SaffronStays Sukh Saklana Haveli (Rishikesh)

SaffronStays Sukh Saklana Haveli sits in the quiet village of Manjola, just 10 minutes from Dehradun Airport and 25 minutes from Rishikesh, positioned on the forested edge near Rajaji National Park. This is a 10-bedroom heritage villa , bookable as an 8-bedroom unit called the Royalty section , with an expansive lawn, a pool, and verandahs that open out to uninterrupted views of the Doon Valley and the Barkot forest range. Dogs and cats are explicitly welcome here, with a formal pet contract in place that sets clear expectations for both the property and the pet parent.

The Setting , Heritage Haveli, Forest Backdrop

The Saklana family's history in the Garhwal region stretches back 400 years , their ancestors were granted a vast jagir by the King of Tehri in the 1600s and entrusted with tax collection across 128 villages from Chamba to the Dehradun Valley. The haveli carries that legacy forward through a "Story Wall" and "Wall of Heroes" that trace the family's 500-year journey. What this means practically for guests is that the property has a lived-in, rooted quality that sets it apart from generic resort stays near Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Peacocks visit the garden. Deer are spotted from the verandahs. Birds from the adjacent Barkot forest range are present year-round. For dogs who need space to decompress and owners who want a genuine break from city noise, the setting delivers.

The villa is built across two floors: five bedrooms on the ground floor with a split-level living room, indoor and outdoor seating areas, and an expansive lawn with forest views; three additional bedrooms on the first floor. The Royalty unit makes 8 of the 10 bedrooms available for group bookings of up to 24 guests. Whether you're booking single rooms or the whole villa, the outdoor space is generous enough that dogs have room to move without being underfoot the entire stay.

Pet Policy , What the Contract Actually Says

The property uses a formal pet contract, which is a good sign , it means the rules are thought through rather than improvised. Key points from the published contract: a maximum of 2 pets are allowed per booking, charged at ₹1,000 per pet. Pets must be up to date on vaccinations and inoculations and must not have any communicable illnesses. They must be flea-free and wearing muzzles if required in emergencies. Pets must remain on a leash whenever staff request it, and should not be left unattended on the property at any time.

The contract also specifies that pets are not allowed on sofas and beds (guests may be charged if this rule is violated), and that paws and fur must be washed and cleaned before entering the house from the lawn. The kitchen and house interiors are off-limits for pets unless staff specifically permit entry. The property will prepare freshly cooked pet meals on request , give the kitchen detailed instructions about dietary requirements, portion sizes, and timing when you check in. Any damage caused by pets , soiled linens, carpeting, furniture, flea infestation , will be charged additionally and is the owner's sole responsibility. Pet owners are also liable for any injury to guests, staff, or third parties caused by their pet.

One practical note for owners of reactive dogs: the contract states that staff may ask for pets to be removed from common areas or restricted to certain zones within the property if needed.

Pool, Lawn, and Experiences

The villa has a pool visible from aerial photos of the property, and the website markets it prominently. However, the pet contract and property sources do not explicitly confirm that pets are allowed in the pool , this is worth confirming directly before your stay if you're hoping to let your dog swim. The expansive lawn is confirmed and suitable for dogs to run on, provided their paws are washed before re-entering the house. The property also offers a range of bookable experiences: a candlelight dinner for two (from ₹8,000 per night), a celebration décor package (from ₹10,000 per night), forest walks, village tours, yoga sessions, and riverside picnics. Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat, and the Ganga riverbanks are all accessible from this base , useful for those longer morning walks dogs actually need on holiday.

What to Confirm Before You Book

A few details are not conclusively answered by the available sources and are worth a quick call to the property (080 6916 0000) before you arrive: whether pets are permitted inside guest rooms or restricted to outdoor and common areas only; whether the pool is accessible to dogs; and whether the ₹1,000 pet charge is per night or a one-time fee for the stay. The SaffronStays listing says "per pet" without specifying the duration, so confirm this at booking to avoid surprises at checkout. If you're travelling with cats, confirm the logistics of keeping them safely contained given the open verandah layout and the wildlife (including peacocks and deer) in the garden.