Tucked away in the hills of Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, Rajmaan Singh Eco Resort is a luxury retreat designed for travellers seeking space, privacy, and a quieter mountain experience.
Spread across acres of green land, the resort offers 24 rooms, a pool with hill views, and a mix of indoor and outdoor amenities for both children and adults, positioning it as an alternative to Himachal’s increasingly crowded hill destinations.
The property has recently become pet-friendly, a move that remains uncommon in hill states due to concerns around safety, hygiene, and guest comfort.
Rather than positioning this as a marketing add-on, the resort has introduced pets through clearly defined policies and limited access, ensuring that the experience remains comfortable for both pet owners and other guests.
In an interview with founder Sukhvinder Singh Sudan, we explore the thinking behind this decision, the challenges of opening up a hill resort to pets, and how Rajmaan Singh Eco Resort balances comfort, sustainability, and inclusivity in a sensitive mountain environment.
“Pets Are Family, Not an Afterthought”
Speaking about the decision to make Rajmaan Singh Eco Resort pet-friendly, founder Sukhvinder Singh Sudan says it was never a calculated business move, but a natural extension of how the property was envisioned.
“At Rajmaan Singh Eco Resort, the idea of being pet-friendly came very organically,” he explains. “Our philosophy has always been about slowing down and reconnecting with nature. For many guests, pets are family. Excluding them didn’t align with the idea of a relaxed, inclusive hill retreat.”
In Himachal Pradesh, many resorts hesitate to allow pets due to genuine concerns around safety, hygiene, terrain, and the comfort of other guests. Instead of avoiding these challenges, Rajmaan Singh Eco Resort chose to address them through structure and clarity.
“We understand why hill destinations are cautious,” Sudan says. “Rather than saying no, we introduced clear guidelines, limited pet-friendly rooms, and emphasised responsible pet ownership. This allows pet parents to travel freely without affecting the serenity of the hills or the experience of other guests.”
Balancing pet comfort with ecological sensitivity
Unlike urban pet hotels that rely on artificial play zones or structured activities, Rajmaan Singh Eco Resort has kept the experience intentionally natural. Open green spaces, fresh mountain air, and gentle walking trails already offer a calming environment for pets, without the need for intrusive development.
“Balancing pet comfort with environmental sensitivity is central to how we operate,” Sudan states. “We don’t believe in over-commercialising the pet experience.”
Sustainability also extends to how pets are hosted. Guests are encouraged to avoid plastic-heavy accessories, bring reusable bowls and bedding, and follow low-waste practices in keeping with the resort’s eco-conscious approach. Designated pet-relief areas help maintain hygiene while protecting the surrounding greenery.
“Our focus is to keep the experience simple and respectful—both for pets and for nature,” he adds.
Clear policies for shared comfort
Ensuring comfort for both pet-owning and non-pet-owning guests has been a priority from the outset. The resort follows transparent policies and thoughtful zoning to maintain balance across the property.
Pet access is limited strictly to designated pet-friendly rooms, ensuring other accommodations remain unaffected. Pets must be leashed in all common areas, and spaces such as restaurants, pool areas, spa zones, and indoor recreational facilities are pet-free, except for service animals as required by law. Only small and medium-sized, well-behaved dogs are permitted, with vaccination compliance mandatory.
“These guidelines aren’t restrictive, they’re protective,” Sudan explains. “The guidelines allow pet parents to enjoy their holiday responsibly while ensuring peace and privacy for guests who prefer a pet-free environment.”
A measured approach to what comes next
As a relatively new property, Rajmaan Singh Eco Resort is currently focused on getting the fundamentals right – comfort, safety, and harmony with its natural surroundings.
“We do see possibilities,” he says. “Guided nature walks suitable for pets or educational guidelines for pet parents travelling in hill ecosystems are things we may explore.”
For now, the resort does not offer off-leash zones due to natural terrain and wildlife considerations. Safety, for pets, guests, and the environment takes precedence, though a small enclosed and supervised space may be explored in the future, subject to feasibility and environmental impact.
With its quiet setting in Sirmaur, expansive green spaces, and a carefully considered approach to pet-friendly travel, Rajmaan Singh Eco Resort is offering a hill escape where pets are welcomed, not as an afterthought, but with intention, responsibility and genuine warmth.
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