What Is the Average Price of Homestays in Kodaikanal?

Kodaikanal, fondly called the “Princess of Hill Stations,” draws visitors year-round with its misty lakes, pine forests, and colonial architecture. Homestays are a popular lodging option for those seeking a warm, local experience - often more affordable than resorts but offering a better sense of place than typical hotels.

What Is the Average Price of Homestays in Kodaikanal?

1. Overall Price Ranges

According to Holidify, homestay rates in Kodaikanal typically range from ₹2,400 up to ₹14,400 per night, depending on the property’s amenities and season. Yatra confirms that budget homestays start around ₹1,300, while luxury options can cost up to ₹25,000 per night.

Trip.com, analyzing recent booking trends, shows an average weekday homestay cost around ₹4,740, and a weekend average of ₹4,801 per night.

2. Typical Budget vs. Mid‑Range Prices

Multiple budget listings, including Homestay Advisor and independent directories, reveal:

  • Budget homestays 🇮🇳 (basic amenities, often shared bathroom or per-head pricing): ₹990–₹3,000/night, per person.

  • Mid-range homestays (private bathrooms, decent location, simple breakfast): ₹2,000–₹5,000/night per room or per head, depending on size and facilities.

TravelTriangle highlights specific homestays such as Lilly’s Valley, priced from ₹3,900/night, and Dalethorpe, starting around ₹2,000/night

3. Group and Family Sit‑downs: Whole‑Property Rentals

Some homestays are best rented by families/groups as whole cottages. For example, Vaikunda—a licensed B&B—charges ₹10,000–₹12,000 per night for an entire property hosting approximately 6–8 people.

Meanwhile, Booking.Online lists per‑head pricing tiers depending on size:

Property sizePrice per head / night
1 BHK (1‑bedroom)₹2,500–₹3,000
2 BHK₹3,500–₹5,000
3 BHK₹5,500–₹7,000
4 BHK₹7,000–₹9,000
5 BHK₹11,000–₹13,000

4. Seasonality and Special Discounts

Expect higher rates during peak seasons (April–June, December–January). Off‑season discounts apply, sometimes up to 25% if booked early as in the case of Vaikunda’s introductory offer during June–August 2024

Reddit users consistently report finding homestays around ₹1,500/night in Poombarai or Kodai, especially when walking in last minute or negotiating

For example, one traveler wrote:

“I got a huge room with stunning views for just ₹1500” in Poombarai

5. User Perspectives from Reddit

Real travelers confirm these numbers in their posts:

  • Others mention negotiating down cottage prices offline—paying ₹36,000 for 6 nights on-street vs. ₹45,000 online listing—saving about ₹5,000

6. Estimated Averages: Per Person vs. Per Room

Let’s break down pricing roughly into two categories:

A. Single Room (budget hostels or basic homestays):

  • Shared dorm/hostel: ₹500–₹1,000/night

  • Basic private room (no breakfast): ₹1,200–₹2,500/night

  • Mid‑range room with inclusion: ₹2,500–₹4,000/night

B. Per Cottage or Room (private homestays more upscale):

  • 1 BHK (private room): ₹2,500–₹3,000/night

  • 2–3 BHK property: ₹4,000–₹7,000/night total (₹2k–₹3.5k per person in group of 2–3)

  • Full-family cottage (6–8 pax): ₹8,000–₹12,000/night

7. Average Price Estimate for Typical Stay

  • Solo or couples (private room): ₹1,500–₹4,000/night

  • Small group rental: ₹4,000–₹7,000/night

  • Larger group / Family renting entire cottage: ₹8,000–₹12,000/night

8. What Influences Price?

Several key factors affect per-night costs:

  • Season: Peak in summer and winter holidays - bookings can double.

  • Location: Homestays nearer the lake or Poombarai tend to cost more.

  • Facilities: Private bath, breakfast, Wi‑Fi, campfire, scenic view - all raise the price.

  • Group size: Discounts per head arise when renting entire property.

  • Booking channel: Direct walk-in or offline booking often cheaper than online platforms.

9. Season‑Wise Quick Guide

SeasonTypical RangeNotes
Peak (Apr–Jun, Dec–Jan)₹3,500–₹14,000/nightHigher demand and premium views
Shoulder (Mar, Oct–Nov)₹2,500–₹6,000/nightModerate crowd, calmer prices
Off‑Season (Jul–Sep)₹1,500–₹3,500/nightLower cost, limited availability

10. Tips for Getting the Best Deal

  • Contact homes directly, especially from Reddit user suggestions or local listings—many offer offline discounts up to 20–25%.

  • Consider small villages around Kodai like Poombarai or Vattakanal for quieter stays at lower rates.

  • Larger groups should look at full cottage rentals, which spread cost per head.

Final Verdict: So what’s the average?

  • Per person / per night (budget): ~₹1,200–₹2,500

  • Private homestay room: ~₹2,500–₹4,000

  • Average overall across all types: ~₹4,700–₹4,800 per night

  • Larger cottage rentals: ~₹8,000–₹12,000 for full property

In summary, if you’re planning a solo or couple stay in a comfortable private homestay, budget around ₹2,500–₹4,000 per night. For groups renting more space, expect ₹8,000–₹12,000 total. And across the board, the overall booking average in recent data lands around ₹4,750 per night.

Bonus: Sample Recommendations

  • Lilly’s Valley Homestay: ₹3,900/night start—lush gardens and colonial charm.

  • Dalethorpe Bungalow: from ₹2,000/night—quiet, spacious, near Kodai Lake.

  • Budget options: Sarmila Residency at ₹990–₹1,990/head; Kumaragiri Holiday Home ₹1,200–₹5,000/head.

Conclusion

What is the average price of homestays in kodaikanal? With an average nightly booking price of ₹4,740–₹4,800, you can choose based on comfort, group size, and time of year. For a restful, local stay with scenic views in off‑season, ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night is realistic. And if you’re eyeing spacious homely stays in summer or holidays, expect ₹8,000‑plus for larger group bookings.

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