Thistle House | Pet-friendly 4-BHK Hideaway with Gazebo & Terrace by Bhimtal Lake (Sanguri Gaon)

Just steps from Bhimtal Lake and en route to Naukuchiatal Lake, Thistle House is a pet-friendly 4-bedroom villa in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand , managed through Elivaas and built for families, friend groups, and multi-dog households who want to experience the Kumaon hills without leaving anyone behind. The villa combines the character of a traditional hill retreat with the comfort of a private holiday home: wooden interiors, plush furnishings, a manicured garden with a charming gazebo, an open terrace with scenic views, and the kind of sit-outs where dogs settle in and refuse to leave. With 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and capacity for up to 10 guests, it works equally well for a family reunion or a multi-dog group getaway.

The Setting – Bhimtal Lake and the Kumaon Hills

Bhimtal is one of Kumaon's quieter lake destinations , less crowded than Nainital, with wider roads, cooler air, and more breathing room for dogs. Thistle House sits in the Ram Niwas area of Bhimtal, close enough to the lake that you can walk to the waterfront, while still being set back enough to feel like a private estate. The manicured garden and gazebo area give your dog room to sniff, roam, and decompress after a long drive from the plains. The open terrace adds another layer , scenic mountain views over a morning cup of tea while your dog watches the garden below. The villa's location also provides easy access to Naukuchiatal Lake and other scenic spots around the Kumaon region.

For pet parents driving up from Delhi or NCR, Bhimtal is roughly 300 km and a 6–7 hour drive via NH9 , a practical distance for a long weekend as well as a longer holiday. The slower pace of Bhimtal suits guests who prefer spending part of the day exploring the surrounding lakes and returning to the villa for an evening in the garden rather than running a packed sightseeing itinerary.

The Villa – Four Bedrooms and Group-Friendly Spaces

Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a standard occupancy of around 8 guests (maximum 10 with prior approval) makes Thistle House best suited to groups , families travelling together, circles of friends, or multiple families sharing a single private property. The wooden interior aesthetic gives it a distinctly Himalayan character that feels genuinely warm rather than corporate, and the layout across living spaces, garden, terrace, and gazebo means guests have room to spread out without being on top of each other.

The garden and gazebo are particularly useful for groups with pets. Alfresco meals in the gazebo can roll into relaxed evenings outdoors , bonfires under the stars with your dog stretched out on the grass is exactly the kind of evening this place is built for. Daily housekeeping is included, check-in is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Late check-out can be requested subject to availability. The caretaker Santosh, mentioned by name across multiple guest reviews, is consistently praised for going above and beyond , including arranging customised meals for guests.

Pool Access – An Important Rule for Pet Parents

Thistle House has a swimming pool, but pets are not permitted inside it under any circumstances. The property specifies a ₹10,000 care charge if a pet enters the pool , this is not a soft guideline, so plan accordingly. Guests travelling with water-loving dogs should arrange their swimming time around the nearby lakes instead. Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal both offer scenic walking routes around the water, though pet parents should always verify current local access rules before allowing dogs near public waterfront areas. The villa's garden and outdoor areas still give dogs plenty of space to spend time outside without the pool being part of the picture.

What Makes It Suitable for Group Pet Travel

The combination of four bedrooms, outdoor space, and a clearly documented pet-friendly policy makes Thistle House particularly well-suited to larger groups travelling with dogs. Families can share the property without splitting across separate hotel rooms; friends travelling together get common spaces and separate bedrooms. The maximum capacity of up to 10 guests gives the villa flexibility for bigger gatherings, subject to the property's occupancy conditions. For pet parents, the private setting is often more comfortable than a conventional hotel , dogs have access to outdoor areas and can stay close to their owners throughout most of the stay, rather than being managed around shared corridors and lifts.

The published policy does not mention specific breed or weight restrictions, which is a positive signal for large dog owners. That said, if you're travelling with a particularly large breed, it is worth confirming acceptance directly with Elivaas at the time of booking.

What to Confirm Before You Book

Thistle House is confirmed as pet-friendly, but a few details are worth clarifying with Elivaas before you finalise the reservation. Confirm the exact pet sanitation fee applicable to this specific property , the platform's general schedule suggests ₹3,000 for 4/5 BHK+ villas, but the figure should be verified. Ask whether specific pet amenities such as a pet bed, food bowl, or water bowl are provided in the room. Current nightly rates should also be confirmed directly, as villa pricing varies considerably by season, weekends, and availability. If you're bringing a large breed, confirm acceptance of that specific dog's size at the time of booking.

Getting There: Bhimtal, Uttarakhand 263136. Nearest major railway connection: Kathgodam Railway Station (~20 km). Delhi to Bhimtal is approximately 300 km via NH9 , a 6–7 hour drive depending on traffic and road conditions. Book via Elivaas: elivaas.com