Pet-friendly tourism gains popularity in Munnar

As Munnar is witnessing a massive surge in visitors, “pet-friendly tourism” is gaining popularity in the hill station. Several tourism stakeholders are now offering specialised accommodations and sightseeing facilities for travellers who wish to bring their pets along.

Asish Varghese, a travel curator in Munnar and a member of ‘Team Vakeel Bro,’ a group of travel curators, says his team is receiving huge response to pet-friendly tourism activities. “Now families are arriving with pets such as dogs and cats to enjoy their trip. We provide full sightseeing arrangements specifically tailored for pet-owning tourists,” says Mr. Varghese.

“Most families today consider their pets a part of their family and do not want to exclude them from their travels. Many often cancel plans because they fear resorts and homestays are not pet-friendly. We want to make sure that no one has to cancel their trips because of this issue,” he adds.

Tourists with their pets during an off-road trip in Munnar.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The group ensures that both stay and food facilities are pet-ready, even providing medical assistance if needed. “We also take extra care about the sanitation and cleaning for these guests. Tourists are thrilled to travel with their pets. For many of them, these animals are an integral part of their lives,” he says.

‘Huge relief’

Gayathri Kishore, a Kochi-based costume designer, recently travelled to Munnar with her three dogs. “Usually, if I travel, I have to leave my dogs at a boarding facility. But thanks to these pet-friendly travel curators, my dogs and I were able to enjoy the trip together. We got to trek, sightsee, and participate in adventure activities together in Munnar,” she says. “The dogs loved the vacation—they got to run around and climb the hills. Having these options is a huge relief for pet owners.”

According to industry experts, pet-friendly tourism is a growing trend that is expected to expand further. “We have already conducted over 250 pet-friendly trips, and we expect this niche to gain even more popularity in the future,” says Mr. Varghese.