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Homestay tourism: What is a homestay?

What is a homestay.

Homestay is a relatively new concept that has been introduced to the tourism sphere. In fact, the very notion of ‘home’ seems somewhat contradictory when we talk about tourism, doesn’t it? I mean, we travel to get away from home…

Well, it turns out that homestay tourism has grown considerably is recent years. With the rise in budget travel and an increased interest in cultural tourism , homestay have popped up all over the world. But what is a homestay? And how does a homestay work? Read on to find out…

What is a homestay? The simple answer

What is a homestay the not so simple answer, a definition of homestay, characteristics of a homestay, homestay as a cultural experience, homestay as a commercial enterprise, where to book a homestay, homestay family, couchsurfing, other examples of homestay platforms, homestay app, advantages of a homestay, disadvantages of a homestay, what is a homestay to conclude, further reading on the concept of the homestay.

When you Google ‘what is a homestay?’ you will be given some pretty short and basic answers. However, anybody who has taken the time posit down and look deeply into the homestay industry will know that explaining this concept is anything BUT short and basic…

Below I have given you a basic explanation of a homestay. This is similar to what you will find elsewhere on the Internet. But you didn’t go elsewhere, did you? You came toTourism Teacher! And as such, I will proceed to discuss the concept of the homestay from a critical perspective, you didn’t really want simple – did you?

Put simply, a homestay is when you stay in another person’s home. Could this be your best mate’s home? Technically, yes. Could it be staying in the home of a rural villager in Laos? Yep, it could be that too.

According to Homestay.com , a homestay is when you are offered a spare room in a house that someone lives in.You stay there with the family. Whilst this may rank top on Google for obvious reasons (the website name), this is in reality a load of rubbish.

Homestay have popped up all over the globe in recent years, and most of the time you are not staying with the home owner (or renter), the homeowner does not live there and it is not the deep cultural experience that some might expect.

Want to know more? I knew the ‘simple’ explanation wouldn’t be enough for you… Read on…

Lets be real here- a homestay is far more than staying in a spare room.

A homestay is essentially the commercialisation of the home. This commercialisation has disrupted economies throughout the world, resulted in gentrification and globalisation, and is largely anything but ‘cultural tourism’.

Lets dig a bit deeper and find out what a homestay really is…

The homestay industry

A homestay forms part of the sharing economy . Homestay represent the notion of the commercialisation of one’s home for financial benefit.

Homestays typically provide a middle-ground for tourists- they are more intimate than a hotel, but offer more of a formal setting than staying with friends and relatives .

A homestay can offer the tourist with facilities that traditional types of accommodation may not be able to provide. This might include an authentic cultural experience with those who live in the home or it could be having an entire home, and all of its facilities, to yourself.

Generally, the term homestay hasn’t received a great deal of attention in the academic literature. However, there are similar terms that have.

Two terms that reflect the notion of using your home as a business are ‘home-based enterprise’ (Di Domenico & Lynch, 2007, p. 321) and ‘commercial home enterprise’ (CHE) (McIntosh, Lynch, & Sweeney, 2011, p. 511).

According to Lynch (2005);

A ‘Commercial home’ refers to types of accommodation where visitors or guests pay to stay in private homes, where interaction takes place with a host and/or family usually living upon the premises and with whom public space is, to a degree, shared. ‘Commercial home’ therefore embraces a range of accommodation types including some (small) hotels, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), and host family accommodation, which simultaneously span private, commercial, and social settings.

Lynch (2005) goes on to identify several key characteristics of a homestay. These are;

• Family involvement
• Local community benefits
• Guest engagement with the property
• The sharing of space between guest and host
• The participation of owner-managers in the shaping of the accommodation product
• The involvement of ‘lifestyle entrepreneurs’
• The importance of gender, personal networks, social values, and family life cycle

As you can see from the list above, culture and connection between host and guest is, according to Lynch, an important part of the homestay experience. However, since his works written in 2005,a lot has changed. And I would now argue that financial gain is, in most circumstances, far superior to host-guest interaction.

Whilst there has been a clear move away from culture being the focus and towards economic benefit, a homestay experience can be a significant cultural experience.

There are many different ways that you can experience culture through a homestay, and this is largely dependent on the set up of the homestay itself.

Inevitably, if a guest is staying in the home of a local person, who regularly interacts with the guest, then they will receive a greater cultural experience than someone who is simply paying to rent a bedroom or entire property.

Some of the cultural experiences that a tourist may receive include;

• Learning a new language
• Tasting new food and learning to cook new recipes
• Learning about the local way of life
• Learning about local history
• Exposure to the local community
• Taking part in village, nature or workplace tours
• Learning about the religion and visiting religious sites
• Taking part in local events and celebrations

In recent years we have witnessed monumental growth in the so called ‘ sharing economy ‘. The sharing economy is a socio-economic ecosystem that is built around the sharing of human, physical and intellectual resources. Also known as collaborative consumption or peer-to-peer-based sharing, the sharing economy is a concept that highlights the way in which people rent or borrow goods and services rather than buying or owning them. In the context of homestay, this represents the sharing of one’s home.

This notion of ‘sharing’ has, however, has disrupted many traditional commercial operations. Hotel occupancy rates around the world are down as tourists opt for homestay options instead of hotel rooms. In addition, the income potential for homestay has driven up real estate prices in many areas, meaning that local people are struggling to get on the property ladder and gentrification is taking place.

The homestay concept has seen the rise of many budding entrepreneurs across the globe. People have transformed their homes in guesthouses, locals are offering culturally immersive tours and the wealthy have snapped up entire apartment blocks upon completion in the aim of building their Airbnb business.

Homestays come in all shapes and sizes, from sleeping on someone’s couch in a New York apartment to renting an entire island in the South Pacific. The possibilities are endless…

Homestays occur around the world.

A homestay can be organised via apps, social media, academic institutions and more. They offer the chance to integrate yourself into local society.

Below, I have outlined some of the most common ways to organise a homestay on your travels.

Also known as the ‘host family’, a homestay family are the people who own the house/accommodation where you’ll be staying. They provide board and lodging.

You will often find that you become close to the family, and they will have a lot to offer you in terms of local knowledge, connections and more.

Student homestay

Homestays are particularly popular with students.

For young people studying a language, international relations, business studies and other degrees, travelling abroad to immerse themselves in their studies is a huge part of the course. 

Students can find a homestay through their university or college. The institution will have access to a list of host families, and will match students accordingly to families in the right area.

A homestay is a great way for students to get involved with daily life in that particular culture, or to practise the language they are learning.

Generally, a homestay is incredibly beneficial to students and an overall enjoyable experience.

Couchsurfing is a concept that really seems to have taken off in the last decade or so. And the concept is simple- a home owner (or renter) allows a tourist to stay on their couch.

I say couch, it doesn’t have to be a couch. In fact, many hosts offer the tourists a bed, their own room and sometimes their own bathroom too.

When couchsurfing, no money is supposed to change hands. Instead, the tourist repays the host with interactions.

WWOOFING stands for worldwide opportunities on organic farms. It is a form of homestay tourism, whereby the tourist works on the farm in exchange for free board.

WWOOFING has grown as an industry in recent years and is particularly popular in Australia , where many international tourists undertake agricultural work in order to extend the duration of their working holiday visa. Other popular WWOOFING destinations include the USA, Ireland and various places throughout Europe.

WWOOFING is also popular with budget and long term travellers as it provides the tourist with travel opportunities at a reduced cost.

Airbnb is essentially an online marketplace that involves the renting of property to travellers. They have also recently started offering experiences too.

Airbnb does not own any of the properties. It simply provides a platform from which people can rent out their properties or spare rooms to guests.Prices are set by the property owners and monies are collected via the Airbnb app.

There are many different types of Airbnbs. You can rent a room in someone’s house or a  whole island  and everything in between! I have stayed in some pretty cool Airbnbs myself, take a look at some of them in this post-  7 reasons why Airbnb is my favourite accommodation option .

There are many ways that a homestay can be arranged. Amongst the biggest and most known platforms that I have already discussed, there are also the following companies offering homestays:

• Booking.com  (they now offer apartment rentals alongside hotels)
• SellMyTimeshareNow
• onefinestay

There is an organisation who call themselves ‘homestay. This company organises homestay experiences for tourists around the world and has a functional app to facilitate this.

Available on iOS and Android, there are over 55,000 homestay accommodations in 160 countries available to rent via the app. You can find the perfect homestay for you, see what previous guests though and connect with the host family. See which cities are popular with guests looking for a homestay, and book whether you’re travelling for study, work or just a fun time!

Homestay advantages and disadvantages

As with everything, there are both advantages and disadvantages of a homestay. I have briefly outlined some of these for you below.

• Ability to immerse yourself into a different culture
• Chance to taste new food
• Educational benefits- learn about the culture, religion and way of life
• Opportunity to live ‘like a local’
• Limited freedom- curfews, religious requirements, household preferences
• Limited choice of location
• Safety concerns

You should now be confident to answer the questions ‘what is a homestay?’. By weighing up the advantages and the disadvantages, you can decide whether this type of accommodation is for you or not. An important part off the sharing economy, I don’t think the concept of homestay is going anywhere anytime soon…

Interested to learn more about homestays? Here is some recommended reading on the topic…

• What’s Yours is Mine: against the sharing economy – The author, Tom, questions how did we get from the generosity of  what’s mine is yours , to the self-interest and greed of  what’s yours is mine ?
• The Business of Sharing: Making it in the New Sharing Economy – An insider’s guide for anyone thinking of entering the sharing economy and looking to make a profit.
• Platform Economics: Rhetoric and Reality in the “Sharing Economy” – An in-depth analysis of policy concern over competition, tax collection, consumers’ protection, privacy, and algorithms transparency, and the future of work.
• The Future of Airbnb and the `Sharing Economy’: The Collaborative Consumption of our Cities – a conceptual analysis of the `sharing economy’ and accommodation sector and Airbnb.
• Tomorrow 3.0: Transaction Costs and the Sharing Economy – Munger brings a fresh perspective on the ‘sharing economy’, assessing companies such as Uber and Airbnb in relation to economics and transaction costs.
• The Airbnb Story: How Three Guys Disrupted an Industry, Made Billions of Dollars … and Plenty of Enemies – The remarkable story behind Airbnb and in-depth character study of its leader, Brian Chesky, the company’s curious co-founder and CEO.
• Airbnb Listing Hacks – The Complete Guide To Maximizing Your Bookings And Profits – Bestselling Airbnb host user guide.
• Optimize YOUR Bnb: The Definitive Guide to Ranking #1 in Airbnb Search – A culmination of Daniel’s five-year experience with Airbnb from being an employee and a guest, to a host, to Superhost, and to starting an Airbnb property management company.

Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme

The Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme of the Government of Meghalaya is a convergence between Meghalaya Tourism Departments and Prime Minister Employment Generation Scheme (PMEGP) for generation of employment opportunities in the State of Meghalaya through the establishment of tourist infrastructure such as homestay, restaurants ( dhabas / wayside amenities ) and crafts emporium.

The Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme will be implemented by the Tourism Department in collaboration with the District Commerce and Industry Centre (DCIC), under the Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Meghalaya as the partner agency for support related to PMEGP.

The Salient feature of the schemes are as follow:

• PMEGP offers a subsidy of up to 35% for project cost of up to Rs 20 Lakh.
• In addition to PMEGP subsidy, the Tourism Department provides an additional 35% subsidy for project cost costing up to Rs 10 Lakh.
• Therefore, beneficiary can access a total subsidy of 70% for project cost up to Rs 10 Lakhs, i.e., 35% from PMEGP and 35% from Tourism.
• The scheme employs a credit-link subsidy model. Partner bank offers 95% of the project cost as loan, with the beneficiary contributing the remaining 5%.
• Beneficiaries receive a one-year moratorium and a maximum loan term of 7 years from the loan disbursement date. 
• The beneficiary repays an average Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) of approximately Rs 6,000/- over a period of 7 years, enabling them to own an asset worth Rs 10 Lakh (a two rooms homestay, restaurants, dhabas / wayside amenities, and crafts emporium). With this EMI, a beneficiary can earn an estimated monthly income of up to Rs 60,000, while paying just Rs 6,000/- as EMI for 7 years.
• The Scheme is designed to create employment and livelihood opportunities, with estimated monthly revenue nearly 10 times the EMI, even conservatively estimated.
• The Tourism Department pays the 35% subsidy directly to the bank as EMI support during the first three years.
• The PMEGP’s 35% subsidy is transferred to the beneficiary’s account at the beginning of the fourth year.

Note: The numbers/subsidy percentage mentioned in points 1, 3, 4, 6 and 9 are applicable to ST beneficiaries in rural area.

Scheme Details

Homestays are private houses providing accommodation to tourists, offering bed and breakfast services. The Provision of affordable accommodation in private homes with basic amenities helps address the shortage of lodging during the tourist season in the state. These homestays can be either additions to existing ones or entirely new units.

Homestays are expected to have basic amenities such as bed, table, chair, closet, Wi-Fi, electric kettle, toiletries, proper lighting, and good ambience to enhance the overall experience for visitors in the State.

Restaurants/Cafes/Wayside Amenities

Restaurants/Cafes are establishments that serve food and beverages to customer. Wayside amenities encompass various options, including restaurants, cafes, dhabas, and other basic tourist Infrastructure like toilets and parking spaces. These establishments should provide a pleasant ambiance with comfortable seating, whether located in the heart of the city or at tourist sites on the outskirts. They aim to offer tourists better food and service options while exploring the State’s tourist sites.

Crafts Emporium

Crafts emporiums are retail stores that offer a wide variety of handicraft merchandise, with a focus on products created by local craftsmen. The State’s broader objective is to support creative entrepreneurs and prioritize people in brand building. This approach also promotes tourism by creating an immersive cultural experience for those interested in delving deeper into the place’s culture and traditions.

Proposed Estimated Target

The scheme aims to establish 500 homestays and 100 other units, including restaurants, dhabas, wayside amenities, and craft emporiums, annually over a 5-year period (FY 2022-27). The estimated budget for the scheme is Rs. 110 crores, with the flexibility to revise targets based on demand and estimated potential by the Tourism Department. 

Table C: Estimate for cost of the project.

Hence, the estimated financial implication to the department per year for a period of five years is Rs 22 Crores.

• To generate livelihood opportunities in both rural and Urban areas of Meghalaya by establishing new self-employment ventures like homestays, restaurants (dhabas/wayside amenities) and crafts emporiums.
• To promote the development of aesthetically pleasing homestays, restaurants (dhabas/wayside amenities) and crafts emporiums while providing technical assistance, such as design templates, to preserve the region’s natural beauty.
• To stimulate ancillary employment in both rural and urban areas by significantly boosting the Tourism sector.
• To address the increasing demand for high-quality accommodation in the State.
• To unlock new potential destinations by creating high-quality accommodation options.

Rationale for the Scheme

• High Tourist Footfall in the State:

Meghalaya is a highly sought-after tourist destination, drawing approximately 1.2 million visitors in 2018, including both national and international tourists.

• Economic Boost:

The Tourism Sector currently contributes 3 to 5 percent of the GSDP and holds the potential to become a major driver of economic growth in the State. Recognized for its multiplier effect on the economy, investments in this sector are essential for creating numerous livelihood opportunities in both formal and informal sectors.

• Infrastructure Enhancement Necessity:  

Existing tourism infrastructure in the state is insufficient to cater to the current demand and expansion of tourism. Furthermore, most upcoming homestays, especially in rural areas with high tourism potential, require standardization to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the locations.

• Promotion of High-Value Tourism:

The Tourism Department aims to establish a model of tourism that focuses on creating exceptional experience to attract discerning travellers from both the country and abroad, thereby promoting high-value tourism. To achieve this, there is a need to develop quality tourism infrastructure, particularly in terms of tourist accommodation.

• Rising Homestay Trend:  

With the growing trend and preference for homestays, the Tourism Department recognizes the need to facilitate the growth of tourist infrastructure while simultaneously linking it to livelihood and employment opportunities. The Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme of the Tourism Department aims to fulfil these needs by providing financial and technical assistance to the local entrepreneurs who aspire to establish homestays and other tourist Infrastructure in the State.

Convergence of PMEGP with Tourism

PMEGP Scheme

The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) Scheme, initiated by the central government, aims to provide employment opportunities to citizens by facilitating the establishment of microenterprises through credit-linked subsidies, both in rural and urban areas.

Under the Scheme, the full business cost is provided as a loan by the bank to the beneficiary, which must be repaid over a maximum period of 7 years. PMEPG subsidies are granted after a three-year lock-in period, contingent upon successful implementation and a positive physical verification report. Among the various activities listed under PMEGP, the tourism sector offers the most promising opportunity for unemployed citizens in Meghalaya to earn a livelihood.

However, many potential beneficiaries in Meghalaya’s rural and urban areas, with significant tourism potential, do not utilize the scheme due to their inability to manage high EMIs during the initial three-year lock-in period. Since the tourism industry typically has a longer gestation period, the requirement for high EMI payments early on deters aspiring entrepreneurs from embarking on the tourism ventures. Consequently, this has resulted in a low uptake of the PMEGP scheme, both in the state overall and particularly within the tourism sector.

Meghalaya Tourism Development and Investment Promotion Scheme 2012 (MTDIPS)

The State’s MTDIPS Scheme has provided assistance to entrepreneurs in establishing tourism related infrastructure, such as homestay, resorts, restaurants (dhabas/wayside amenities). While the scheme has enjoyed a 100% success rate till date, its limited budget has restricted its ability to benefit more beneficiaries.

Challenges Addressed by the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme

The introduction of the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme aims to address the challenges associated with the two aforementioned schemes, namely PMEGP and MTDIPS, specific to the State of Meghalaya, by integrating the benefits from both the Schemes. The Scheme, through convergence, seeks to tackle the following issues:

• The burden of high EMI repayments during the first three years of PMEGP’s lock-in period for the beneficiaries.
• The low utilization of the PMEGP Scheme in the State of Meghalaya.
• The limited coverage of Tourism Department due to budgetary constraints.
• The promotion of profitable business opportunities that were previously not identified by potential beneficiaries.
• Addressing the long gestation period of Tourism Industry and the necessity to support and encourage entrepreneurs during its initial years.
• Enhanced monitoring with additional support from DCIC and banks.
• The Tourism Department will add an additional subsidy of 35 percent to the existing 35 percent PMEGP Subsidy. The maximum subsidy that a beneficiary can avail from the Tourism Department is Rs 3.5 Lakh, which is 35 percent for a project cost of up to Rs 10 Lakhs.
• The partner bank under the scheme will provide 95% of the total amount required for constructing homestays and other amenities, which is Rs 9,50,000 (for ST in rural areas with a project cost of Rs 10 Lakhs), while the remaining 5% is to be contributed by the beneficiary.
• The approximate EMI for the first 3 years will be Rs 4,671/-
• The approximate EMI for the next 4 years will be Rs 6,990/-
• The Tourism subsidy of 35% will be paid in the first 3 years as an EMI. 

Total Financial Assistance

Levels of funding from PMEGP, Tourism department and thereby the total subsidy under Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme is a shown in the table below:

 Table A: Rate of subsidy in percentage for a project cost of up to Rs 10 Lakhs

Table B: Maximum subsidy amount for a project cost of Rs 10 Lakhs and Rs 20 Lakhs.

• The maximum cost of the project admissible for subsidy though Tourism Department is Rs 10 Lakh.
• The maximum cost of the project admissible for subsidy though through PMEGP is Rs 20 Lakh.

Employment opportunities

With the creation of at least 500 homestays per year over a period of 5 years, about 2,500 homestays will be created. It is expected that a minimum of 2 employment will be created per homestay. Hence, creating a minimum of 5,000 direct employment opportunity through the creation of homestays. 

Besides the flagship unit of Homestay, other units such as restaurants ( dhabas / wayside amenities) and crafts emporium are expected to create at least 5 employment per unit. Thus, generating at least a minimum of 2,500 direct employment opportunities.

The boost in tourism through the scheme will also create thousands of indirect employments. Thus, in total the programme is estimated to create at least 10,000 employment opportunities for the people of Meghalaya.

Trainings and Capacity building

Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP)

The EDP programme will adhere to the two-day format outlined in PMEGP guideline for the service sector. Its objective is to raise awareness about various managerial and operational functions, including finance, marketing, enterprise management, banking formalities, and book-keeping, enabling entrepreneurs to run their business effectively.

Training in collaboration with Tourism Department

As part of the scheme, beneficiaries must undergo mandatory training within six months of receiving the first instalment. Theses training sessions, organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with private hotels or leading institutes, will span three to four weeks (subject to change based on the requirements). They will cover various aspects of hospitality management and guest services.

The training aims to equip homestay owners with essential skills and knowledge to provide exceptional services to their guests, including customer service, housekeeping, food preparation, cultural sensitivity, and marketing strategies. Learning from experienced hospitality professional and instructors, beneficiaries will gain valuable insights into best practices, ensuring that their homestays meet the expectations of high-value tourists while maintaining high-quality standards.

Awareness Camp & Support Mela

Awareness camps will be held in every district by tourist officers or in collaboration with nodal officers from DCIC to facilitate the onboarding process of beneficiaries. Additionally, the bank will organize Melas/camps at locations where it has no physical presence

Eligibility

• Any resident of Meghalaya, above the age of 18 years.
• The beneficiary should possess at least VIII standard pass educational qualification for setting up of project cost above Rs 5 Lakhs.
• Assistance under the scheme is available only for new projects sanctioned specifically under the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme.
• The beneficiary should own the land for the project and should possess valid land documents. In case the applicant does not possess own property, a notarized lease agreement for minimum period of 7 years needs to be obtained.
• A copy of the caste/community certificate or relevant document issued by the competent authority in the case of other special categories.
• Only one person from one family is eligible for obtaining financial assistance for setting up of projects under the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme.

Minimum Standards

The following are the minimum standards that must be maintained:

• Staffs: Owners and beneficiaries must receive training in hospitality, including housekeeping and basic culinary skills, with a preference for expertise in local cuisine. The Tourism Department will organize this training in coordination with MSSDS (Meghalaya State Skill Development Society), involving participation from the private sectors.
• Hygiene: The cleanliness of restrooms with necessary toiletries must be maintained in the facility. Adequate water supply should be ensured to keep facility clean and hygienic.
• Waste Management: Proper disposal and solid waste management should be strictly adhered to.
• Design Aesthetics: The homestay design should preferably incorporate an ethnic touch, integrating local materials and design elements whenever possible. The Tourism Department will offer sample designs, interior suggestions, and a design manual. The department will also enlist architects to aid beneficiaries in customizing their designs, with the department covering the associated costs, in addition to the subsidy.  

Aesthetics of the homestay:

Aesthetic Homestays with a Traditional Touch: Homestays within this scheme are envisioned as havens of aesthetic beauty, rooted in tradition and culture. To achieve this, they embrace a traditional touch that resonates with the cultural heritage of the region. The design philosophy revolves around the extensive use of locally sourced materials, allowing these homestays to seamlessly blend with their natural surroundings. This commitment to aesthetics ensures that each homestay exudes an inviting ambiance and harmonizes effortlessly with the surrounding nature.

Guidance from Design Experts: To facilitate the realization of these aesthetic goals, the Tourism Department has taken the initiative to empanel design consultants. These experts play a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of the homestays. They provide valuable guidance, offering sample designs, interior design suggestions, and a comprehensive design manual. Furthermore, the department’s dedication to promoting aesthetics goes beyond guidance. It extends to bearing the costs associated with architects, ensuring that every homestay becomes a reflection of the region’s unique cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Recognition for Excellence: In acknowledgment of excellence in achieving and maintaining these aesthetic standards, the scheme offers incentives to the best-performing homestay owners. As detailed in Section 16.1, awards and recognition await those who consistently provide exceptional service and maintain high-quality standards. This incentive system encourages homestay owners to continuously improve their offerings, contributing to the growth and reputation of the tourism industry in the region while upholding the aesthetic and cultural values that define these accommodations.

Any area classified as Village as per the revenue record of the State, irrespective of population.

Application Process

The Process:

• All eligible applicants can directly make the applications online ( mandatory ) in the PMEGP portal: https://www.kviconline.gov.in/pmegpeportal/pmegphome/index.jsp
• However, in case of any assistance required, the beneficiary may approach the Directorate of Tourism, Shillong / Tourist officers at Tourist Information Centres at the district level or alternately through DCIC at the District/State levels.
• The applications received through the Tourism Department will be directed to DCIC for uploading the required document and details on the PMEGP portal.
• The nodal officers from DCIC will hand hold and assist applicants at every stage of the application process.

Documents Required:

• Loan application form as per bank prescribed format fully filled up and signed by the applicant and the sponsoring agency.
• Schedule Tribe Certificate.
• Population certificate from Office of Block Development Officer if location of unit is in Rural Area
• Passport size photo – 2 Nos
• Detailed Project Report*
• Birth Certificate/EPIC/PAN Card
• Land document**/Lease Agreement***/ Rent agreement of proposed unit
• Educational Qualification: Pass certificate / Marksheet
• Front page of KYC compliant Saving Accounts passbook
• NOC for setting up of the unit**** .
• The Tourism department shall also provide necessary materials to assist in the application process such as sample project report, designs and financial estimation.

Processing and Sanction:

• Once the required details are uploaded on the PMEGP portal, DCIC will set a date for the joint inspection with representatives from all the three implementing agencies viz Tourism Department, DCIC and the Bank.
• The Banks may either participate in the joint inspection or later conduct inspection on their own based on its own discretion.
• Upon successful application acceptance, beneficiaries will participate in a 2-day Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) conducted by DCIC. Subsequently, they will undergo a three to four-week training programme organized by the Tourism Department at a later stage.
• Applicants who do not conform to the scheme guidelines, or which remains incomplete even after consultation with the applicant will be rejected by the concern nodal officer, recording reasons of rejection. Reasons of rejection will also be conveyed to the applicant.
• The Scheme shall be applicable across the State. However, depending on the Tourism potential of a particular area, The Tourism Department may notify priority clusters from time to time.

Physical verification

There will be a three-stage verification process:

Stage 1: At the time of Loan sanction , a physical verification will be conducted either jointly by the three implementing agencies or separately on a case-by-case basis before the subsidy is approved.

Stage 2: After a Moratorium period of twelve month or upon project completion, whichever comes first, and based on satisfactory progress in accordance with the guideline, the Tourism Department may issue a certificate. Concurrently, the Tourism Department can initiate co – EMI repayments.

Stage 3: After a lock-in period of three years, DCIC/Tourism Department shall conduct a physical verification and assessment of the unit. Upon satisfactory implementation of the unit/project for which the credit was extended, the PMEGP subsidy will be awarded and transferred to the beneficiary account.

Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB) and the   The Shillong Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd.   has been selected as the financing bank for the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme. An MoU has been signed between the Tourism Department, Government of Meghalaya and MRB to formalize this partnership. The Tourism Department is also further exploring collaborations with other banks to provide beneficiaries with multiple options for ease of access.

Implementation Agencies

The Scheme will be implemented by the Directorate of Tourism, Tourism Department, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with Directorate of Commerce and Industries Centre (DCIC), Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Meghalaya. 

At the district levels, the tourist officers/other officers from tourist information Centre/district tourism offices will help in the implementation. Likewise, the district officers from DCIC in their respective districts will help in implementing the scheme.

Bank Finance

• The Bank will sanction 90 percent of the project cost in case of General Category and 95 percent in case of Special Category and disburse full amount suitably for the setting up of the project in  three tranches in the ratio 40:30:30.
• Maximum project cost under the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme is Rs 20 Lakhs. However, for projects where the Capital expenditure reaches the maximum ceiling of the project cost, the bank can consider sanctioning additional funds over and above Rs 20 Lakhs. In such case, the additional funds over and above Rs 20 Lakhs will not be covered for subsidy.
• The maximum cost of the project admissible for subsidy is Rs 10 Lakhs for Tourism department and Rs 20 Lakh for PMEGP. Rate of interest and repayment schedule  
• The rate of interest shall be worked out by the Tourism department along with the Bank. The repayment period as per PMEGP guideline shall range from 3 to 7 years.

The Tourism department, in conjunction with the Industries Department and the bank, will closely monitor and evaluate projects on a regular basis, taking corrective measures based on beneficiary performance. Additionally, the Tourism Department may develop a monitoring mechanism by partnering with tech vendors to create an app and dashboard for this purpose.

Incentive for high Performers

Homestay owners who excel in providing exceptional services and maintaining high-quality standards will receive additional incentives through a grading system implemented on the tourism portal. Homestays that receive positive feedback and achieve higher grades will be eligible for further incentives, such as additional grants for enhancing their facilities, including furniture and other amenities. This incentivization aims to reward and encourage homestay owners to continuously improve and deliver outstanding experiences to guests, contributing to the overall growth and reputation of the tourism industry in the region.

Economic Benefits

The table D below show the EMI repayment model for a project cost of Rs 10 Lakh for special category (see Table A under Section 4.3.2 for level of subsidy) with a subsidy of 35 percent from PMEGP and 35 percent from Tourism department (Total subsidy of 70%), with a moratorium period of 12 months.

Both the Tourism Department and beneficiary will co-pay the EMI from the 13th month till the 36th month after a moratorium period of 12 months (One Year moratorium). After the three years lock in period, on the 37th Month, the PMEGP subsidy of Rs 3.5 Lakhs will come into effect (transferred into beneficiary’s loan account) as is shown in the table below and Tourism Department will stop the EMI repayment. The overall EMI will then reduce to 6,990/- for the next 37th to 84th month which will be paid entirely by the beneficiary.

Likewise for other category, the repayment schedule is shown table E, table F and table G for a Project cost of Rs 10 Lakhs.

Table E: Repayment Schedule (Special Category, Urban)

Table F: Repayment Schedule (General Category, Rural)

Table G: Repayment Schedule (Special Category, Urban)

Note: These figures may change based on actual factors such as the amount of the loan, beneficiary contributions, moratorium period, and other factors that may directly affect the EMI amount.

The Homestay Scheme which is an integral Part of the CM Elevate programme is a collaborative effort between Meghalaya Tourism Departments and the Prime Minister Employment Generation Scheme (PMEGP). Its primary objective is to generate employment opportunities in Meghalaya by establishing tourist infrastructure, including homestays, restaurants (dhabas/wayside amenities), and crafts emporiums.

The Homestay Scheme is implemented by the Tourism Department in collaboration with the District Commerce and Industry Centre (DCIC), under the Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Meghalaya.

The main objectives of the Homestay Scheme include generating livelihood opportunities in both rural and urban areas of Meghalaya, promoting aesthetically pleasing tourist infrastructure, stimulating employment in the tourism sector, addressing the demand for high-quality accommodation, and unlocking new potential tourist destinations.

The scheme aims to create employment and livelihood opportunities by establishing homestays, restaurants, and crafts emporiums. It is estimated to create at least 10,000 employment opportunities in both direct and indirect sectors of Meghalaya.

In addition to the PMEGP subsidy, the Tourism Department provides an additional 35% subsidy for project costs of up to Rs 10 lakh. Therefore, beneficiaries can access a total subsidy of 70% for project costs up to Rs 10 lakh, with 35% from PMEGP and 35% from Tourism.

For project costs up to Rs 10 lakh, beneficiaries can access a total subsidy of 70%, which amounts to Rs 3.5 lakh from the Tourism Department and another 3.5 Lakhs form PMEGP totalling to 7 Lakhs for a Project Cost of Rs 10 Lakhs

The credit-link subsidy model involves the partner bank offering 95% of the project cost as a loan, with the beneficiary contributing the remaining 5%. The 35% of the PMEGP subsidy is paid to the beneficiary after a period of three years which is called a backend subsidy. And the 35% of the subsidy from Tourism Department is comes an EMI Support, where the Government Co-pays the EMI with the Entrepreneurs for a period of 24 months till the PMEGP Subsidy is credited to the beneficiary.

The Entrepreneur receive a one-year moratorium and a maximum loan term of 7 years from the loan disbursement date.

The beneficiary repays an average EMI of approximately Rs 6,000 over a period of 7 years for a project cost of Rs 10 Lakhs

With the EMI of Rs 6,000, a beneficiary can earn an estimated monthly income of up to Rs 60,000 per month, making the Homestay scheme of the Government of Meghalaya one of the most lucrative schemes in the Country.

The scheme aims to establish at least 500 homestays per year over a 5-year period, creating a minimum of 5,000 direct employment opportunities. Additionally, other units like restaurants and crafts emporiums are expected to create at least 5 employment opportunities each.

The Tourism Department pays the 35% subsidy directly to the bank as EMI support during the first three years, while the PMEGP’s 35% subsidy is transferred to the beneficiary’s account at the beginning of the fourth year.

Yes, the subsidy percentages vary based on beneficiary categories and whether the project is in an urban or rural area. Refer to the specific subsidy rates in Table A under Section 4.3.2 of the Homestay Scheme Guidelines.

Meghalaya is a popular tourist destination, attracting approximately 1.2 million visitors in 2018, both nationally and internationally.

The Tourism Sector contributes 3 to 5 percent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and has the potential to become a major driver of economic growth in the state, creating livelihood opportunities.

Existing tourism infrastructure in Meghalaya is insufficient to meet the current demand, and upcoming homestays require standardization to maintain aesthetic appeal, especially in rural areas.

The Tourism Department aims to promote high-value tourism by creating exceptional experiences to attract discerning travellers. Quality tourism infrastructure, including accommodation, is essential to achieve this.

The Homestay Scheme provides financial and technical assistance to local entrepreneurs who aspire to establish homestays, aligning with the growing trend and preference for homestay accommodations.

PMEGP stands for the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program, initiated by the central government to provide employment opportunities by facilitating microenterprises. It is relevant to the Homestay Scheme as it offers financial support and subsidies for entrepreneurial ventures.

The Homestay Scheme is a convergence of the PMEGP, and the State’s Tourism Scheme called MTDIPS (Meghalaya Tourism Development and Investment Promotion Scheme).

Many potential beneficiaries in Meghalaya hesitate to utilize PMEGP due to the requirement for high EMIs during the initial three-year lock-in period, which may not be suitable due to the longer gestation period of the tourism industry. 

Most Entrepreneurs especially in the rural areas with a vison to start a business but not much alternative income or capital are unable to pay the high EMI during the initial period of starting the business.

MTDIPS is a state scheme that aids entrepreneurs in establishing tourism-related infrastructure, such as homestays, resorts, restaurants, and dhabas. However, its limited budget has restricted its reach. Hence MTDIPS which is a State Scheme under the Tourism Department has been merge with PMEGP to create a new Scheme called the Homestay Scheme making it one of the most Lucrative Scheme in the Country.

The Homestay Scheme aims to address challenges associated with PMEGP and MTDIPS by offering a balanced subsidy model, longer loan tenures, and improved EMI repayment mechanisms.

The scheme addresses this burden by ensuring that the Tourism Department’s 35% subsidy is provided directly to the bank as EMI support for the first three years, reducing the financial stress on beneficiaries.

The scheme aims to expand the coverage of the Tourism Department by encouraging entrepreneurs to establish tourist accommodations and related infrastructure across the state, particularly in rural areas.

Homestays must meet the standards specified in Section 6 of the scheme, including having a minimum of two rooms, sanitation facilities, and aesthetics aligned with local culture.

The scheme promotes aesthetics by providing design guidelines and financial incentives to beneficiaries for maintaining cultural and traditional elements in their homestays.

The Tourism Department collaborates has empanelled design consultant and architect to provide design guidance to beneficiaries to ensure cultural sensitivity and aesthetic appeal. The Entrepreneur can contact the Directorate of Tourism for further information and assistance.

Yes, the scheme provides incentives in the form of performance-linked incentives for beneficiaries who maintain high-quality standards and receive positive guest feedback. An additional 50,000 Rupees will be provided the who meets certain standard Entrepreneur for enhancing interior and furniture. A committee will be form to evaluate the Homestay on a timely basis.

The Tourism Department, in collaboration with the District Commerce and Industry Centre (DCIC), is responsible for implementing the scheme.

The scheme creates employment opportunities by establishing homestays, restaurants, and crafts emporiums, each of which generates direct and indirect employment.

The Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB) is the designated financial institution involved in providing bank finance to beneficiaries under the scheme. However, going forward more banks will be added and will be notified soon by the Tourism Department.

The Entrepreneurs are encouraged to seek assistance from the DCIC and Tourism Department during the application process. All applications will be made online mandatorily with the Entrepreneur submitting their project proposals and all necessary detail via the PMEGP portal.

MRB plays a crucial role by providing the bank finance component of the project cost, enabling beneficiaries to establish homestays.

The rate of interest is 9 percent as per the MoU signed by the Government with the Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB). The scheme allows a maximum moratorium of one year and a loan term of seven years.

The definition of a “rural area” can be found in Section 4.3.1 of the scheme and includes all areas outside the jurisdiction of urban local bodies.

The scheme supports the development of homestays, restaurants (dhabas/wayside amenities), and crafts emporiums.

The scheme aims to establish a minimum of 500 homestays per year over a 5-year period, along with at least 5 units each of restaurants (dhabas/wayside amenities) and crafts emporiums annually.

The estimated budget for the scheme is Rs 100 crore over a 5-year period.

The EDP is a training program that equips beneficiaries with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully run their homestays or other units under the scheme.

The Tourism Department provides specialized training related to tourism operations, hospitality, and service excellence to beneficiaries.

The scheme involves a rigorous process of physical verification, which is carried out by a team of officials to ensure that the project is implemented as per the proposal.

The scheme conducts awareness camps and support melas to educate potential beneficiaries about the scheme, its benefits, and the application process.

The scheme includes a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to track the progress of projects, measure their impact, and address any issues or challenges that may arise during implementation.

High-performing homestay owners are incentivized through performance-linked incentives that reward them for maintaining quality standards and receiving positive guest feedback.

No, beneficiaries cannot repay their loans through the PMEGP subsidy. The PMEGP subsidy is provided directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, while the Tourism Department’s subsidy is utilized for EMI support during the initial three years.

The financial model involves beneficiaries repaying the loan through EMIs, with the Tourism Department’s 35% subsidy covering the EMI support for the first three years.

After the initial three-year lock-in period, the Tourism Department’s subsidy is no longer utilized for EMI support, and beneficiaries continue repaying the loan through EMIs as per the loan agreement with the bank.

Eligibility:

• Beneficiaries should be Indian citizens residing in Meghalaya and willing to establish homestays or other tourism-related infrastructure. They must meet the age and educational qualifications as specified in Section 4.1 of the scheme.

Applicants must submit documents specified in Section 4.2 of the scheme, including proof of residence, educational qualification certificates, and a detailed project report.

Planning, Investment Promotion & Sustainable Development Department, Government of Meghalaya, 

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Homestays: A community-based tourism model that works for people and planet

Since 2003, Blue Ventures has supported globally acclaimed community-based marine tourism experiences, which are both simple and effective: ecotourists generate secure and sustainable funding that allow for long-term community engagement with marine management. Instead of generating financial gains for shareholders, profits are channelled to support community-led grassroots conservation efforts that support people and nature alike.

International ecotourism has been an important catalyst for BV, our six-week volunteer diving expeditions laid the foundations of our work, providing seed funding for local conservation efforts and enabled a permanent presence at key sites in Madagascar, Belize and Timor-Leste. The data collected by volunteers helped inform local management, local employment and long-term presence of our team, built trust, and provided a platform to build a range of supporting community-based tourism products and services, such as homestays, that diversified livelihood opportunities, developed local capacity and boosted local economies.

Community homestays allow visitors the opportunity to stay with and experience the daily life of their host family. This often includes community-led tourist activities that offer an authentic insight into local knowledge, culture, and customs. We believe homestays can have an impact beyond the sum of their parts – being the catalyst for an ecosystem of small community-based businesses, building community resilience and providing a direct link between the health of the ocean and the people who rely on and want to visit it.

Read more about our approach to community homestays here .

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At least 6,000 fishers and 3,500 processors – mostly women – and sellers are active in the fisheries sector. Almost all artisanal-caught fish is sold and consumed locally, but fish from the distant-water industrial fleet accounts for 80% of exports from Cabo Verde.

BV works closely with the local NGO Fundaçao Maio Biodiversidade to support communities to use robust data to inform fisheries management and improve value chains. Our partnership has so far focussed on Maio island, but we have plans to scale this approach to at least five of the ten islands that make up the archipelago.

Unlike other countries in West Africa, there is no practice of community management in Cabo Verde, although there are a variety of community associations on the islands that represent fishers’ interests. BV is supporting partner organisations to strengthen the capacity of these groups to move towards the co-management of marine resources and the development of community-driven protected areas.

The Gambia’s coastline is only 80km long, but is home to a rich mangrove ecosystem that supports locally important fisheries. Sadly, much of the coastline has been devastated by sand and ilmenite mining, uncontrolled property development (including in protected areas), and a rapid ratcheting up of industrial fishing effort, largely to feed the country’s three fishmeal and fish oil factories. 

Our approach in The Gambia is to empower local actors including CETAG and Gambian Environmental Alliance to raise their voices against these drivers of environmental destruction, and find community-led solutions. BV is also working with the well-respected youth and women groups SANYEPD and Hallahin Women Oyster Farmers to help communities secure preferential access to fish and shellfish.

Fishing and the collection of shellfish is central to the lives of most coastal dwellers in Senegal, and seafood is part of almost every meal in the country. 

But massive overfishing by both industrial and artisanal fleets, as well as increasing exports of fishmeal for aquaculture, is threatening the way of life and food security in the country. As fish stocks dwindle, the staple National dish of Senegal “Thiebou Djeun” –  “Fish and Rice” – is becoming a luxury for many. 

Blue Ventures’ work in Senegal is focused mainly in the Sine-Saloum and Casamance deltas   of the country, home to hundreds of thousands of hectares of fish-rich mangroves. We have teamed up with Kawawana, Senegal’s oldest LMMA (known locally as APAC), to support the protection of 18,000 hectares of mangroves, and to help monitor and manage the rich fisheries they contain. Through our partners Nebeday and EcoRurale, we are also working with other communities, and especially women groups, to put in place community-based fisheries management systems, focusing particularly on the oyster and shellfish collection that are major sources of income in estuaries and deltas.

We’re new to Senegal but working to scale our communities-first approach to more partners and communities. We’re also aiming to build alliances with grassroots, national, regional and other like-minded organisations to advocate for better marine protection and to strengthen national inshore exclusion zones for small-scale fishers in which industrial fishing is restricted.

Guinea-Bissau

The West African country of Guinea-Bissau is home to the unique Bijagos archipelago, a network of some ninety mangrove-fringed offshore islands and extensive mudflats supporting large amounts of migratory bird species, as well as megafauna such as manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. The Bijagos people continue to live a very traditional lifestyle, where the collection of marine invertebrates plays an important role in food security and cultural traditions. The country is also home to extensive mangrove-fringed river systems that support rich fisheries.

Blue Ventures has been working with Tiniguena , one of the oldest conservation groups in Guinea-Bissau, to support the establishment of the country’s first community-led MPA, in the Bijagos islands. Guinea-Bissau is a new venture for us, and we envision scaling to new partners and communities in the coming years. Our focus is on data-driven community-led management of fisheries, which are of enormous importance to coastal communities, in particular women.

Thailand’s small-scale fisheries are the cornerstone of social, economic and nutritional health for the communities living along the majority of the country’s nearly 3,000 kilometre coastline.

In the southernmost Trang province we are supporting communities reliant on nearshore fisheries − in particular for crab, shrimp and squid − in partnership with the Save Andaman Network (SAN). The region is renowned for its vibrant seagrass meadows and vast mangrove forests, which provide essential ecosystem services to coastal communities.  We’re providing training and tools to aid community- led fisheries monitoring and ecosystem management, and building community-owned social enterprises that fund and sustain local conservation efforts.

Timor-Leste

Since 2016, our work in Timor-Leste has evolved into a dynamic movement supporting community-led marine management and coastal livelihood diversification in Asia’s newest country. From our origins on Atauro Island, considered to harbour the most diverse coral reefs on earth, we’re now working with numerous communities on the island and the mainland to help improve management of critical coral reefs and seagrass ecosystems.

We’re helping communities reinvigorate traditional community governance practices − known as Tara Bandu − to support marine conservation, in particular through the use of temporary and permanent fishing closures, and community-led monitoring of marine ecosystems and fisheries.

We’re helping communities come together to exchange their experiences of conservation across their shared coastline, building a new movement of local support for systems change in the management and conservation of Timor-Leste’s coastal waters.

Alongside our community conservation efforts, we have also pioneered Timor-Leste’s first homestay association, which has provided income from visiting ecotourists on Atauro Island.

Our team in Timor-Leste’s capital Dili works closely with government, civil society organisations and NGO partners.

Like its neighbours within the Northern Mozambique Channel marine biodiversity hotspot, Tanzania harbours some of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. These habitats are facing unprecedented challenges from overfishing and climate change. 

The Government supports the use of co-management to improve the management of marine resources, but a community’s ability to be meaningfully involved in this partnership approach is all too often hampered by the capacity of its institutions, to organise and to acquire the skills and resources they need. 

Our Tanzanian team has worked with communities and local organisations to support locally led marine conservation since 2016. Our work has expanded from Zanzibar to the mainland regions of Tanga, Lindi and Kilwa. Our technicians work with local partners to help communities strengthen co-management systems, through Beach Management Units (BMUs), Shehia Fishing Committees (SFCs), and Village Liaison Committees.

We have three types of partners in Tanzania: NGOs, CSOs and government. Our NGO implementing partners Mwambao Coastal Community Network , Sea Sense , and Jongowe Development Fund have spearheaded a remarkable acceleration in the uptake of community-based fisheries management and conservation in recent years, notably through the use of short-term fisheries closures to catalyse broader community conservation.

Our CSO partners include Kilwa BMU Network, NYAMANJISOPOJA CFMA and Songosongo BMU, while our government partners comprise the Ministry of Fisheries in Mainland Tanzania, and the Ministry of Fisheries in Zanzibar, as well as local government authorities in Pangani and Kilwa.

Following the conclusion of the SWIOFish project in 2021, we are also working with partners on an initiative to support the establishment and functioning of a fisheries co-management forum. The forum will facilitate engagement between national and local government authorities and NGOs involved in fisheries co-management initiatives along the Tanzania mainland coast, with the aim of enhancing networking and strengthening management and governance.

With one of Africa’s longest coastlines, Somalia’s diverse marine environment supports enormously productive coastal and offshore fisheries.  Decades of conflict have undermined the country’s capacity for fisheries management, with many foreign industrial vessels fishing with impunity, and little regard for the critical importance of Somalia’s coastal fisheries for local livelihoods and food security.

A period of relative political and social stability unprecedented in recent decades is now presenting new opportunities to address past challenges, and to realise the considerable opportunities that well-managed coastal fisheries and conservation can offer Somalia. We are forging partnerships with community organisations in Somalia to build their capacity and skills to help coastal communities manage their fisheries for food security, livelihoods and conservation.

Philippines

The Philippines forms part of the ‘coral triangle’ epicentre of global marine biodiversity, with unparalleled diversity of marine species.  Over half of the country’s 107 million people live in rural areas, and approximately three quarters depend on agriculture or fisheries as their primary source of livelihoods.

Through our partnership with People and the Sea , we are supporting communities in the eastern Visayas to set up and utilise participatory data systems to monitor and understand the status of their fisheries, in a way that is meaningful for them. Through provision of access to strong data systems and training in data collection this year, these communities will soon have access to real time fisheries data and visualisations that will enable them to make informed decisions around the management of their fisheries.

Indonesia comprises almost 17,500 islands stretching across three time zones. This archipelagic nation has the 2nd longest coastline in the world − and the largest coastal fisheries resource − of any country on Earth. More than ninety per cent of Indonesia’s seafood production comes from small-scale fisheries, which are underpinned by the planet’s most biodiverse marine ecosystem, known as the Coral Triangle.

We have supported community-led marine conservation in Indonesia since 2016. Our team works in close partnership with 17 Indonesian organisations supporting community-based approaches to coral reef and mangrove conservation across 81 communities in fourteen provinces , collectively reaching over 80,000 people. 

Since 2019 we have brought these partners together within a peer learning network of Indonesian organisations specialised in supporting community-based marine conservation. The network is based on the shared values of the organisations, including a commitment to promote the rights of traditional fishing communities in conservation. Our support across these communities is customised to each context − the local fisheries, community stakeholders, seafood supply chains, legal frameworks and customary traditions governing fisheries management and conservation.

In Sumatra and Kalimantan we are strengthening our work in community conservation of globally important mangrove forests. We are supporting and strengthening community-forest management and supporting local partners who are adapting our catalytic model for temporary fishery closures to mangrove-dependent fisheries like mud crab.

We are working closely with our local partners Forkani, Yayasan LINI, Yapeka, Yayasan Planet Indonesia, Foneb, Komanangi, JARI, Ecosystem Impact, Yayasan Tananua Flores, Yayasan Baileo Maluku, AKAR, Japesda, Yayasan Citra Mandiri Mentawai, Yayasan Mitra Insani and Yayasan Hutan Biru, Yayasan Pesisir Lestari and Lembaga Partisipasi Pembangunan Masyarakat (LPPM) Ambon.

We continue to work in India with our long term partner the Dakshin Foundation . We are collaborating in three distinct locations; the archipelago of Lakshadweep, coastal regions of Odisha and the Andaman Islands. 

Overfishing has led to a reduction in fish catches, challenging the future of many traditional fishing communities.

Our partnership is working to build the capacity of communities to manage coastal fisheries,  and improve the health of fishing communities, for the long-term wellbeing of both the communities and their fishing grounds.

Kenya’s coast supports an extraordinary diversity of tropical marine and coastal habitats.  These waters are threatened by a proliferation of destructive fishing practices and over-harvesting within the artisanal and commercial fishing sectors.

Our approach in Kenya focuses on strengthening Beach Management Units (BMUs) to improve fisheries management. Since 2016 our Mombasa-based technical team has provided support, mentoring and assistance to local partners including Coastal and Marine Resource Development (COMRED), the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust (LAMCOT), Bahari Hai , and Kwale Beach Management Unit Network (KCBN), a network of 23 BMUs in Kwale County

These partnerships have seen notable achievements in community-led fisheries management and conservation, including training and mentoring BMU leaders in eighteen communities in Kwale and Lamu Counties.

The Comoros islands are located in the northern Mozambique Channel, a region home to the world’s second highest marine biodiversity after the Coral Triangle. This globally important biodiversity underpins coastal livelihoods and food security, but is at risk from climate change and overexploitation of inshore fisheries.

We have maintained a presence supporting locally led marine conservation and fisheries management in Comoros since 2015, providing support to local partners, governmental institutions and communities.

On Anjouan, the second largest and most densely populated island in the Comoros archipelago, we work closely with national NGO Dahari . Our partnership has developed a replicable blueprint for community-based marine management, which has included a number of temporary and permanent marine closures − designed to safeguard the coral reef ecosystems underpinning the archipelago’s coastal economy.

This approach, which is expanding rapidly across the Comoros, is also demonstrating the importance of inclusive conservation in empowering women − through local women’s fisheries associations − to play a leading role in fisheries monitoring and decision making.

Belize’s marine environment encompasses some of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the Caribbean Sea, including vast coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds. We have maintained a permanent presence in Belize since 2010, supporting diverse fisheries and conservation efforts.

We work in close partnership with the Belize Fisheries Department, MPA managers, fishing cooperatives and fishers’ associations, and championed the establishment of a national scale domestic fishery targeting the invasive lionfish.  We are actively promoting community led fisheries management, building on the success of our pioneering work with management of invasive lionfish.

We’ve led a decade-long MPA monitoring and evaluation programme in Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, and provide regular training in coral reef monitoring methods to MPA authorities across Belize, including helping establish management targets for Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve, Belize’s largest MPA.

Our team supports and strengthens  fishing associations that advocate for the rights of their communities to be involved in decision making around access and use of coastal fisheries and to be key members of MPA management groups. Across the country we are working to ensure that fishers interests are mainstreamed in the design and implementation of marine conservation and fisheries management, improving the effectiveness of co-management of coral reef, mangrove and seagrass areas.

Extending for some 2,700km, Mozambique’s coastline is the third longest in the Indian ocean and supports millions of people with food and income. 

Our Mozambican team has worked with communities to develop locally led approaches to fisheries management and marine conservation since 2015. Our approach is focused on supporting and strengthening local organisations and Community Fisheries Councils (CCPs) to better understand their local fisheries, make informed management decisions to rebuild fisheries, and assess the impact of management actions. This work is developed in close collaboration with our partners Oikos- Cooperação e Desenvolvimento in Nampula province and Love the Ocean in Inhambane province.

Ongoing security challenges have afflicted coastal communities and emerging marine conservation efforts in several areas of Cabo Delgado, where our work is regrettably now on hold.

Blue Ventures’ journey began in Madagascar in 2003, and we’ve been supporting communities in marine conservation across the country ever since. We have five regional field programmes along Madagascar’s west coast, as well as regional offices in the towns of Ambanja, Mahajanga, Morondava and Toliara. Our national headquarters is located in the capital Antananarivo.

Across all these sites we support communities with the establishment of locally managed marine areas (LMMAs), and work with government partners to secure national recognition for community conservation initiatives. First developed in Madagascar by Blue Ventures in 2006, the LMMA concept has since been replicated by communities at hundreds of sites over thousands of kilometres of coastline, now covering almost one fifth of Madagascar’s inshore seabed. Our research in Madagascar has demonstrated globally important evidence of the benefits of LMMAs to fisheries and conservation .

Our work focuses on strengthening community institutions in marine management and governance, and pioneering new approaches to catalyse community engagement in ocean conservation. These innovations have included establishing community led ecological monitoring and the country’s first mangrove blue carbon project.

At the national level, we partner with the LMMA network MIHARI , which brings together 25 partner conservation organisations supporting 219 LMMA sites across the country. Our policy team is also actively involved in advocating for more robust legislation to safeguard the rights and interests of fishing communities, and to remove destructive industrial fishing from coastal waters. In 2022 we supported the launch of Fitsinjo, an industrial fisheries watchdog organisation. The network highlights industrial fishing and IUU activities in Madagascar and the broader Western Indian Ocean region.

Given the lack of basic services in remote coastal regions in Madagascar, we also help communities access basic healthcare through training and supporting women to serve as community health workers. We do not replace government health systems, but work to strengthen existing structures in close collaboration with government health actors and specialist NGOs. We also incubate Madagascar’s national health-environment network , which brings together 40 partner organisations to address the health needs of communities living in areas of conservation importance across the country.

• Heritage Homestay

Serene Spiritual Retreat in the Heart of Ujjain

Discover a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil ambience of Ujjain, a spiritual heaven known for its profound energy and ancient wisdom. Our exclusive villa invites you to experience a truly remarkable stay, combining luxurious comfort with the spiritual essence of the city. – Whether you’re on a personal journey of self-discovery, seeking solace, or simply wishing to bask in the spiritual aura, our villa provides the perfect oasis. Embrace the city’s vibrations while indulging in modern comforts. Reserve your stay now to embark on a soul-enriching experience unlike any other.

What We Offer

Amenities we offer at heritage homestay, 05 bedrooms.

With King Size Bed

Never Miss Your Workout

• Common Area

Step Out Of Room

• Garden Area

Play, Rest, Repeat.

Pet Friendly

Bring Your Furry Friend

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Services We Offer

Services offered at heritage homestay, car parking space, 24×7 room service, breakfast, lunch & dinner, taxi service, places to visit in ujjain, a list of must visit places in ujjain, ujjain - the city of temples.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, shrines which are said to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The temple is situated on the side of the holy river Shipra.

This temple occupies a special place in the galaxy of ancient sacred spots of Ujjain. Seated between the idols of Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati, the idol of Annapurna is painted in dark vermilion color. The Sri Yantra, the symbol of power or shakti, is also enshrined in the temple.According to the Shiva Purana, when Shiva carried away the burning body of Sati from the sacrificial fire, her elbow dropped at this place.

The Kal Bhairav temple is a Hindu temple located in the Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Kal Bhairav, the guardian deity of the city. Located on the banks of the Shipra River, it is one of the most active temples in the city, visited by hundreds of devotees daily

The temple is one of the ancient temples in Ujjain, which is known as the "Temple City" of India. The name "Chinthaman Ganesh" means Lord Ganesh who removes all worries and grants wishes of the devotees.

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221 Gayatri Nagar, Sector B, Agar Road, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456010

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The Heritage Triangle

The triangle of divinity and spritualism.

Locations Covered

• Shree Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
• Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple

The Heritage Triangle encapsulates the very essence of this city, making it a destination of immense importance. It is a convergence point of devotion, protection, and cultural exploration. By visiting the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, devotees seek a deeper connection with the divine and experience a sense of inner peace. Paying homage at the Kaal Bhairav Temple channels strength, resilience, and divine guidance. And staying at the Heritage Homestay Ujjain offers a holistic understanding of Ujjain’s rich cultural heritage, fostering a deep appreciation for the traditions and customs that shape this sacred land. – The Heritage Triangle presents a unique opportunity for visitors to embark on a spiritual journey, where the presence of these three interwoven locations facilitates a profound and transformative experience, It unveils the layers of spirituality, protection, and cultural heritage that make Ujjain a remarkable city, leaving individuals with a lasting connection to the divine and a deep appreciation for the cultural tapestry that enriches the region.

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Chikmagalur Stays – HolidayMonk

Chikmagalur in Karnataka has a variety of homestays — plantations, heritage villas, riverside locales and next to golf courses — where you can sample an earthy, serene lifestyle in the lap of nature. For those you looking for more relaxed visit to Karnataka there are many homestays in Chikmagalur, Chikmagalur district run by traditional Malnad families that are more of coffee plantation stays in that are part of Western Ghats of Karnataka. These traditional families are growing coffee, tea, pepper and cardamom since 1850s. There are Coffee plantations with Bungalows, houses or traditional Malnad houses which are converted to homestays. The concept of homestays gained popularity in 1990s. We are the best aggregators to provide best homestays in Chikmagalur, Karnataka for coffee and nature lovers.

Best Homestays in Chikmagalur

Beanzone Homestay Chikmagalur India

Beanzone Homestay, A perfect getaway, a perfect bliss, a perfect place where you can unwind and feel at home. We

Bed and Breakfast Stay near Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Chikmagalur India

The unique experience of living in a plantation where hospitality is the only sign of civilization. Coffee Berri Homestay the

Premium Heritage Homestay Chikmagalur India

Premium Heritage Homestay can be best described as a 60’s styled plantation bungalow with architecture and interiors that blurs the

Authentic Bungalow Homestay Chikmagalur India

Authentic Bungalow Homestay is offering you the chance to be a part of its family by welcoming you to stay

Resorts in Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is an idyllic honeymoon destination in south India where newly married couples raise a toast to their married life by indulging in romantic strolls through the lush greenery, coffee estates, and backwaters and bask in the romantic moments while enjoying their stay in one of these romantic resorts. There are high end coffee plantation resorts and mid segment resorts. High end coffee plantation resorts have swimming pool, spa and other modern amenities. Mid segment resorts have cottages, tents with swimming pool and activities like ATV ride, High rope activities, boating, coracle ride etc. Some of Mid Segment resorts are Bison valley, Bhadra river side resort, Luxury homestay near Mullayanagiri, Exotic Mudigere resort, Mullayanagiri Hill view resort. Camping can be organized in wilderness with permission from forest department. Tented accommodation is also gaining popularity.

Best Resorts in Chikmagalur

Plantation Getaway Resort in Chikmagalur

Bison Valley Resort

Exotic Mudigere Resort

Riverside Cottages with Water Sports

Chickmagalur.

Chikmagalur being a coffee country is as beautiful and has more places of interest than Coorg has to offer. Chikmagalur is well connected to other destinations like Shimoga, Hassan, Mangalore and Udupi etc.

There are lots of things to do in Chikmagalur. The list is quite long and interesting it includes enjoying wild life at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Belavadi, eco-tourism spots, hiking, adventure sports etc.

Know the best time to visit Chikmagalur along with weather, temperature, climate, season and month information for your Chikmagalur holidays. Nothing can be more pleasurable than driving in monsoon.

Mountain range in the Western Ghats. Trails through forests and grasslands lead up to Peaks. The cascading Falls lie at coffee plantations. This never-ending list of best places to visit in Chikmagalur will lure you to plan a vacation.

Planning a road trip from Bangalore to Chikmagalur. Advise needed for Chikamagalur, Road condition from Bangalore. Thanks for being a part of the Chikkamagaluru Stays travel community!

Karnataka is blessed with natural beauty, history and ideal climatic conditions. The Western Ghats in Karnataka, which is one of the eight bio-diversity hotspots. surrounded by lofty hills of the Western Ghats

Chikmagalur Tour Packages

Premium Coffee Estate Camping

• Make your mood delightful
• Enchanting natural surroundings
• Stay and visit to the coffee units with guides
• Get impeccable, ravishing and luxury stay
• Estate camping’ with camp fires, water proof tents, authentic food and amazing music

Chikmagalur – Perfect New Year Getaway

• New Year Celebration
• Western Ghats Trek
• Eco Retreat Stay
• Dinner after the bonfire session
• Some fun and party games for New Year

Student Tour Package

• Mullayangiri
• Reserve Forest Visit

Sringeri Temple Tour Package

Exploring Chikmagalur’s walking and hiking trails is one of the most rewarding ways of seeing the country’s outstanding natural beauty.

Chikmagalur  is haven on the earth. This is surrounded by many hills and waterfalls. It’s around 250kms from Bangalore via NH-75 (Bangalore – Mangalore highway). Rambling hills, pristine pools, fascinating nooks and crannies with a shrine, intriguing caves, lush mists and dreamy woods make the geography of Chikmagalur. The journey to the highest peak in Karnataka is so engaging that you forget to be scared – when there is reason to be afraid, very afraid. The roads are tricky, yes, but getting to the top is worth the while. Just like the 10 km trek to the gorgeous Hebbe Falls is – its almost impossible by vehicle and is inaccessible in the monsoons. Despite all that coffee, Chikmagalur is far from a gracious host. You need to work hard to win her affections.

Based on  Chikmagalur geographic divisions , Chikmagalur district can be divided into 5 regions namely  Chikmagalur ,  Kudremukh ,  Kemmangundi ,  Mudigere  and  Sringeri . Chikmagalur town and its surroundings is already a popular tourist destination. Sringeri has its own guests comming over from all parts of South India. Kudremukh was best suited for young crowds but now all age groups travel here for its unique hill top experience. Kemmangundi is an ultimate place for adventure seeking travellers and best experienced in monsoon. There are good homestays and resorts in all of these 5 regions. Nature lovers can also look for Homestays in Mudigere and resorts which gives best hospitality. Homestays and resorts near Mudigere have many places which are not much explored. Chikmagalur resorts provide a wonderful luxury, cosy stays where as homestay in Chikmagalur provide naturalistic and traditional stay. Book with us to get a unique concepts of holidaying in the comfort homestays and resorts near Chikmagalur. We only promote niche holiday homestays ranging from budget homestays to luxury homestays.

Western Ghats of Karnataka

Lakhs of tourists come to  Chikmagalur homestay  attracted by its wildlife, trekking and pilgrimage sites.  Kemmanagundi , a hill station surrounded by lush green forests of Baba Budan Giri hills and  Kudremukh , situated on the Kuduremukha mountain range, attract a lot of trekkers. The hill stations are blessed with lush green vegetation and waterfalls which enhance the beauty of the valleys. Tunga and Bhadra rivers originate in the district.

Chikmagalur off late has become one of the weekend getaways from Bangalore, weekend getaways from Mysore, weekend getaways from Mangalore, Weekend getaways from Manipal. Chikmagalur is near to world famous Belur and Halebidu. It is enroute to Dharmasthala and Kukke Subramanya and Udupi Krishna temple. Kemmanagundi,  Mullayanagiri , Bababudengiri, Kudremukh, Hebbe falls and Kalhatti falls are top places of interest. Also do not miss Bhadra white water river rafting in monsoon season. Chikmagalur is off late on Karnataka tourism radar. Indian tourist places is incomplete without Chikmagalur on the map. Bangalore to Goa road trip is good fun via Chikmagalur –> Shimoga. There are a few resorts in Chikmagalur also there are lot of homestays in Chikmagalur. Book luxury boutique resorts through  resorts in Chikmagalur  page. Luxury resorts mean experience richness, costliness nature of a luxury. Some homestays around internet are priced cheap meaning decrease in ambiance and space.

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• 24 February, 2020

What is Community Homestay Tourism All About?

Though community homestays have existed for many years, staying at them is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable way to travel, and a better way for guests to get a true insight to the places and people they are visiting. Guests stay in the homes of local families and can gain a much better experience of their hosts’ culture and day-to-day life. They can get involved in activities like joining their host families in the fields, learning to cook local dishes or by volunteering to teach in a school.

Guests usually feel they are having a more ‘authentic’ experience, plus there’s the added benefit of this being a more sustainable way to travel. The host families benefit from the exchange. Community homestays help engender community spirit as families and communities work together in organizing themselves and managing their programs. They also receive benefits from tourism directly, and they take pride in their traditions, which are valued as something to show off to their visitors.

The local people also gain from the exchange of ideas and get a better understanding of the outside world, and learn differences and similarities between people and places. Guests and hosts often make friendships that endure over time, with visitors sometimes coming back time and time again.

However, for community homestays to work well, both guests and hosts need to follow a few principles. The tourist needs to learn how to be a good guest . As it is all about sustainability, this means being responsible and ethical. Increasingly, tourists want to feel they are helping to make a difference, and that they are minimizing negative aspects of tourism. Homestay tourism can be a way of doing this, as it can provide benefits that go directly back to local people.

It is important to remember that a homestay is not at all the same as a hotel. There is a fine balance between staying in the home of a friend or relative, and staying somewhere with a commercial aspect. The appeal of homestays is that they provide something different, something more intimate and personal, and where there can be genuine social interactions with hosts.

Where community homestays are most successful is where there is good community leadership, and the benefits are distributed fairly to the community. One of the greatest threats to community homestays is the loss of rural or cultural authenticity. Visitors are usually attracted by a nostalgic vision of an idyllic past, which often infers a feeling that authentic rural communities have to be primitive and remote, or untouched by civilization. However, this is not true in the majority of places, as modernization is essential to everyone.

This modernity, though, is a constant threat to indigenous cultures, and many foreign tourists are driven to try to discover traditional ways of life before they disappear forever. Domestic visitors are not always motivated by this, and they might be more interested to participate in rural homestay tourism merely because of affordability. So the big dilemma facing successful homestay communities can be how financial success that results from any effective promotion of an idyllic and authentic rural setting can then lead to changes that will eventually threaten homestay tourism by undermining that very authenticity!

Another problem is that the more successful the homestay, the more outsiders will visit. Often foreign tourists consider “authenticity” to mean that there are no other tourists. So while homestay owners may be keen to maximize the number of their guests, this can mean more tourists traipsing through the village, which diminishes the perceived authenticity of the place and eventually makes it less attractive to visit. This might mean that that there should be a limit in the number of homestays and rooms offered, even if residents would like to increase the number.

The success of homestays has led to some residents’ ability to buy modern appliances like flat-screen televisions and smart phones, again conflicting with the notion of a simple lifestyle. Village people cannot be expected to stay “primitive and poor”, even if to some extent they might be dependent on their rustic image. In addition, by having increasingly frequent contact with outsiders, this can encourage hosts to make tourist-friendly modifications that erode the authenticity of the experience, like replacing squat toilets with western toilets, which are again less “authentic”.

Homestay programs set out to work with fairness, equity, and social harmony in mind. This is possible with widespread community involvement in the planning and running of the homestays, such as measures requiring everyone to take turns hosting guests. In particular, by women working together in this process there can also be huge benefits. As well as putting money into the pockets of women who then spend this to educate their children and look after the family, it helps increase their self-esteem and position in society.

Guests should come well-prepared and under no illusions that they are going to step into an idyllic past. However, by understanding the pressures and reality of rural and traditional life in places like Panuati  or Patelkhet,  Chitwan or Bardia , they can in fact come away with a far better understanding about the communities they’ve stayed with. Guests will get the maximum out of the experience by being open to new ideas and having a flexible approach. They need to come prepared and be given information about the people they will meet and their culture so that once they arrive, they can see their hosts’ ways of doing things, and not be confronted by any big surprises.

Tags: homestay

• 24 April 2021 | 02:24

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ISSUE 8 | 2024

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18 Homestays in Ooty

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Here is the list of 18 Homestays In Ooty

1. irinjalakuda house.

Missionary Hill Road 600 m from Government Museum

# 1 in Homestays In Ooty

(340 reviews)

Homestay with 2 room options

₹ 3,650 onwards

2. Wyoming Heritage

Missionary Hill Road 300 m from Ootacamund Station

# 2 in Homestays In Ooty

(55 reviews)

Enter dates to see price

3. Colonels inn

Missionary Hill Road 800 m from Blue Hills International

# 3 in Homestays In Ooty

(212 reviews)

Homestay with 4 room options

₹ 4,890 onwards

4. The Abode

Missionary Hill Road 300 m from Benchmark Tea Factory

# 4 in Homestays In Ooty

(96 reviews)

₹ 2,600 onwards

5. Hill Inn HomeStay

Missionary Hill Road 500 m from Government Rose Garden

# 5 in Homestays In Ooty

(188 reviews)

Homestay with 9 room options

₹ 2,500 onwards

6. Haven Cottage

# 6 in Homestays In Ooty

(276 reviews)

₹ 3,500 onwards

7. Meraki maison

Missionary Hill Road 400 m from Government Museum

# 7 in Homestays In Ooty

(77 reviews)

Book without credit card

₹ 3,499 onwards

8. Hill View Dream Cottage

Coonoor Road 400 m from Ketti Valley View

# 8 in Homestays In Ooty

(57 reviews)

₹ 3,000 onwards

9. Bella Vista Homestay

Coonoor Road 8.0 kms from Katary Water Falls

# 9 in Homestays In Ooty

(61 reviews)

Homestay with only 1 room option

₹ 2,550 onwards

10. The Mangifera

35.0 kms from city centre

# 10 in Homestays In Ooty

(174 reviews)

₹ 6,159 onwards

11. Karpagam Residency

Missionary Hill Road 400 m from Government Rose Garden

# 11 in Homestays In Ooty

(144 reviews)

Homestay with 3 room options

₹ 1,800 onwards

12. Osprey Individual Cottage

Missionary Hill Road 600 m from Ketti Valley View

# 12 in Homestays In Ooty

(63 reviews)

Homestay with 6 room options

₹ 2,490 onwards

Ooty Travel Packages

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Drivacation to Dreamy Ooty Package

Students ooty group tour package, best selling bangalore, mysore, ooty tour package, hills & heritage of karnataka & tamilnadu: ooty, kodaikanal, mysore & more, love in ooty luxury honeymoon package, budget ooty honeymoon package, 13. narmada holiday home.

Coonoor Road 2.5 kms from Doddabetta Peak

# 13 in Homestays In Ooty

₹ 2,450 onwards

14. Hill Bird Home Stay SBA

Lovedale Junction 200 m from Ketti Valley View

# 14 in Homestays In Ooty

(35 reviews)

Hotel with 2 room options

₹ 1,399 onwards

15. Biosphere

16.5 kms from city centre

# 15 in Homestays In Ooty

(84 reviews)

16. Ark Heritage

# 16 in Homestays In Ooty

17. NestCoonoor

# 17 in Homestays In Ooty

18. Forest View Cottage

# 18 in Homestays In Ooty

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1. The Black Magic Cottage

Lovedale Junction 0 m from Tiger Hill

(40 reviews)

Facilities: Parking , Wifi

2. Tiger Hill Homestay

Missionary Hill Road 700 m from Tiger Hill

(3 reviews)

Facilities: Parking , Wifi , Bar , Food

₹7,200 onwards

3. The Forest View Cottage

Lovedale Junction 100 m from Tiger Hill

₹4,050 onwards

4. Peace Mind by Ooty Stays

Missionary Hill Road 100 m from Tiger Hill

Facilities: Parking

₹8,000 onwards

5. Hideaway heaven

Coonoor Road 300 m from Ketti Valley View

₹3,000 onwards

6. Rainbow palace

Coonoor Road 200 m from Tiger Hill

Facilities: Parking , Wifi , Food

7. Priyadeep BnB

Coonoor Road 600 m from Government Rose Garden

₹2,250 onwards

8. Funcity Hill Bird Home Stay

Coonoor Road 200 m from Ketti Valley View

₹1,599 onwards

9. Richfields

Missionary Hill Road 1.1 kms from Blue Hills International

(42 reviews)

₹3,400 onwards

10. Sunstar homestay

₹3,600 onwards

11. Skylarc Inn

Coonoor Road 2.3 kms from Doddabetta Peak

(9 reviews)

Facilities: Parking , Bar , Wifi , Food

₹1,805 onwards

12. Sil cottage ooty

Missionary Hill Road 600 m from Benchmark Tea Factory

13. The pleasantdays inn

Davisdale 400 m from Government Rose Garden

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Sakleshpur Riverside Homestay is situated in a coffee estate, along with the western ghats of Karnataka (a world of heritage sight), across the border of Chikmagalur & Sakleshpur. The region is rich of scenic surprises with hills, valleys, coffee estate etc. We provide you with an experience of joyful living at home, though you are away from the people together with their family and friends have a most amazing experience over here. They enjoyed their stays to their fullest. A beautiful morning with sun rays, chirping of birds, fresh cool breeze and mean while a morning walks makes the wonderful sight of nature. Our homestays are one of the amazing homestays located in between Chikmagalur and Sakleshpur, the hills of the fabulous western ghats run across & around. All these adds on to the memorable experience of living.

Policies of Sakleshpur Riverside Homestay

Amenities of sakleshpur riverside homestay.

• ENTERTAINMENT
• FREE PARKING
• PETS ALLOWED
• PICK AND DROP
• SMOKING ALLOWED

Manjarabad Fort

Manjarabad Fort is located about 5 KM after Sakleshpur town when we go from Hassan. It is a simple and nice architectural fort. There are quite a few things to see here in a very small area: The fort wall, watch towers, a cross-shaped stepped well at the center, surrounded by dungeons, a few storage

Pandavar Gudda

This place is beautiful for photography. Blazing sunrise and sunset gives a marvelous amount of happiness. Its a photographers paradise since we can valley of hills next to one another. The giant Jenukal Gudda is next to this Pandavar Gudda. Air distance to Jenukal is very near and want to reach there a full fledged

Sakleshpur Riverside Homestay Sakleshpur, India

Sakleshpur Riverside Homestay is situated in a coffee estate, along with the western ghats of Karnataka (a world of heritage

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