A Narrative Led By Pets: India's First Pet-First Retreat In Maharashtra
Contents
A simple getaway now begins with tabs open late into the night, filtering through pet-friendly stays, scanning restaurant policies, calling resorts for reassurance, and hoping, almost bargaining that our dog will feel safe and welcomed while away from home. Weekends are no longer spontaneous; vacations are carefully planned. For many of us, bringing a pet home subsequently restructures the way we live, the way we travel. And so, when your heart walks around on four paws, finding the right place feels like a relieving pause to a long tiring search. Travel in India has, thankfully, begun to open its doors to pets. Yet for most pet parents, the reality still comes wrapped in compromises: restricted spaces, additional fees, hesitant approvals, and the unspoken responsibility to stay constantly alert. Junglebrooke by SaffronStays, quietly nestled in Maharashtra’s Kolad district, decisively shifts that narrative; without announcements, without noise.
Set within the lush, purpose-led campus of Animal Matter To Me (AMTM), Junglebrooke emerges as India’s first “pet-first” luxury retreat. Not merely pet-friendly. Not politely pet-tolerant. But thoughtfully imagined from the ground up with animals at the very centre of its philosophy. Here, pets are not an add-on to the holiday; they are the reason the holiday exists. Launched by SaffronStays, Junglebrooke is designed for travellers who believe their stays should mirror the way they live – consciously, considerately, and without having to choose between comfort and companionship. It is for those who no longer see their pets as part of the plan, but as part of the family, and wouldn’t travel any other way.
A conversation with a founder is never just a call; it is where facts find their voice and stories find their spine. That was the surge of energy my bones felt when Ganesh Nayak—the founder and the force behind AMTM (Animal Matter To Me)—answered my call. What began as a quick inquiry to plan our fur child’s fifth birthday stay unfolded into something far more meaningful. What I hadn’t manifested was an invaluably heartwarming moment intertwined with an empowering mindset, uplifting words, a purpose-driven present, and an ambitious future. I hadn’t seen or met him before, but the manner in which we organically connected, given our unparalleled humaneness towards dogs and animals, made it feel rather easier to put a face to the name. From leaving behind a thriving career in New York to mindfully creating an 11-acre sanctuary where the majority of land is devoted to rescued and visiting animals, every word he shared painted the intention behind Junglebrooke. What was meant to last two minutes became thirty, not because of persuasion, but because of purpose. Shaped by compassion, clarity, and conviction, it was relatively simpler to understand why Junglebrooke even exists. That it isn’t just another property by SaffronStays, but a true-blue paradise for every animal to take a slice of.
What Does “Pet-First” Really Mean?
While many stays welcome pets, Junglebrooke begins with them. The objective that shaped the retreat was refreshingly intuitive. Imagine a getaway planned not for pets, but by them! Sounds just about right, now doesn’t it? This imagination translates into an environment where animals aren’t managed or confined, but naturally accommodated. Free-flowing yet cautiously secured lawns opening boundaries with the liberty to run, roam, and explore. A pool that becomes a shared pleasure rather than a restricted zone where splashes are entertained regardless. Cottages that are consciously built while constantly keeping the pawprints in mind – from ample space to pet-friendly anti-skid floors and materials that balance comfort with practicality. Extending this philosophy to the dining experience, even mealtimes are considered with equal sensitivity, featuring pet-friendly options and treats; so companions are never sidelined while humans dine.
This underlying ethos is what truly sets Junglebrooke apart. Rather than functioning on mere permission, it operates on a sense of belonging. This isn’t a destination where pets are expected to adjust & their owners expected to compromise. It is this one-of-a-kind retreat where pets are relaxed and their owners relieved. To support this, their entire staff is finely attuned to animal behaviour, trained to engage with ease, patience, and respect, while simultaneously understanding the emotional reassurance pet parents seek.
A Home Within A Sanctuary: Life At Junglebrooke By SaffronStays
At its heart, this sanctuary is more than a shelter. It is a living assurance that compassion, when practised consistently, has the power to mend what life once fractured. Moulded by designer Vanita Garud Kumar, guided by the heart-led ambition of Ganesh Nayak, and brought together by Devendra Parulekar and the SaffronStays team, the gigantic property is located in Kolad; a soulful town in Maharashtra, widely known for its scenic river rafting experiences on the Kundalika River, forest-lined roads, and wide-open countryside. From the moment you arrive, the experience unfolds as something far more meaningful than a holiday. What adds more to their emotionally-evoking identity is that the guest bookings here aren’t calculated in terms of some annual target; instead, each booking dedicatedly and generously supports a larger story; one where over 400 rescued animals find continued safety, care, and calm.
In the expansive 10,000-square-foot cage-free cattery, a loving habitat takes over anxiety, while daily routines revolve around nourishment, safety, and affection. Here, in this retreat, luxury is redefined by allowing animals to lead the narrative. This is where days unfold naturally – dogs splash freely in the pool, participate in pet yoga sessions or join light-hearted pet karaoke, while cats curl up in their safe space beside their humans. Guests are encouraged to slow down, feeding rescued animals, walking guided nature trails, or simply watching fish glide through still waters; moments that feel unforced, honest, and worthwhile. It isn’t just time away; it’s time spent connecting more deeply with your pet and more consciously with the world around you. It seems as if Junglebrooke has got it all covered to exemplify how life was always supposed to be lived, in its truest form.
Thoughtful Design, Responsible Living
At Junglebrooke by SaffronStays, interestingly, it’s the intricate details that sketch the retreat’s intentions. Here, sustainability isn’t a checklist, but rather a way of life.
- As a result, the use of single-use plastic is consciously kept to a minimum, with the property opting for reusable and low-impact alternatives wherever possible.
- Likewise, its gardens are maintained without chemical fertilisers or pesticides, thereby ensuring a safe environment for pets and wildlife alike.
- In parallel, operational decisions prioritise local sourcing in order to support nearby communities while reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
- Additionally, structured waste-management practices are in place to minimise landfill impact through careful segregation and responsible disposal.
- Meanwhile, each room at the property has been individually designed, ensuring no two spaces feel the same. To further this design philosophy, the interiors incorporate carefully repurposed elements sourced from discarded film sets, giving every room a separate visual character while maintaining a strong focus on comfort and usability.
- Beyond the physical space, the retreat is managed by a women-led team, with leadership reflected not only in decision-making but also in the consistent quality of service and attention to guest experience.
- Taken together, these measures are not add-ons but integral to how the property functions, supporting a model of hospitality that is environmentally conscious, pet-safe, and operationally efficient.
Experiences That Include Everyone
Here, the itinerary belongs to your pet first. These are the hours they’re rarely invited into, the spaces they’re usually excluded from, and the experiences designed with them at the centre, leaving pet parents happily stepping in as plus ones.
A Walk Through AMTM Sanctuary (Complimentary): Begin with an immersive introduction to Animal Matter To Me, the cageless animal sanctuary next door. Wander through open enclosures and learn how rescued, injured, and abandoned animals are cared for in a natural, dignified environment.
Trails & Tails Nature Walks (Complimentary): Let your pet experience guided nature trails, where walks encourage exploration, curiosity, and connection with Kolad’s quiet landscapes, making every step feel instinctive rather than scheduled.
Yoga with Pets (Complimentary): Gentle yoga sessions where pets remain by your side throughout. The practice is unstructured, calming, and inclusive, allowing shared stillness, easy movement, and moments of quiet bonding.
Pet Karaoke Sessions (Complimentary | Weekends Only): Now this sounds like some highlight! A light-hearted, social experience where pets take the centre stage. Held over weekends, these sessions are designed for laughter, interaction, and the kind of memories that rarely fit into everyday routines. Well, no offense, but you never know; maybe your fur babies can sing better than you!
Paws & Flames Bonfire Evenings (From INR 1000 | One-time): Evenings unfold around a warm bonfire where pets relax nearby while humans unwind with snacks and conversation.
High Tea with a View (Complimentary) An unhurried high-tea setup overlooking the surrounding greenery. Thoughtfully timed for late afternoons, it’s a quiet pause where pets lounge and guests soak in the landscape.
Adventure Activities on Demand (From ₹1500 | One-time): For guests seeking adrenaline beyond the retreat, curated adventure activities are available nearby; ranging from water sports to river crossings and thrill-based experiences. These can be added during booking, allowing flexibility without disrupting the pet-first rhythm of the stay.
Stargazing Nights (Complimentary): As night settles in, stargazing sessions invite guests to slow down from the comfort of the villa.
Barbecue Evenings (From ₹850 per person): A relaxed barbecue setup featuring grilled favourites, ideal for families and small groups. Designed as a social dining experience rather than a formal affair.
How Is Junglebrooke By SaffronStays "India’s First" Pet-First Stay?
Given the growing number of pet-friendly retreats across the country, it’s fair to ask what makes Junglebrooke the titleholder of India’s first animal-first pet retreat. As someone whose dog is an inseparable part of her family, what I’ve shrewdly observed is that most “pet-friendly” stays are in reality, cemented with layers of T&Cs. Restricted zones, apologetic clauses, fenced walks instead of open exploration, and menus that barely acknowledge a pet’s presence. For label sake, “pet-friendly” has become a convenient promise – ticked boxes, glossy listings, a borrowed badge of inclusivity. However, in reality, many resorts and stays across India wear this label lightly, without shouldering its responsibility. Pets are welcomed indeed – but with gestures, not intentions. Unreasonable conditions are piled upon the unconditional beings; confined to rooms, restricted from common spaces, insufficient staff training, lack of hygiene, and met with subtle discomfort rather than warmth. At its core, most properties were never designed with animals in mind. Pet-friendly becomes an add-on, not a philosophy.
Now, this is where Junglebrooke quietly breaks that pattern. Here, animals aren’t accommodated as an afterthought; they are the starting point. Pets aren’t made to be kept locked within four walls, there are no extra charges or fine-print compromises, and the entire environment is designed around animal comfort rather than adjusted to fit it later. That fundamental shift, from allowing pets to truly centring them, is what makes stumbling upon Junglebrooke feel like catching that rare fish in this vast sea of travel, a lived dream every pet parent hopes to share with their fur babies.
Before You Book Your Stay With Junglebrooke
- The property operates on a room-by-room booking model, with allocations made on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Guests should be aware that the final stretch leading to the retreat includes a rough road, and cautious driving is advised.
- Though meals are included in their package, room dining service is not available.
- An in-house chef is available to prepare meals based on guest preferences, offering a range of cuisines including local specialties, Indian, Chinese, and Continental options.
- Breakfast is served from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Lunch is served from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. High tea & snacks are served from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Dinner is served from 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
- There are no charges for one pet, per room booking. In case more than one pet, the additional charges will be INR 2000, per night.
- On-site, a dedicated caretaker is present at all times, supported by a trained team responsible for housekeeping, cleaning, and daily operations.
- The property also provides on-site parking facilities, accommodating up to eight vehicles comfortably.
- In terms of connectivity, Jio network coverage is the most reliable in this area.
- While the stay has been thoughtfully designed and curated, guests are encouraged to treat the property with due care to help maintain its condition.
How To Reach
Junglebrooke sits in the town of Kolad – close to well-used highways and also in fairly close proximity to Mumbai & Pune, two major hubs in Maharashtra.
- From Mumbai, the distance is approximately 126 km, and it may take up to 2 hours & 45 minutes (includes highway) by car (depending on traffic conditions).
- From Pune, the distance is approximately 117km, and it may take up to 3 hours and 30 minutes (includes curvy terrains & sharp roads) by car (depending on traffic conditions).
For bookings, visit their website or write to booking@junglebrooke.com
Contact: +91 8988899091
What Should You Know About SaffronStays?
For readers new to the brand, SaffronStays is a hospitality collective known for curating distinctive villas, bungalows, and estates across India. Rather than standardised hotels, they focus on homes with character, places that reflect local culture, thoughtful design, and intentional comfort. Public figures, entrepreneurs, creatives, and travellers with refined tastes often gravitate towards SaffronStays for one simple reason: their properties feel personal. Designed for workations, family gatherings, quiet couple escapes, and now, animal-first travel, these stays prioritise how people actually live. For those of you who haven’t yet booked their stay with SaffronStays, do yourself a kind favour by experiencing a leisure time away from the monotony at one of their well-put-together villas or resorts and the wanderer in you will thank you for exploring such atmospheric hospitality.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Junglebrooke & SaffronStays
Some of the many well-reputed pet-friendly resorts in India include names like Cabo Serai (Goa), La Villa Bethany (Landour), Emerald Trail (Bhimtal), SaffronStays Nandanvan Estate (Kodaikanal), Nadis (Srinagar)
Several airlines namely- Akasa Air, Indigo, Vistara permit pets in cargo or cabin (subject to size and health norms), while trains allow pets in first-class compartments.
Yes, many hotels in India do allow pets, especially across boutique stays, private villas, and experiential resorts. However, true pet-friendly hospitality is still selective. Noteworthy names include SaffronStays, StayVista, Treebo Hotels, Taj Hotels (at select properties), ITC Hotels (select locations), and Brigade Hospitality through its pet-friendly initiatives. That said, policies vary widely. Some hotels welcome pets as part of the experience, offering open spaces and flexible access, while others impose restrictions on size, breed, and common areas. Pet parents are generally advised to confirm individual property guidelines, fees, and amenities before booking to ensure a hassle-free stay for their pets.
Junglebrooke is a one-of-a-kind animal-first stay in Maharashtra's Kolad district, that reimagines luxury through empathy. Instead of being built solely for commercial gain and a leisure retreat for humans, the retreat prioritises the comfort and convenience of pets, rescued animals, nature, and mindful habitat- making it a rare example of purpose-led hospitality in India.
Junglebrooke is located in Kolad, a nature-rich town in Maharashtra, surrounded by forests, river landscapes, and open countryside.
Junglebrooke is approximately 110 km away from Pune. Depending on traffic conditions, it may take up to 3-4.5 hours by car.
Popular pet-friendly getaways near Mumbai and Pune are mostly located in scenic regions such as Kolad, Lonavala, Alibaug, Karjat, Mulshi, and Pawna. Some of the most beautiful and high-end locations by SaffronStays include Grandiosa (Lonavala), Hidden Branches (Khandala), Anantham (Kamshet), Raanwaara (Pawna), Zuma Villa (Pawna), Sonnet (Raigad) & Grand Odyssy (Karjat). Some other soulful locations include properties like - Anandvan Resort (Bhandardara), Della Resorts (Lonavala), Palmwoods Retreat (Mulshi), Ekostay Kingfisher Villa (Mulshi).
AMTM stands for Animals Matter To Me, a compassionate animal welfare initiative dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care to abandoned, injured, and abused animals across India.
Junglebrooke maintains minimal restrictions, guided primarily by safety, harmony, and animal welfare, rather than rigid hospitality rules. This approach allows pets to experience the space naturally while respecting other animals on the property.
AMTM stands for Animals Matter To Me, a pioneering animal welfare initiative in India committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong care of abandoned, injured, and abused animals. Rooted in compassion and action, AMTM goes beyond emergency interventions by creating safe, cageless sanctuaries where animals are allowed to heal, live freely, and age with dignity. Based in Kolad, Maharashtra, AMTM plays a vital role in India’s evolving animal welfare ecosystem by combining medical care, ethical rehabilitation, and long-term shelter under one humane philosophy. Its work not only addresses immediate animal distress but also contributes to awareness, advocacy, and responsible coexistence, making AMTM a significant name in India’s animal rescue and sanctuary landscape.
Yes, every stay at Junglebrooke actively contributes to animal rescue, medical care, and long-term rehabilitation efforts, making it one of the few hospitality experiences in India where tourism directly supports animal welfare.
SaffronStays is a premium hospitality brand known for curating heritage homes, private villas, and experiential stays across India. With a focus on design, storytelling, and personalised hospitality, the brand has also pioneered purpose-led initiatives that blend luxury travel with sustainability, community impact, and inclusive experiences.
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