"Homestays in Kerala,
especially Fort Kochi and Alleppey"
"Budget Travel Homestay in Kerala" was last updated on March 01, 2013
All information below is subject to change
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. You'll find a short review, with contact information and pictures.
More and more travelers prefer homestays these days, because of the personal service which the host provides. And also because homestays are normally cheaper than hotels.
According to Department of Tourism in Kerala, there are at least two requirements for homestays:
CLICK ON ONE OF THE PICTURES TO START THE PHOTO GALLERY!
I spent five weeks in Kerala. In connection with research for the website, I visited 17 homestays in total in Fort Kochi and Alleppey.
I talked and got to know the owners and their families, and many of them showed me their rooms. I know that 'budget' can be interpreted in different ways. The homestays listed below range from Rs 300. Note that I haven't stayed at most of these homestays.
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!
Budget travel homestay: At Snehadhara homestay in Alleppey
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.
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 surrounded by a beautiful green garden, where you can enjoy your breakfast.
They also provide internet service (one computer).
Contact: cherukaranest(at)gmail.com
Address: ix.774, Cherukara Buildings, East of KSRTC Bus Station (3 minutes walk)
A cheerful married couple, Alice and Thomas run this nice 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
Address: Vadakekalam House, North of Dutch Square. It's located 10-15 minutes by foot from Alleppey center.
Budget travel homestay: Rooms at Johnson's the Nest
If you want to stay at Johnson's the Nest, you'd better hurry since they only 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
Address: Lal Bagh, Convent Square. It's located near Keralite, and 10-15 minutes by foot from the hassle and buzzle in Alleppey center.
Sona 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.
Contact: sonahome(at)yahoo.co.in
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.
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.
Budget Travel Homestay: Venice Castle
Matthew, the owner, is a 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, spacious rooms. You really get the feeling of home because of the cozy, 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(dot)com
Address: Opposite to DTPC office. A 5 minutes walk from KSRTC bus station, and 5 minutes from the main road.
Venice Castle was rewarded as Travelers Choice 2012 by Tripadvisor!
This homestay is newer than the others. It has just opened when I visited in 2011. A 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
Address: Near Finishing Point, and not far from Sona and Tharayil.
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Mr Christopher Walton is a remarkably 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 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(dot)com
Address: 1/369 Walton Hall, Princess Street.
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(dot)com
Address: No.7, Fort Nagar. It's a 5 minute walk from the main tourist area in Fort Kochi.
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
Address: 1/926 B, KL Bernard Master Road, Njaliparambu Junction. It's less than a 10 minutes walk from Princess Street.
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
Address: Quiros street, behind Fort Kochi Head Post Office. Only a one minute walk from Bastian and Princess street.
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
Address: Vasco House, Rose street.
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