Blue Book at Gethia, Nainital - King Suite with Balcony (Gethiya)

Tucked into the quiet hamlet of Gethia near Nainital in Uttarakhand, Blue Book at Gethia is a 130-year-old colonial-era property that was originally built by Madame Durell, a British woman who chose to settle here permanently. The estate overlooks the Jeolikote valley, and with 12 rooms — each oriented toward a distinct view — it has the feel of a grand private home rather than a hotel. For pet parents looking for a slow, scenic escape with their dogs in the Kumaon hills, this is one of the more atmospheric options in the region.

The Setting

Gethia sits between Nainital and Kathgodam, at an elevation that brings cool temperatures even in summer. The Blue Book property is a colonial structure — not a newly built resort dressed up in heritage aesthetics, but an actual 1890s building with the bones and character that come with that age. The 12 rooms each look out onto a different perspective of the surrounding valley and forest, which means your morning with your dog on the balcony is unlikely to look the same as your neighbour's. The King Suite specifically comes with a balcony, giving you an outdoor perch without having to go anywhere. Guests who have stayed here describe three full days without once feeling the urge to leave the property — a real measure of how self-contained the experience is.

The property operates on an all-inclusive model — room tariffs cover the full "Blue Book Experience," which includes meals, activities like hikes and jungle picnics, and evening programmes like candlelight dinners and barbecues. Free breakfast is listed as a confirmed amenity, and the food has come up consistently in reviews as a genuine highlight. One reviewer flagged a desire for more variety in the breakfast menu, which is worth knowing if you're staying multiple nights.

What's On the Property

Confirmed amenities at Blue Book Gethia include a pool, badminton court, boating, kids' outdoor play equipment, free parking, and free high-speed WiFi. For a dog-friendly stay in the Kumaon hills, the combination of a pool on the grounds, open outdoor space, and boating access makes this a more activity-rich property than most heritage stays in the region. Whether dogs are permitted in the pool itself has not been confirmed — worth asking directly. The grounds and surrounding area, however, offer the kind of unhurried walking that hill country does best: forest paths, valley views, and enough elevation to make every walk feel like a proper outing.

The property also leans into birdwatching — their own description references rare bird sightings on the estate, and the Jeolikote valley is genuinely known for its avian diversity. If your dog is calm around wildlife, this is excellent territory. If your dog has a strong prey drive, keep them leashed on estate walks as birds and small forest animals are common in the area.

Pet Policy and What to Confirm

Blue Book at Gethia is confirmed dog and pet friendly — this is listed explicitly in their property amenities. Beyond the core confirmation, the following details were not available at the time of listing and are worth verifying directly with the property before you book:

• Whether pets are permitted inside guest rooms or suites
• Any pet charges or deposits that may apply
• Whether dogs are allowed in or near the pool area
• Any breed or size restrictions
• Whether there are areas of the property where dogs must be kept on leash

The property can be reached via the contact details on their booking page. Given that this is a boutique heritage stay with only 12 rooms, early communication about your pets — including number and size — is always a good idea at properties like this.

Getting There

Gethia is located in Nainital District, Uttarakhand (PIN: 263127). The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, which is the standard entry point for the Nainital hill region. From Kathgodam, Gethia is approximately a 30–40 minute drive depending on traffic on the hill roads. Nainital town itself is close by, though the property's own all-inclusive model means many guests find little reason to head down into the more crowded market areas. Free parking is available on the property, making it accessible for road trips from Delhi NCR and other plains cities.