Wag-A-Bond (Khandas)

Wag-A-Bond bills itself as India's first pet-first forest retreat, and the setup in Khandas village near Karjat, Maharashtra backs that claim up. This is a property built around dogs - private forest cottages, a fenced and safe off-leash environment, and a kitchen that cooks fresh meals for your dog at ₹300 per 250g portion. Pets are welcome without any entry charge; the only cost you pay for your dog is if you order a meal. It's the kind of place where the holiday begins the moment you arrive.

The Setting - Forest Cottages in Karjat

Wag-A-Bond sits inside Khandas village on the outskirts of Karjat in Maharashtra - a region that pet parents from Mumbai and Pune increasingly use for weekend getaways with dogs. The property is framed by forest on all sides, with cottages positioned so you wake up to tree cover rather than a parking lot. One of the named cottages, the Combai (maximum 3 adults), features a wooden veranda that opens directly onto the grounds - the kind of space where dogs settle immediately because there's simply too much to sniff. The property is described as private, fenced, and built specifically for off-leash safety, which matters enormously if you're travelling with a dog that isn't reliable on recall in open spaces.

The campfire area - strung with warm Edison bulbs between timber posts - offers evenings where dogs curl up beside the fire while guests sit back in a setting that feels genuinely removed from the city. This is a pet friendly stay near Mumbai that earns its description rather than just claiming it.

What Dogs (and You) Actually Get

The pet-first philosophy at Wag-A-Bond isn't just a positioning line - it shows up in the specifics. Dog meals made fresh by the village team are available on-site at ₹300 per 250g portion, using wholesome ingredients and prepared to nourish your dog after a day of exploring and swimming around the property. The website specifically mentions swimming as an activity dogs engage in here, which suggests water access of some kind on or near the grounds - though the exact nature of the water feature (pool, stream, or natural body of water) should be confirmed directly with the property before you book if swimming is a key reason for visiting.

The human food is equally considered - rustic bhakris, fresh curries, and homely meals cooked by the local village team. This is not a resort kitchen producing generic buffet food. It's intentionally simple and soulful, which fits the forest setting exactly. Dogs allowed in the space means you don't have to leave your pet tethered while you eat.

Pet Policy in Plain Terms

Both cats and dogs are welcome at Wag-A-Bond. There is no pet entry fee - pets stay free. The only pet-related charge is ₹300 per meal if you order a fresh dog meal from the kitchen. The property is described as a pet friendly stay in Karjat with a fenced, off-leash environment, which means large dogs are as welcome as small ones - no breed restrictions have been communicated. The cottages are dog-accessible, and the forest-facing spaces are designed with pets in mind from the outset. All breeds welcome, and the property positions itself specifically for dog-owning families who want to travel with pets in India without compromise.

What to Confirm Before You Book

A few details are worth a quick call to the property (098218 57081) before you finalize your trip. The exact nature of the water access - whether there is a pool, stream, or natural swim spot - hasn't been specified beyond the website's mention of swimming as an activity. Tariff for rooms and availability of specific cottage types (there is at least one named cottage, the Combai, sleeping 3 adults) should also be confirmed directly. Number of pets permitted per booking and any specific rules around cats versus dogs in shared spaces are also worth asking about if you're travelling with multiple animals.