get ready for an amazing trip together.
Visit The Tarzan Way (TTW) to help you make a travel plan that works for you and your pet without any trouble!
