Legal

# Terms & Conditions

The booking policy, cancellation terms, and traveller responsibilities for our pilgrimage tours.

Last updated: 1 January 2026

Welcome to Vanakkam Kashi. By booking a tour, requesting a quote, or using our services, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions. Please read them carefully.

## 1. About Us

Vanakkam Kashi is a tour operator based in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India, specialising in spiritual, religious, and heritage tours to Kashi (Varanasi), Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Gaya, Naimisharanya, and Nepal. References in these terms to "we", "us", and "our" mean Vanakkam Kashi.

## 2. Booking & Confirmation

- A booking is treated as confirmed only after we receive the agreed advance payment and send you a written booking confirmation by email.
- The advance is typically 30% of the total package cost, payable at the time of booking.
- The remaining balance must be cleared at least 15 days before the tour start date, unless agreed otherwise in writing.
- For group bookings during peak season (Kartik Purnima, Maha Shivaratri, Mahakumbh, Pitru Paksha), the advance and balance schedule may differ; this will be communicated upfront.

## 3. Pricing & Inclusions

- Prices quoted are in Indian Rupees (INR) and are valid for the dates and group size mentioned in your specific quote.
- Inclusions and exclusions are listed in your itinerary. Items not specifically listed as "Included" should be assumed to be the traveller's responsibility (personal expenses, additional sightseeing, tips, alcohol, laundry, etc.).
- Prices may change due to fluctuations in fuel, hotel tariff, government taxes, or temple fees beyond our control. Any such revision will be communicated before final payment.

## 4. Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change. The following cancellation charges apply when you cancel a confirmed booking:

- More than 30 days before tour start: 10% of total package cost.
- 15 to 30 days before tour start: 30% of total package cost.
- 7 to 14 days before tour start: 50% of total package cost.
- Less than 7 days before tour start: 100% of total package cost (no refund).
- No-show or late arrival: 100% of total package cost (no refund).

Refunds are processed within 14 working days to the original payment source. Bank transfer charges, if any, are deducted from the refund amount.

## 5. Cancellation by Us

If we are forced to cancel a tour due to insufficient group size, force majeure (see Section 9), or unavoidable operational reasons, we will offer:

- An alternative date or itinerary of equivalent value, OR
- A full refund of all amounts paid to us.

We are not liable for any consequential losses (such as flight or train tickets booked separately by you).

## 6. Travel Documents & Identity

- For domestic tours, every traveller must carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Driving Licence).
- For Nepal tours, Indian citizens must carry a valid Passport or a Voter ID; foreign nationals must carry a valid passport with the appropriate visa.
- It is your responsibility to ensure documents are valid and to carry them throughout the tour.

## 7. Health, Fitness & Special Needs

- Many of our destinations involve walking on uneven ghats, climbing steps, and standing for ritual ceremonies. Please assess your physical fitness honestly before booking.
- Inform us in writing at the time of booking about any medical condition, mobility limitation, dietary restriction, or allergy.
- You are responsible for carrying your own prescription medication.
- We strongly recommend taking suitable travel insurance for the duration of your tour.

## 8. Conduct & Responsibility

- Travellers are expected to behave respectfully at temples, ghats, and religious sites, and to follow local customs and dress codes.
- Photography may be restricted at certain sanctums; please follow guidance from priests, guides, and local authorities.
- We reserve the right to refuse service or remove a traveller from a tour if their conduct endangers, distresses, or annoys other travellers, staff, or local people. No refund will be given in such cases.
- Any damage caused to hotel property or transport vehicles will be billed to the traveller responsible.

## 9. Force Majeure

We will not be liable for failure to perform our obligations due to events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters (floods, earthquakes), epidemics or pandemics, government action, civil unrest, strikes, road or temple closures, weather disruptions, or acts of God. In such cases, we will make every reasonable effort to provide alternative arrangements but cannot guarantee a refund of expenses already incurred.

## 10. Liability

- We act as an agent between travellers and service providers (hotels, transport, guides). We exercise reasonable care in selecting partners but are not liable for the acts, omissions, or default of independent service providers.
- Our maximum liability for any claim is limited to the amount you paid us for the tour.
- We are not liable for loss of personal belongings, valuables, or money during the tour.

## 11. Photography & Marketing

Group photographs taken during tours may be used by us on our website and social media for marketing purposes. If you do not wish your photograph to be used, please inform us in writing before the tour begins.

## 12. Complaints

If you have a complaint during the tour, please raise it immediately with our tour leader so that we can attempt to resolve it on the spot. Written complaints after the tour should reach us within 30 days of tour completion at vanakamkashi@gmail.com.

## 13. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of India. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts at Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.

## 14. Contact

- ✉️ vanakamkashi@gmail.com
- 📍 Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India