In the interest of tourist safety, the district administration has made it mandatory for all homestays operating in Kodagu district to obtain official registration and approval from the Tourism Department.
Homestay owners operating without registration certificates have been directed to apply through the official Tourism Department portal and commence operations only after obtaining valid approval.
Authorities warned that legal action would be initiated against homestays operating illegally under the Karnataka Tourism Business (Facilitation and Regulation) Act, 2015.
The administration has issued detailed guidelines for homestay operators. All existing and new homestays must register with the Tourism Department, and the list of registered establishments will be published on the department’s website.
The guidelines specify that:
Rooms cannot be rented on a time-sharing basis.
Permission letters and licences must be displayed prominently at the entrance.
Rented, leased or sub-leased properties cannot be registered as homestays.
The owner must reside on the premises.
CCTV systems must function round-the-clock, with footage preserved for 30 days.
Police verification of staff is mandatory.
Homestays have also been instructed to maintain feedback registers, complaint registers and response books to address guest concerns effectively. Â
The authorities further stated that homestays must ensure cleanliness, hygiene, fire safety and proper waste management. Separate bins for dry and wet waste must be maintained, while recycling and renewable energy usage should be encouraged. Burning of plastic waste has been strictly prohibited. Homestays are required to provide guests with a local experience through regional décor, authentic cuisine and local activities.
The administration stated that a homestay can provide a minimum of one and a maximum of six rooms with not more than 12 beds in total. Dormitory facilities and bunk beds are not permitted, and a maximum of 12 adults may stay at any given time.
Owners have also been instructed to immediately inform the nearest police station if any guest is found engaging in illegal activities.
For foreign guests, passport and visa details must be verified and recorded, and information must be submitted to the police department in Form C as per prescribed guidelines. The Deputy Director of the Tourism Department appealed to residents of the district to cooperate in curbing unauthorised homestays and to report illegal operations.
Complaints and information may be submitted to:Office of the Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Stuart Hill Road, Madikeri – 571201. Phone: 08272-200519.Office of the District Superintendent of Police. Phone: 08272-229000.
