India’s Kodagu Cracks Down on Unregulated Homestays with New Comprehensive Safety Measures to Protect Tourists, Reinforce Legal Compliance, and Ensure Secure and Sustainable Growth of the Region’s Booming Tourism Industry

Written By: Sanjana Dubey

Sanjana Dubey

A passionate storyteller and emerging journalist, I am currently doing job while diving deep into the world of journalism. With two years of practical experience, I have cultivated a knack for transforming ideas into engaging narratives that captivate readers. My journey blends academic insight with real-world reporting, allowing me to explore culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and informed lens. Committed to delivering fresh, authentic, and impactful content, I strive to make every story not just read, but truly experienced.

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May 10, 2026 15:17 GMT+5:30

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Kodagu, one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, is facing a surge in unregulated homestays, prompting the Karnataka Tourism Department to take immediate action. With the rise of private accommodations catering to visitors, many of which operate without proper registration, concerns about tourist safety and regulatory compliance have escalated. In response, the department has introduced stringent measures to ensure all homestays are properly licensed, aiming to protect both the safety of tourists and the integrity of Kodagu’s growing tourism industry.

Tourism Department Cracks Down on Illegal Homestays in Kodagu to Ensure Tourist Safety

The scenic district of Kodagu, one of India’s most popular tourist destinations in the state of Karnataka, is experiencing a significant rise in private accommodations catering to travelers. However, many of these homestays are operating without official regulatory oversight, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of tourists. As the number of such unregulated properties increases, the Karnataka Tourism Department has responded with a crackdown on illegal homestays in the region. The department has issued a stern warning to operators running accommodations without proper registration, emphasizing that strict legal action will be taken against those found non-compliant. This move aims to safeguard both the tourists and the integrity of the local tourism industry.

Kodagu’s appeal as a tourist destination has attracted numerous homestay operators, offering travelers a more personal, local experience. However, the rapid growth in unregulated properties is leading to issues with oversight, particularly concerning guest safety. Many of these homestays have not followed the necessary registration processes, raising alarms over potential safety risks and poor service standards. As a result, the Tourism Department has moved swiftly to address these concerns and ensure that only properly licensed establishments are operating in the district.

Mandatory Registration for Homestay Owners in Kodagu

The Tourism Department has made it clear that all homestay owners in Kodagu must register their properties through the official tourism portal to continue operations. This registration is a requirement for both new and existing homestays. Failure to comply will result in consequences under the Karnataka Tourism Trade (Facilitation and Regulation) Act, 2015. This legislation is aimed at regulating the tourism trade in the state, ensuring that all accommodations meet basic safety and service standards.

Once registered, homestays will be listed on the official Karnataka Tourism website, making it easier for tourists to find licensed and compliant properties. To ensure transparency, operators are required to display their registration and license certificates prominently at the entrance of their establishments.

Stringent Safety Measures and Surveillance Requirements

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance safety for visitors, the Tourism Department has introduced a series of stringent safety measures. Among these is the mandatory installation of round-the-clock CCTV surveillance systems in all homestays. The footage from these cameras must be stored for a minimum of 30 days to ensure that it is accessible for inspection if required. This move is part of a broader strategy to monitor the premises and deter any potential illegal activities or safety violations.

Additionally, the department has instructed homestay owners to conduct thorough background checks on their employees. This process, which includes police verification, is designed to ensure that staff members have no criminal records and are suitable to work with guests. Furthermore, homestay operators must maintain detailed guest registers, capturing essential information such as names, addresses, mobile numbers, and vehicle details of all visitors.

Regulations for Foreign Tourists

For foreign tourists visiting Kodagu, operators are required to verify their passports and visas and submit the necessary details to the police through the prescribed “C Form” mechanism. This ensures that all foreign nationals are properly documented, further bolstering security and helping authorities track tourist movements.

Environmental and Cleanliness Guidelines

The Tourism Department has also set out clear environmental and cleanliness guidelines for all homestays. Owners are required to implement eco-friendly practices, such as proper waste segregation and ensuring that plastic waste is not burned on the premises. Maintaining cleanliness and proper sanitation standards is essential for the safety and comfort of guests, and the department expects full compliance from operators.

Moreover, homestays are required to ensure that their guests do not engage in disruptive or nuisance activities that could disturb the peace of the neighborhood. In cases of suspicious or illegal activities, operators must immediately inform the local police.

Inspection and Surprise Checks

To ensure that these new regulations are followed, the Tourism Department has set up surprise inspections of homestays in the district. During these inspections, officials will review guest registers, employee records, and CCTV footage to ensure compliance with all regulations. Homestay owners are expected to fully cooperate with the inspectors during these checks, which will be conducted periodically.

Public Support for the Crackdown

The Tourism Department has appealed to the public to support its efforts in eliminating unauthorized homestays in Kodagu. Local residents and visitors are encouraged to report any illegal operations to the authorities or the police. This collaborative approach aims to protect both tourists and the community, ensuring that Kodagu remains a safe and sustainable destination for all.

The crackdown on unauthorized homestays is a key part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the tourism experience in Karnataka, ensuring that all accommodations adhere to essential safety and regulatory guidelines. By enforcing these new regulations, the Tourism Department hopes to create a safer, more organized tourism environment that benefits both visitors and locals alike.