Nandini Villa (Dharamshala) (ram nagar)

Nandini Villa sits on a hillside in the Ram Nagar neighbourhood of Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh - just 1 km from the centre of town and 2 km from the Inter State Bus Terminal. It is one of the few pet friendly stays in Dharamshala that actually allows dogs inside the room, with a flat one-time pet charge of ₹500 per room regardless of how many nights you stay. Rooms come with mountain views, balconies or terraces, and the property's garden and outdoor spaces give travelling dogs room to stretch their legs without leaving the premises.

The Setting

Nandini Villa occupies a residential hillside plot in Ram Nagar, near the Lower TCV school. The location is genuinely within Dharamshala - not in McLeod Ganj and not a distant farmstay - which makes it a practical base for exploring both the lower town and the Kangra valley. HPCA Stadium is 3.4 km away and Kangra Airport is 14 km from the property. Guests have repeatedly singled out the mountain views as a highlight, and the property's lush garden and terraces give dogs a reason to stay outdoors between walks. One Google reviewer described it plainly: "Three dogs hanging around make you feel you are nearer to nature" - which also tells you something important about the resident animals on site (more on that below).

The outdoor facilities are genuinely useful for pet parents: there is a garden, a sun terrace, a picnic area, outdoor furniture, and an outdoor fireplace. Free public parking is available on site without a reservation, which matters when you are loading and unloading a car with a dog, bags, and everything else that comes with travelling with a large breed. The property is set on a hillside, so some uneven ground is to be expected as you move between areas - keep this in mind if your dog is older or not used to slopes.

Pet Policy in Detail

The pet policy at Nandini Villa is straightforward and genuinely inclusive: all breeds are welcome, dogs are allowed inside your room, and the one-time ₹500 per room charge is applied regardless of the length of your stay. This is notably more affordable than properties that charge a nightly pet fee. Leashes are required in common areas, which is standard practice and sensible given the garden and outdoor spaces are shared. Pet bowls are listed as an available amenity, which is a small but practical detail that saves you from packing an extra item.

The property offers room service, so you can eat in your room with your dog without needing to leave them alone. The on-site restaurant serves Indian cuisine with vegetarian options, and outdoor dining areas and picnic spots are available if you prefer to eat outside with your pet. The property does not have a pool, so there is no ambiguity about water access - dogs are on solid ground here.

Resident Dogs - What to Know Before You Visit

Multiple Google reviewers have independently mentioned dogs living on the property. One review notes "Three dogs hanging around make you feel you are nearer to nature," and another calls out "The three adorable dogs add to the charm of this place." Based on the available reviews, these appear to be free-roaming resident dogs rather than dogs that can be put away on request. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, factor this in before booking. For dogs that are comfortable around other animals, the resident dogs are clearly a positive part of the Nandini Villa experience and contribute to its reputation as a genuinely animal-friendly space.

Check-in is from 12:00 PM and check-out is until 11:00 AM. The property requests that you inform them of your arrival time in advance. Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Breakfast is available (free per Google), and the restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and high tea. No internet access is listed in some OTA profiles, so it is worth confirming current Wi-Fi availability directly with the property when you book.

Getting There

Nandini Villa is located near Lower TCV school, Ram Nagar, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215. The nearest airport is Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, approximately 14 km away. The Inter State Bus Terminal Dharamsala is 2 km from the property. Free on-site parking is available without reservation, making it well-suited to road trips from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Amritsar. The property also offers an airport shuttle (additional charge) and a local shuttle service for guests who arrive without a vehicle.