The number of people traveling to Kochi for work and other engagements is very high, given the presence of Infopark and numerous other institutions and industries in the city. With the Kochi Corporation launching “She Lodge” under a new initiative, there is now a secure place in the city for women to stay overnight. She Lodge provides accommodation at a nominal cost for students, working women, and those traveling alone or in groups. It has extensive facilities, including 96 rooms and two dormitories, with amenities such as 24-hour security service, a library, and uninterrupted power and water supply. Rooms are almost always fully booked, especially on weekends, accommodating up to 192 people daily.
The rates per day are Rs 100 for the dormitory, Rs 200 for a single room, and Rs 350 for a double room meant for two persons. The entry timings are from 6 am to 9 pm, and all women arriving with identification documents can stay here. Both online and offline booking options are available for the rooms. She Lodge is located adjacent to the Kudumbashree Hotel Samriddhi@Kochi on North Paramara Road, Ernakulam, which serves meals starting at Rs. 10. It is easily accessible from the Ernakulam Town Railway Station, Town Hall metro station, and North bus stop. While food is not currently served at She Lodge, it can be easily obtained from nearby hotels.
She Lodge was established by renovating the Libra Hotel owned by the corporation. Although the renovation work started in 2017, it was expedited after the new council assumed office in 2020. Despite a budget allocation of Rs 5.54 crore from the Janakiya project fund for 2020-21, the work was completed at a cost of Rs 3.54 crore. Inaugurated by Minister M.B. Rajesh in November last year, She Lodge opened to the public on March 8, Women's Day. Within six months of its opening, more than 2,500 women have availed themselves of the service.
