Directory: Budget Travel Homestay in Kerala

"Homestays in Kerala,
especially Fort Kochi and Alleppey"

I talked and got to know the owners and their families, and many of them showed me their rooms.

This directory is aimed at helping travelers finding budget homestays in Kerala. Kerala is an expensive travel destination, so finding cheap sleep options might help your budget a little. I've added a short review, with contact information and some pictures.

I know that 'budget' can be interpreted in different ways. The homestays listed below are in the range of Rs 500-3000.

More and more travelers and tourists prefer homestays these days, because of the personal service which the host provides. And also because homestays are usually cheaper than guesthouses and hotels.

According to Department of Tourism in Kerala, there are at least two requirements for homestays: the family resides in the same building as the guests, and the homestay should not have more than 6 guest rooms.

Note that I haven't stayed at most of these homestays.

Hope this is helpful! :-)

Budget Travel Homestay:
Homestays in Alleppey

Snehadhara homestay: Rs 400-2000 per night

Non AC: Rs 400 -- Rs 600
AC: Rs 800 -- Rs 1000
Villa AC: Rs 2000

I stayed with this lovely family for 9 days, and enjoyed it! The room we got was cheap and clean, with attached bathroom and fan. They can provide mosquito net if you want that (no extra charge).

The bamboo rooms upstairs are larger. One of the rooms upstairs accommodate three people.

During the evening you can sit in their living room and read a book, or surf for free!

The family can help you with house boat trips, and the wife practices ayurveda. They are happy to make breakfast and dinner for you, for an additional price.

Contact: snehadhara(at)snehadhara.com

Tel: + 91 4772236220, + 91 9847574128

Address: Behind SBT ATM, near Uduppi Temple, Thondangulangara.

Book a room at Snehadhara Homestay

Read what other travelers have to say abput Snehadhara

Budget Travel Homestay: Cherukara

We arranged a houseboat trip through Cherukara, which was successful. Tony, the owner, was very helpful and kind. The room I got to see was large and the bathroom was attached. Very clean and felt like home. The rooms are surrounding a beautiful green garden.

You can have your breakfast there, and they also provide internet service (one computer).

Contact: cherukaranest(at)gmail.com

Tel: + 91 99470 59628

Address: ix.774, Cherukara Buildings, East of KSRTC Bus Station (3 minutes walk)

Read what other travelers have to say about Cherukara Nest

Keralite: A cheerful married couple, Alice and Thomas are running this homestay in Alleppey. A popular homestay which they said was fully booked during the high season.

The homestay is located in a large heritage house, and they have been running the homestay for 11 years. The house is an old British heritage building, and is over a 100 years old.

Contact: alice_thomas2150(at)hotmail.com, keralite_alleppey(at)yahoo.com

Tel: + 91 477 2243569, + 91 9847073405

Address: Vadakekalam House, North of Dutch Square. It's located 10-15 minutes by foot from Alleppey center.

Johnson's the Nest: Rs 400-750 per night

This homestay have 5 rooms. Johnson established this homestay in Alleppey in 2001. I could tell that he appreciated and valued his guests, and he was there to help. A very popular homestay, and should be booked in advance.

Contact: johnsongilbertlk2(at)hotmail.com

Tel: +91 9961466399, +91 477 2245825

Address: Lal Bagh, Convent Square. It's located near Keralite, and 10-15 minutes by foot from the hassle and buzzle in Alleppey center.

Read what other travelers have to say about Johnson's the Nest

Sona Homestay: Rs 700-1000 per night (February 2011)

This homestay was started in 1995, and it's one of the most established homestays in Alleppey. It's more of a father-and-son establishment, and the whole family lives there. The son is named Sona, and the father's name is Matthew.

The house is built in wood, and the room I saw had a bungalow feeling, with medium-sized bathroom, and a double bed with a mosquito net. One of the nicest things about this homestay is that you can relax on their shared balcony. It's close to the lake, and green lush jungle is surrounding the house.

Definitely an idyllic homestay, and a good escape from the traffic chaos in Alleppey center.

Budget Travel Homestay: Tharayil

Contact: sonahome(at)yahoo.co.in

Tel: + 91 477 2235211

Address: House Boat Jetty, Lake Side, Finishing Point, Thathampally. Near Tharayil homestay.

By foot it takes approximately 20 minutes to walk to the city center. Otherwise there's a local bus from there (Rs 4,5). You can of course take an auto. We paid Rs 50 each way (we were 3 people). Bargain hard.

Read what other travelers have to say about Sone Homestay

Tharayil: Rs 600-1600 per night (February 2011)

This sweet and kind family has been running their homestay since October 1996. The owner is informative and helpful. The homestay is also located near the lake, in a tranquil place.

Address: right next to Sona homestay.

Read what other travelers have to say about Tharayil

Venice Castle: Rs 1300-1500 per night

Matthew, the owner, is a very friendly and open man who seemed to highly value his guests. They have 5 rooms available.

The rooms I saw were in the second floor. They have clean rooms and are large enough for two people. Very cosy, blue-painted rooms with nice bathrooms.

Venice Castle is hidden in an alley, and it's perfectly sheltered from the traffic on main road. They also have a nice garden where you can sit in their swing and relax.

Contact: info(at)venicecastle.com

Tel: + 91 9947084414

Address: Opposite to DTPC office. A 5 minutes walk from KSRTC bus station, and 5 minutes from main road.

Book a room at Venice Castle

Read what other travelers have to say about Venice Castle

Venice Castle was rewarded as Travelers Choice 2012 by Tripadvisor!

Regal Mansion: this homestay is newly established. It's a very unique homestay, with spacious and clean rooms. I just loved the concept of this house! Blue-colors, aquariums and a genuine homely atmosphere. The host, the wife, was very friendly and nice.

Her husband was out of town that day, but he also runs the homestay.

Contact: regalmansionalpy(at)gmail.com

Tel: + 91 95626 25495, + 91 94474 32032

Address: Near Finishing Point, and not far from Sona and Tharayil.

Read what other travelers have to say abput Regal Mansion

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Budget Travel Homestay:
Homestays in Fort Kochi

Walton's Homestay: from Rs 1200 per night (non-AC)

Mr Christopher Walton is a very dedicated and intelligent man. They live in the same building as the guests, and has for a long time been a popular homestay in Fort Kochi.

He started the homestay in 2002. Mr Walton is very helpful and informative, and you don't need to hesitate to ask him for help. He gives out free information on good places to eat, attractions in town and transportation. In their reception, they have a library with second-hand books which are for sale.

Contact: cewalton(at)rediffmail.com

Tel: + 91 9249721935

Address: 1/369 Walton Hall, Princess Street.

Read what other travelers have to say about Walton's Homestay

Budget Travel Homestay: Ham Dale Inn: Rs 300-500 per night

Rs 300 for single rooms, and Rs 400-500 for double rooms.

Mr and Mrs Rodriguez started the homestay in 2004 and they have 5 guest rooms. The rooms are cheap, basic and cozy, and these are some of the cheapest rooms you can get in Fort Kochi.

To me it seemed that the couple was very eager to please their guests. They're one of the sweetest couple I've ever met in Kerala. They're friendly and respectful.

Contact: hamdaleinn(at)yahoo.com

Tel: + 91 484 2217809

Address: No.7, Fort Nagar. It's a 5 minute walk from the main tourist area in Fort Kochi.

Noah's Ark: Rs 2600-3750 per night

I would recommend this homestay for flashpackers. It's expensive, but wait till you see the rooms.

Mrs Diana was kind to show me the facilities. They provide 3 guest rooms, and all of them are immaculate. It's very heritage-like, with wooden furniture, TV, large bed. It was very clean. The first room I saw was quite large.

They also offer free internet to their guests.

Contact: dianajrry(at)gmail.com

Tel: +91 9745365260

Address: 1/508, Fort Kochi Hospital Road. It's a five minutes walk to Princess street.

Read what other travelers have to say about Noah's Ark

Orion homestay: Rs 1000-3000 per night

Mr Varghese and his wife was a wonderful couple. Their house is gorgeous, and the prices are hiked up for a good reason. Orion was established in 2005, but the property is more than 70 years old.

Mr Varghese told me that they try to maintain the high room standard, and cleanliness was very important to them.

Contact: mail(at)orionhomestay.com

Tel: + 91 98460 52897

Address: 1/926 B, KL Bernard Master Road, Njaliparambu Junction. It's less than a 10 minutes walk from Princess Street.

Read what other travelers have to say about Orion

Leelu Homestay: Rs 800-2200 per night (peak season), Rs 600-1700 (off season)

Mrs Leelu is well-known in Fort Kochi for her cooking classes, and some of the travelers I met in Kochi had tried these classes. They were happy with it!

The homestay was established in 2007, and the family provide 4 guest rooms. Mrs Leelu is a dedicated woman who truly value her guests. Great location.

Contact: bookings(at)leeluhomestay.com

Tel: + 91 484221 5377, + 91 9846055377

Address: Quiros street, behind Fort Kochi Head Post Office. Only a one minute walk from Bastian and Princess street.

Read what other travelers have to say about Leelu

Vasco homestay: Rs 1500 per night

Mr Tom Samtosh has been in business since 1995, and offers 2 guest rooms. His homestay is in a heritage house of Vasco de Gama.

The rooms are large and clean. Mr Santosh runs the travel agency donwstairs, while his wife runs the restaurant, Vasco Cafe.

He gets regular customers, which says a lot about the service they provide their guests. He was quite informative, and has a genuine wish to help travelers.

Contact: vascoinformations(at)yahoo.co.uk

Tel: + 91 484 2216267, + 91 94477 98215

Address: Vasco House, Rose street.

Read what other travelers have to say about Vasco Homestay

XL homestay: Rs 2000-3500 per night (high and peak season), Rs 1000-2500 (off season)

Judie runs this homestay, and it was full when I visited the homestay in March 2011. The homestay has 5 rooms, which are spacious and clean.

The location is good, and it's tucked away from the hassle in Princess street. Judie was very accommodating, and helpful about transportation, for example how to get to Cherai beach from Fort Kochi.

Contact: mail(at)xlhomestaykerala.com

Tel: + 91 484 2215590, + 91 953915 1498.

Address: Opposite XL Hotel, Rose Street.

Read what other travelers have to say about XL Homestay

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