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.

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:
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Budget homestays 🇮🇳 (basic amenities, often shared bathroom or per-head pricing): ₹990–₹3,000/night, per person.
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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 size | Price 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:
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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):
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Shared dorm/hostel: ₹500–₹1,000/night
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Basic private room (no breakfast): ₹1,200–₹2,500/night
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Mid‑range room with inclusion: ₹2,500–₹4,000/night
B. Per Cottage or Room (private homestays more upscale):
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1 BHK (private room): ₹2,500–₹3,000/night
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2–3 BHK property: ₹4,000–₹7,000/night total (₹2k–₹3.5k per person in group of 2–3)
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Full-family cottage (6–8 pax): ₹8,000–₹12,000/night
7. Average Price Estimate for Typical Stay
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Solo or couples (private room): ₹1,500–₹4,000/night
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Small group rental: ₹4,000–₹7,000/night
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Larger group / Family renting entire cottage: ₹8,000–₹12,000/night
8. What Influences Price?
Several key factors affect per-night costs:
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Season: Peak in summer and winter holidays - bookings can double.
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Location: Homestays nearer the lake or Poombarai tend to cost more.
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Facilities: Private bath, breakfast, Wi‑Fi, campfire, scenic view - all raise the price.
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Group size: Discounts per head arise when renting entire property.
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Booking channel: Direct walk-in or offline booking often cheaper than online platforms.
9. Season‑Wise Quick Guide
| Season | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peak (Apr–Jun, Dec–Jan) | ₹3,500–₹14,000/night | Higher demand and premium views |
| Shoulder (Mar, Oct–Nov) | ₹2,500–₹6,000/night | Moderate crowd, calmer prices |
| Off‑Season (Jul–Sep) | ₹1,500–₹3,500/night | Lower cost, limited availability |
10. Tips for Getting the Best Deal
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Contact homes directly, especially from Reddit user suggestions or local listings—many offer offline discounts up to 20–25%.
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Consider small villages around Kodai like Poombarai or Vattakanal for quieter stays at lower rates.
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Larger groups should look at full cottage rentals, which spread cost per head.
Final Verdict: So what’s the average?
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Per person / per night (budget): ~₹1,200–₹2,500
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Private homestay room: ~₹2,500–₹4,000
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Average overall across all types: ~₹4,700–₹4,800 per night
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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
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Lilly’s Valley Homestay: ₹3,900/night start—lush gardens and colonial charm.
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Dalethorpe Bungalow: from ₹2,000/night—quiet, spacious, near Kodai Lake.
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Budget options: Sarmila Residency at ₹990–₹1,990/head; Kumaragiri Holiday Home ₹1,200–₹5,000/head.
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