Traveller Found Leeches, Fungus, And More At A Munnar Airbnb, Offered Just Rs 1,500 Refund

Where you're staying can totally make or break your vacation. We spend days browsing and debating to book the perfect property finally. A vacation in Kerala has turned into a viral tale of caution, and the internet can't stop talking about it. A traveller named Ritu Joon recently took to X to share what she described as a "worst-ever" stay booked through Airbnb. The property, located in Munnar, was reportedly booked via Airbnb for Rs 36,000 for two days, but things began going wrong almost immediately.

Leeches, Cockroaches, And Flickering Lights At Munnar Airbnb

We booked a Stayvista property in Munnar from Airbnb for ₹36k.

From the start, there were many issues: leeches, cockroaches, a non-working gas stove, fungus on curtains, damaged non-stick utensils in the kitchen, and flickering lights. It has been the worst experience. We… pic.twitter.com/97IfoT4QQY

— Ritu Joon (@ritujoon2j) May 3, 2026

In her post, she detailed a string of issues that turned her getaway into a nightmare. From leeches and cockroaches inside the property to a non-working gas stove, fungus-covered curtains, damaged non-stick cookware, and even flickering lights, the list was long.

She wrote that despite booking the property for two days, they decided to leave within a day because of the conditions. What made the story explode online were the images she shared. The visuals showed unhygienic interiors, worn-out kitchen equipment, and even leeches in the bathroom.

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According to the post, when she reached out to Airbnb's customer support, she was told that there wasn't enough evidence to prove a bad experience. To resolve the matter, she was offered a Rs 1,500 refund. Frustrated at the situation, she warned online, "If you book from Airbnb, don't expect any support if things go wrong."

Internet Users Expressed Their Shock And Disappointment

The post quickly went viral, and social media users didn't hold back from sharing their views. One user wrote that spending Rs 36,000 for such an experience with almost no refund is unacceptable, adding that hotels feel safer because there's accountability. Another wrote, "Just saw your images and I'm disgusted... can't imagine dealing with this in real. What is this nonsense?"

Others tagged Airbnb directly, calling the situation "unacceptable" and demanding answers. Some users even questioned the reliability of short-term rental platforms altogether.

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Amid the outrage, some users offered practical advice to always check reviews carefully. Another user shared a similar experience from 2022, saying they had to leave a property the very next day during peak season, scrambling to find a better stay. 

NDTV has reached out to Airbnb for a response, and the story is expected to be updated once the company comments.