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

1. RESOLVE THE URBAN GATE BEFORE CAPEX
[ ] Establish whether the address is within Puri municipality, a Gram Panchayat or another authority
[ ] For municipal Puri, obtain a written Tourism answer on Category 2 eligibility and filing
[ ] Preserve the discrepancy: 2025 scheme uses statewide wording; live portal says 'All GP'
[ ] Check the April 2026 amendment and ask for any later operative order
[ ] Do not assume rural Category 1 incentive applies to a Puri municipal property

2. CHOOSE THE GUEST JOURNEY
[ ] Decide temple/darshan base, beach stay or quieter family base
[ ] Time the real journey to Jagannath Temple and beach separately
[ ] Check legal vehicle stop, pedestrian lane, night return, luggage and festival crowd pattern
[ ] Avoid promising temple access windows or unobstructed sea views

3. TEST THE HOUSE
[ ] Record title, host, parcel, local body and sanctioned building use
[ ] Check PKDA planning status, permitted works and any coastal restrictions
[ ] Verify water, drainage, monsoon ingress, salt-weather maintenance and waste
[ ] Clarify owner/family personal-hosting arrangement under the Odisha scheme
[ ] Mark intended guest rooms/beds against the current amended category

4. DECIDE COMMERCIAL VIABILITY
[ ] Prepare best/base/worst cases with and without a viable urban Tourism route
[ ] Model ordinary weekdays separately from pilgrimage/festival peaks
[ ] Identify who carries capex and exit risk if Category 2 filing is refused
[ ] Do not book an incentive, approval or expected revenue as committed

Official starting sources: Odisha Homestay Scheme 2025 and April 2026 amendment; Go Homestay portal; Odisha Tourism Puri, Jagannath Temple and Puri Beach; PKDA. Follow the source links in the guide.