How to Get Homestay License in Kerala, India?
How to Get Homestays License in Kerala, India? Starting a homestay in Kerala is like opening your doors to show of “God’s Own Country” with travelers from around the world. Imagine welcoming guests who come to experience Kerala’s lush greenery, backwaters of Alappuzha, and serene beaches like Varkala and Kovalam. Guests visiting the ancient temples of Guruvayur, the spice plantations of Wayanad, or the majestic Athirapally Falls would love the personal touch of staying in a traditional Kerala home, by offering personalized stay, you get to showcase the beauty, hospitality, and culture of Kerala while earning a income.

Incredible India Initiative by Ministry of Tourism, GOI
With the aim of providing comfortable Bed & Breakfast/Home Stay Facilities with Standardized World-Class Services to tourists, and to supplement the availability of accommodation across destinations, the Ministry of Tourism will classify fully operational rooms of Home Stay Facilities in States & Union Territories of India where the respective State Government/UT Administration does not have its own scheme for approval, classification, or accreditation of Bed & Breakfast/Homestay Establishments as “Incredible India Bed & Breakfast Establishments” and “Incredible India Homestay Establishments.” The basic idea is to provide a clean and affordable place for both foreign and domestic tourists, including an opportunity for foreign tourists to stay with an Indian family to experience Indian customs and traditions and relish authentic Indian cuisine.
How to Start Homestay in Kerala?
Homestay Categories
India’s Ministry of Tourism classifies homestays into two categories:
- Silver: Basic facilities with standardized quality – Application Fee Rs. 3000.
- Gold: Superior facilities and services – Application Fee Rs. 5000.
Eligibility for Homestay License
- You reside in the property if applying as a homestay owner.
- Your property has a minimum of one room and a maximum of six rooms (12 beds).
- The minimum floor area for each room is 120 sq. ft. in plains and 100 sq. ft. in hills for Silver category and 200 sq. ft. in plains and 120 sq. ft. in hills for Gold category.
- All room must have attached private WC toilet bathroom with toiletries and minimum 30 sq. ft for Silver and 40 sq. ft for Gold.
- Air-conditioning & heating depending on climatic conditions with room temp. between 20 to 25 degrees Centigrade in the offered room.
- All rooms should be clean, airy, pest free, without dampness and with outside window / ventilation.
Important Documents for Application
Download Government of India Annexure
- Property Ownership Proof: Sale or lease deed.
- Police Clearance: Certifying the owner’s good conduct and antecedents.
- Photographs: Exterior and interior views of the property.
- Application Format – Annexure – 1
- Checklist: Duly filled and signed checklist of facilities – Annexure – 2
- Undertaking: A signed declaration – Annexure – 3
Where to Apply for Homestay License in Kerala?
Kerala District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) office or you can do Online
Manager, India Tourism, Willingdon Island, Kochi, 682009, Kerala. Tel : 0484-2669125
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