It’s that time of year again: homes are all lit up, people are dressed in their festive best, friendly obscenities are hurled across card tables, and the air is thick with music—but also smog and firecrackers. This is the time when pet owners across the country start scrambling for ideas on how to get away from it all. While debates around the animal-friendliness of Diwali (or lack thereof) rage every year, there is hope in the form of beautiful homestays and resorts that are close enough to major cities for a road trip, but isolated enough to offer peace and quiet. Below, our list of places to book if you want a quiet, cracker-free Diwali break with your furry buddy, full of nature walks and starry night skies.
Dune Eco Village & Spa, Pondicherry
Less than a three-hour drive from Chennai, this 35-acre beach resort doubles up as a wellness centre and organic farm, so there’s plenty of open space for your pet to roam free. Choose from 62 rooms and suites, some of which come with a private pool (your dog can enjoy a dip, too). Pay a visit to the cows—they’re used to visitors and get along with most dogs. A typical day at Dune may involve meditation, yoga, a cow-milking tutorial, a pottery class, and a swim in the solar-heated pool. You could also use the holiday to detox by signing up for their Ayurvedic programme, which includes consultations with doctors as well as therapies and massages. A bonus is the food, which is certified organic and made with ingredients from the farm. If you want to take a stroll around the property, the resident dog, Charlie, who will greet you at reception, might even join you.
Website; from ₹5,500. Pets stay for free
Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Jaipur
A boutique resort experience that’s equal parts luxe and rustic is on offer at this seven-acre haven of lush green wilderness that’s less than an hour from Jaipur city. The 14 villas all come with their own private lawns and pool, spa, outdoor shower and sunken bathtub—and you can request special bedding for your pet. Your pup has some access to the pool as well—though make sure to double check timings at the front desk. You might also be restricted to the al fresco dining section if you’d like to bring your pet to dinner—but your pooch can enjoy a specially curated menu plus ample space to run around. The resort also organises tractor rides and hikes specially for pets, so there’s no shortage of ways to keep them entertained.
Website; from ₹17,500, ₹2950 per pet
The Lilac Farm, Bengaluru
Run by a mother-daughter duo who are dedicated to cruelty-free, conscious living, this farmstay, an hour from Bengaluru, runs on principles of clean energy and zero waste. It’s a no-frills experience, so you won’t find a spa or a jacuzzi here, but there is a natural pond and mud pool that you and your pet can get messy in. During your stay, you’re welcome to try your hand at farming with the staff. The place is also a rescue shelter for animals—from cows and ponies to dogs, hens, and even guinea pigs—so your dog has plenty of company if they’re feeling social. Alcohol, smoking, and non-vegetarian food (except for pets) are strictly prohibited on the property. Note that amenities here are minimal, and you will have to bring your own pet food.
Website; from ₹3,000, inclusive of three meals. Pets stay for free
Annapara Home Stay, Wayanad
About two hours away from Kozhikode, the seven-key property is all about the wilderness. While Diwali fireworks may not be an issue for most pets in Kerala anyway, given that celebrations in the state are relatively quiet, the holiday weekend is as good an excuse as any to take your pooch out of the city and into the lap of nature. There are plenty of trails through tea and coffee plantations, some of which include natural waterfalls and streams they can splash around in. The property is dotted with swings and hammocks that are perfect for an an afternoon with a book in your lap and your dog by your side. The only sounds you’ll hear here are birdsong and the distant calls of deer and elephants. And while pets aren’t allowed in the dining area, the staff at Annapara is happy to prepare chicken and rice for your dog on request.
Website; doubles from ₹7,200, ₹900 per pet
Fernandeswadi, Uran
This boutique farm stay by the Arabian Sea, a short drive from the heart of Mumbai, is an idyllic two-acre bungalow set in the middle of a coconut grove. Run by a couple (and their adorable indie, Coconut) who wanted to live a sustainable, farm-to-table life away from the city, the three-bedroom stay offers the best mix of urban comfort and rustic living. Its architecture is based on a design by legendary architect Charles Correa, so expect a lot of well-framed views, cosy nooks, and golden-hour lighting (great for selfies with your pooch). The property includes an outdoor barbecue area, a chlorine-free pool (pets welcome), and direct access to the beach. Only the ground floor of the bungalow is pet-friendly—but that still gives your doggo plenty of room to frolic around.
Website; from ₹11,000 for the pet-friendly Private Balcāo Suite, ₹30,000 for the whole bungalow, ₹500 per pet
The Apple Farm Stay, Shimla
Nothing says getaway like driving eight hours from New Delhi, climbing 7,000ft above sea level and throwing yourself deep into the heart of Himachal. Named after the apple orchards that surround it, this heritage property was built in 1916, and has been preserved almost as it was ever since. The property is built more like a home than a resort, with the owners living on the top floor, so the villa is best suited for groups who can book out the entire ground floor—which includes three rooms plus living and dining, and a cosy fireplace. An in-house cook will introduce you to local pahadi delicacies, and dog food is available on request. Spend your time enjoying barbeques, picnics, bonfire nights, and long walks in the apple orchards with your pet, who might also enjoy a splash in the river.
Website; from ₹9,500 for the ground floor of the villa, or ₹6,500 for one room. A refundable security deposit of ₹5,000 is applicable for the pet, plus an additional ₹500 cleaning charge. Dog food is available on request
