Parwati Retreat (Majkhali) (naini)

Parwati Retreat sits in Village Naini on the Majkhali–Ranikhet Road in Uttarakhand, perched at an elevation that puts breathtaking Himalayan views directly outside your window. It is one of the rare pet friendly stays in the Kumaon hills where there is genuinely no extra charge for bringing your dog - pets stay free, all breeds are welcome, and dogs are confirmed to be allowed inside the guest rooms. For anyone planning a weekend getaway with dogs from Delhi or a longer mountain escape, this property checks the boxes that matter most: no breed gate, no pet surcharge, and a room policy that does not banish your dog to the car park.

The Setting

Majkhali is a quiet ridge village roughly 12 km from Ranikhet in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. The Parwati Retreat property sits in a serene location with views of the Himalayan range - a backdrop that reviewers have described as "a view to die for." At this altitude, there is no air conditioning in the rooms, which is actually a selling point for most hill-station visits: natural ventilation keeps things cool through most of the year, and the mountain air is the point. The rooftop area gives guests an elevated vantage point for the views, and the property runs a restaurant on site, so you are not hunting for food options in an unfamiliar village after a long drive with your dogs.

Rooms are priced on a room-only basis (exclusive of GST) at three tiers - Deluxe at ₹3,500, Super Deluxe at ₹4,000, and Luxury at ₹4,500. Free breakfast is also available, and the property offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, and room service. Valet parking and a local shuttle round out the practical conveniences. Reviewers specifically called out the food and tea as highlights, and noted that rooms were "huge with impeccable cleanliness" - both details that matter when you are travelling with dogs who need space to settle.

Pet Policy in Detail

This is a genuinely no-fuss pet policy by Kumaon hill-stay standards. Pets are allowed at the property with zero pet fee - no deposit, no nightly charge, no weight limit specified. Dogs are confirmed inside the rooms, which means your dog sleeps where you sleep, not in an outdoor pen or a separate kennel area. Both dogs and cats are welcome. The one rule to note is the leash requirement: pets must be kept on a leash while moving around the property. This is standard practice at most mountain properties and is honestly good sense on a hillside where the terrain can be uneven and there may be other guests or wildlife nearby.

The absence of breed restrictions is worth underlining. Many hill properties that technically allow pets quietly turn away large breeds or working dogs at check-in. Parwati Retreat's confirmed policy of welcoming all breeds makes it a practical option whether you are travelling with a Golden Retriever, an Indie dog, or a large working breed. Confirm your pet details at the time of booking so the front desk is prepared - a 24-hour front desk means someone is always available to help you settle in, regardless of when you arrive after the mountain roads.

What to Know Before You Visit

Majkhali is best approached via Kathgodam railway station, which sits at the foothills and is well-connected to Delhi. From Kathgodam, the drive to Majkhali takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic through Bhowali and Ranikhet Road. The property offers a local shuttle service, and car rental is available on site - useful if you want to explore the wider Kumaon region with your dogs without depending on shared transport. The Ranikhet cantonment area nearby has open meadows and forested walks that are excellent for dogs who need a proper run, though leash rules apply in many public areas in hill towns.

The property has no fitness centre or spa, so this is a stay focused on the landscape rather than indoor amenities. Waking up to mountain silence with your dog on the bed and tea from a kitchen that guests rate highly is essentially the offering - and for a pet friendly stay in Uttarakhand, that is a strong one. The rooftop area is worth factoring in as a morning spot before the day warms up. Room service means you can also eat in your room if your dog has had a long travel day and needs to rest quietly rather than head to the dining area.

Address: Village Naini, Majkhali–Ranikhet Road, Majkhali, Uttarakhand 263652 | Phone: 091190 14518 | Website: parwatiretreat.com