Say yes to pet-friendly holiday destinations

Namaste Dwaar, Uttar Pradesh

On the hunt for a truly refreshing restart? Nestled away from the city close to the Delhi-Haridwar highway, Namaste Dwaar is a retreat envisioned by Pradeep Sachdeva. Amid sprawling Charbagh-inspired gardens, the resort’s earthy haveli-like architecture emerges as a reclusive spot ideal for those weary of the city. Multiple cupolas crown its brick-clad rustic buildings that feature extensive timberwork, inspired by early traditional architectural practices.

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Elgin Hall, Dalhousie

Dating back to more than a century ago, Elgin Hall. is a boutique hotel that once functioned as a retreat for British royals. As the English love their corgis (the former queen of Britain famously owned 30 of them across her long reign), one can expect a getaway well-spent for both pets and pet parents alike within its confines. Revamped by owner Kavish Khurana with furnishings by Nivasa, each hand-picked detail gushes with warmth. 

Pops of colour permeate, right from the purple facade to the varied palette within, punctuated by regal chandeliers, snug carpets and furniture plucked straight out of the Victorian era. Enshrouded by picturesque hills in Dalhousie, bask in the space’s heritage indoors and revel in a luxe staycation. Visitors need to book the entire villa to bring their pets along. Let them enjoy the European summer of a lifetime!

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East India House, Maharashtra

A Tennyson poem comes to life within East India House, perched upon a hill a few hours away from the bustle of Mumbai in Uttan. A languid stream trickles down its surroundings, the serendipitous structure containing a treat for the senses within. Designed by Rohan Salian of the Black Sheep Farm, Partner and Architect at East India House, the sloping roofs hide within many new avenues to explore. An aquamarine infinity pool and ponds punctuated by lillies lay within. The sprawling gardens are perfect for a game of fetch or quality time spent head-scratching and petting your furbabies. 

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Sky Villa at Beyond by Sula, Maharashtra

Watch the sun set and rise from the deck, snuggling with your furry baby at the Sky Villa. In tandem with its name, the structure is enveloped in glass across its facade overlooking the seemingly never-ending horizon. Boundaries between the indoors and the outdoors cease to exist within this structure, designed by Ajay Sonar and Monali Patil of the firm a for architecture. 

The villa’s minimal exteriors and interiors encompass a riot of textures, warm, balmy wood and an overhanging deck perfect for watching the sun rise and set in a languid rhythm. Perched on the banks of the Gangapur Dam in a village named Gangavhare, the gentle sound of water rippling nearby only adds to the space’s tranquillity.

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Anantha, Lonavala

Grasshopper-green grass wraps the land, crawling up to Anantha’s outpost with wild abandon. Designed by Studio PKA, the villa is situated atop a hill landlocked by the Western Ghats, its architecture echoing the contours of the land. Fans of Tetris would delight in its jigsaw-like structure, constructed block by block. Unbuilt, open spaces have been maintained to ensure the site’s natural state is unaltered by the villa’s construction. The result? A series of vantage points unveil multiple perspectives of the stunning vistas.

Craving a bonfire under the starlit sky? A swim in the edgeless swimming pool overlooking the lake? A trek through the hills nearby, teeming with biodiversity and lush vegetation? The possibilities are endless for both you and your furry friends within this getaway you may just never wish to leave.

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The Kumaon, Uttarakhand

The Himalayas are a mighty force of nature to reckon with, boasting of an equally compelling view. Soak it all in at The Kumaon, a retreat located on the outskirts of Gadholi village in Almora, Uttarakhand. The space has been brought to life by Zowa Architects. Conceptualised by Dr Vikrom Mathur, an avid environment enthusiast with over 20 years of research under his belt, its design alludes to abstract modernism. The minimal palette lets the picturesque backdrop shine in all its glory, snow-capped mountains piercing the vistas beyond.

Bask in the view from one of the chalets positioned over the view, engage in some birdwatching during the day and swap it for some constellation spotting in the endless night sky. The best part? It boasts of a few furry friends of its own! Introduce your pets to Juna and Elsa, arguably the most adorable trekking partners ever.

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Maativan Wada, Maharashtra

How would it feel to live in a forest? Curving paths, criss-crossing canopies made of wood and organic forms within Maativan Wada offer a novel take on the experience. Cleverly echoing its surroundings, the 6,000 sq ft farmhouse wraps itself across the lush perimeter of the Tansa forest in Wada, Maharashtra. A masterclass in biophilic adventure ensues, helmed by Prashant Dupare and Shriya Parasrampuria of Blurring Boundaries. 

Open courtyards decorated by elaborate stonework, asymmetric houses constructed out of mud and communal spaces decorated with recycled materials add to the space’s rustic charm. Vernacular construction practices have been utilised to craft the winding, airy layout, ensuring the space remains cool all year round. Delight in the novelties the space has to offer for an experience like no other.

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Shel, Ladakh

At one with Ladakh’s mountainous terrain, Shel’s austere grey structure is enlivened by almost golden-hued wood sourced from willow and poplar trees surrounding the site. Intricate carvings and architectural elements inspired by local buildings crown the facade, envisioned and created by Phenotype Architecture Studio. Minimal yet evocative, it is a getaway surrounded by snowy peaks perched above the banks of the Indus River. Large windows frame the picturesque view, interiors laden with texture owing to the abundance of unfinished wood and mud bricks used to build the homestay.

The space looks minuscule against the expansive landscape, an intentional scale difference that heightens the experience and makes you feel truly at one with nature. Drift off to sleep below the stars underneath a skylight positioned above one of the bedrooms. Start the day by indulging in Ladakhi cuisine or enjoy uninterrupted moments of leisure with your beloved pet in this oasis of calm.

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Read more: A hidden paradise: Take a trip to Pemako Punakha and witness the alchemy of Bhutanese culture and architecture