Lakeside Homestay Bhimtal

Lakeside Homestay Bhimtal is a family-run property sitting above Bhimtal Lake in Uttarakhand, hosted by Brigadier Hari — a veteran turned organic farmer — and Kum Kum, an environmentalist, organic gardener, and home baker. Dogs and cats are welcome at no extra charge, and guest reviews specifically call it spacious and pet friendly. If you want a genuine homestay experience with lake views, home-cooked meals, and hosts who actually care, this is a strong option in the Kumaon hills.

What the property is like

The homestay offers three distinct room types, each with character. The Stone Cottage is part of the original colonial-era building — thick stone walls keep it naturally cool in summer and sunny in winter — and it overlooks the lake with a twin bed and two singles, sleeping a family of four. The Lakeview Suite faces Bhimtal Lake directly, fits five, and has a loft bed and window bed that guests with kids rave about. The Walnut Room, shaded by a walnut tree brought from Baramulla, also sleeps four with a loft bed. Across all rooms you get a kitchen, refrigerator, microwave, and private bathroom with shower. Free parking and free breakfast are listed amenities, which matters when you're road-tripping with a dog and want one less thing to sort out.

For dogs specifically

Guest reviews describe the property as "very spacious and pet friendly" with lake views visible right from the grounds. The homestay sits in a relatively quiet residential pocket near Central School, Bhimtal — not a busy market area — which tends to make arrivals and morning walks less stressful with a dog in tow. The organic garden and open grounds give dogs room to move. Hosts who've spent decades outdoors are generally a better bet than corporate hotels when it comes to actually accommodating a dog without fuss. That said, confirm in-room sleeping arrangements for your pet directly with the property before booking, as the source material doesn't specify this.

The hosts

Brigadier Hari served for over 34 years and now practices Homeopathy, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy — his knowledge of holistic wellness has taken him from Australia to Vietnam. Kum Kum runs the kitchen, the organic garden, and the overall warmth of the place. Reviews consistently mention home-cooked food that makes time fly and hosts who make the stay feel personal rather than transactional. For a multi-day Kumaon trip with your dog, that kind of host attention makes a real difference.