Uttarakhand Homestay Scheme
The Deendayal Upadhyaya Grah Awas (Homestay) Yojana is an initiative of the Uttarakhand Government to promote rural tourism while creating additional income opportunities for local residents. Under the scheme, eligible homeowners can register their residential properties as homestays and offer accommodation to domestic and international tourists.
The scheme encourages community-based tourism by allowing visitors to experience local culture, cuisine and traditional hospitality while helping residents generate sustainable income from tourism.
Latest Updates to Uttarakhand Homestay Scheme
The Uttarakhand Government has revised the Homestay Policy by expanding the categories of tourism accommodation covered under the registration framework. The revised policy includes homestays, Bed & Breakfast establishments, hotels, resorts, heritage hotels, tourist villages, service apartments, tent colonies and community-based tourism units.
Under the updated policy, registered homestays can have up to eight guest rooms with a maximum capacity of 24 beds, subject to eligibility conditions prescribed by the Tourism Department.
Registration is applicable mainly in rural areas and Nagar Panchayat limits as notified under the policy. Property owners must fulfil the eligibility criteria laid down by the department before obtaining registration.
Objective of the Uttarakhand Home Stay scheme:
- Promote community-based tourism in Uttarakhand.
- Create additional income opportunities for local families.
- Encourage tourists to experience local culture, traditions and cuisine.
- Support sustainable tourism in rural and hill regions.
- Generate employment and reduce migration from remote villages.
Benefits of the homestay scheme
- Eligible homeowners can register their residential property as a homestay.
- Financial assistance and subsidies may be available as per the prevailing government policy.
- Hospitality and tourism-related training may be provided to registered operators.
- Registered homestays receive promotion through tourism initiatives and official platforms.
- The scheme encourages preservation of local architecture, traditions and rural tourism.
Financial Assistance under the Scheme
- Plain Areas: Subsidy up to 25% of the eligible project cost, subject to the maximum limits prescribed under the scheme.
- Hilly Areas: Subsidy up to 33% of the eligible project cost, with higher financial assistance for eligible applicants in notified hill districts.
- Interest subsidy may also be available on eligible loans as per the latest government guidelines.
Important Registration Updates
- Registration is mandatory for homestays operating under the scheme.
- Registration must be renewed periodically as prescribed by the Tourism Department.
- Only eligible residential properties can be registered.
- Applicants should comply with the latest safety, hygiene and tourism guidelines.
Scheme Terms and Conditions
- The property owner should ordinarily reside in the same premises.
- The homestay must be registered with the Tourism Department.
- The number of guest rooms should comply with the latest Homestay Policy.
- The property should meet the prescribed safety and hygiene standards.
- Traditional architecture and local character are encouraged wherever possible.
Who Can Apply?
- Permanent residents of Uttarakhand meeting the eligibility criteria.
- Owners of residential properties located in eligible notified areas.
- Applicants willing to provide accommodation and basic hospitality services to tourists.
- Applicants complying with the latest Tourism Department guidelines.
How to Apply for Uttarakhand Homestay Registration
- Check the latest eligibility criteria issued by the Tourism Department.
- Prepare the required ownership and identity documents.
- Submit the application through the prescribed registration process.
- Complete inspection, if applicable.
- Receive registration approval before operating the homestay.
Facilities Expected in a Registered Homestay
- Clean and hygienic guest rooms.
- Safe drinking water.
- Attached or shared washrooms in good condition.
- Basic bedding and furniture.
- Local food on request.
- Emergency contact information for guests.
Disclaimer: The Homestay Scheme is revised periodically by the Uttarakhand Government. Eligibility conditions, subsidies, registration requirements and financial assistance may change over time. Applicants should verify the latest guidelines issued by the Uttarakhand Tourism Department before applying.
Useful Tips
- Official website of Pandit Deen Dayal Grah Awaas (Home Stay) Yojna (Scheme) : Visit here
- You can also check about Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Travel and Tourism Scheme
