KOCHI HOMESTAY PROPERTY WALKTHROUGH
Companion: https://rudraleela.in/resources/how-to-start-a-homestay-in-kochi
Sources checked: 1 October 2026. Property questions, not an approval.

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHORE AND CATEGORY
[ ] Record the exact Ernakulam district address, local body and survey number
[ ] Distinguish Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and mainland Ernakulam in guest copy
[ ] Confirm the owner and family physically live in the operating home
[ ] Do not place a rented/leased home in Kerala Homestay classification; assess Serviced Villa separately
[ ] Keep tourist rooms within 1–6 and beds within 2–12

2. INSPECT THE HOUSE AND COAST
[ ] Compare approved plans, current use and actual rooms/bathrooms
[ ] Screen the survey parcel on KCZMA maps where coastal controls may apply
[ ] Check heritage/listed-building constraints before roof, facade or layout changes
[ ] Inspect timber, roof, salt/moisture damage, drainage and monsoon ingress
[ ] Test pedestrian route, legal vehicle drop-off, ferry/road connection and night return separately

3. PREPARE TOURISM CLASSIFICATION
[ ] Finish the operational home before classification application
[ ] Check 120 sq ft bedroom standard or valid heritage/traditional exception; bathroom at least 20 sq ft
[ ] Test a toilet per lettable room and continuous hot/cold water
[ ] Prepare owner, residence, land-tax, PCC, food and plan/photo documents
[ ] Complete every Necessary item for chosen Silver/Gold/Diamond grade
[ ] Confirm live fee; website ₹3,750 and located 2020 order ₹3,000 are not aligned

4. MODEL SERVICE
[ ] Plan owner-family hosting, food, room privacy and complaint handling
[ ] Price normal weeks and maintenance; treat event peaks as upside only
[ ] Track certificate and reclassification three months before expiry
[ ] Test whether a claimed 'walkable' attraction truly is walkable from the front gate

Official starting sources: Kerala Tourism homestay guideline, checklist and Serviced Villa scheme; Kerala LSGD; KCZMA; Kerala Tourism Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Follow the guide links.