A homestay is a novel concept of providing accommodation to tourists; it involves staying in a home with the family members. Typically, a family may have one, two or three rooms, (up to a maximum of 6) which they reserve in the house to accommodate guests. The guests usually have breakfast with the family and can choose to have other meals for an added cost.
Those wishing to start homestay business need to apply to the Director of the Tourism Department in Trivandrum. They can apply for Diamond, Gold or Silver Class. There are certain requirements regarding the rooms:
The application should include the following:
It is preferable that at least one family member is fluent in English, so as to communicate with guests; knowledge of additional foreign languages will be an added bonus.
The fees for obtaining the license ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 depending on which class of homestay you are providing.
The department will give priority to houses in popular tourist areas – for example, Varkala, Bekal, Fort Kochi, Wayanad, Alleppey, and so on.
They will also inspect the quality of the building, the cleanliness and maintenance, facilities offered and whether they are as per the list submitted, access road, safety of the locality etc. before issuing the license. If the authorities find any issues, they may ask for certain repairs or renovations to be carried out.
Kerala is a hotbed of tourism, with every district in the state having something unique and wonderful to offer visitors, both domestic and international. It is true that there are hundreds of resorts and hotels catering to tourists; however, the charm a homestay offers is unique and unforgettable. When looking at Kerala tour packages, enquire about homestay accommodation for a distinctive experience.
For a truly discerning traveler, a homestay is a wonderful opportunity to learn the local customs, enjoy the local cuisine, and to get to know local people, and exchange knowledge and experiences. More and more people today are looking for innovative travel experiences, and want to avoid run of the mill hotels which are very commercial and synthetic. Living with a family opens the doors to learning a lot of stuff first hand, which is what serious travelers love. It’s an opportunity to experience life as it is lived. Travelers also get to know about the little things like the best place to get a cup of tea, the best place to buy traditional costumes, spices or handicrafts, the hidden treasures in a particular place and so on.
Many visitors prefer the natural warmth and hospitality of a family over a hotel, as it affords the feeling of being at home even when away from home. They also often help the family in daily chores, especially cooking – getting first hand cooking lessons from grandma is always an enjoyable activity!
Homestays are here to stay – there is no doubt about that. Several families with large homes are converting a couple of rooms for this purpose, especially if their children don’t live with them permanently. It provides an additional income and company.