Bed & Breakfast Registration

Many states run their own homestay or B&B schemes, such as those in Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Rajasthan, and some require registration with the state tourism department, local body or police whatever the central classification. Central approval under the Incredible India scheme does not replace them, so check the state rules for your district as well.

• The property must be a residential home where the owner or the owner’s family lives.
• Between 1 and 6 rooms, with no more than 12 beds, can be let to guests.
• The owner, or a manager acting for them, must stay on the premises.
• Rooms must be clean, safe and have attached or easily accessible bathrooms, with the standards that apply to the category you choose.

• Proof of ownership of the property, or a lease with the owner’s consent
• ID and address proof of the owner
• Photographs of the building, the guest rooms and bathrooms
• Details of the rooms and beds offered, and the facilities
• Police verification or other local clearances where the state requires them

1. Create an account on the Ministry of Tourism’s NIDHI+ portal and fill in the B&B application.
2. Upload the documents and photographs and pay the fee for the category you choose.
3. The Regional Classification Committee inspects the property.
4. If the property meets the standards, it is approved and classified as Silver or Gold.

Approved establishments are classified as Silver or Gold after the inspection. Silver meets the scheme’s basic standards for rooms, bathrooms, cleanliness, safety and guest services. Gold requires a higher standard: larger and better-furnished rooms, better bathroom fittings and more guest amenities. You choose the category when you apply, and the inspection confirms it.

The Ministry of Tourism’s fee is ₹3,000 for Silver and ₹5,000 for Gold. State schemes have their own fees.

The approval is valid for two years. Apply again at least three months before it expires so that the property stays listed.