Refund Policy

Refund Policy for The Ganga Tour

Effective Date: October 30, 2025

The Ganga Tour (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”), accessible at https://thegangatour.com (the “Website”), is committed to providing a seamless and transparent booking experience for our curated travel services, including river cruises, cultural tours, spiritual retreats, and adventure excursions along the Ganges River (collectively, the “Services”). This Refund Policy outlines the conditions under which refunds may be requested for bookings made through our Website, processed via Razorpay, our trusted third-party payment gateway, or other payment methods. This policy is designed to comply with Razorpay’s guidelines and applicable laws in India, while ensuring fairness for our customers. By booking our Services, you agree to this Refund Policy, in conjunction with our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimer.

1. General Refund Guidelines

  • Booking Confirmation: All bookings are provisional until confirmed by us via email or through the Website. Refunds will only be processed for confirmed bookings.
  • Refund Requests: To request a refund, contact us at info@thegangatour.com with your booking details (e.g., booking ID, name, tour date). Requests must comply with the timelines and conditions outlined below.
  • Processing Time: Approved refunds will be processed within 7-14 business days from approval, depending on Razorpay’s processing timelines and your bank’s policies. Refunds will be credited to the original payment method used during booking.
  • Non-Refundable Fees: Certain components, such as taxes, service fees, or third-party charges (e.g., hotel or transport provider fees), may be non-refundable as per their policies.
  • Currency: Refunds will be issued in the currency of the original transaction (Indian Rupees (INR) or US Dollars (USD)). We are not responsible for losses due to currency conversion or bank fees.

2. Cancellation by You

Refunds for cancellations initiated by you depend on the specific tour package and the timing of the cancellation. Each tour’s cancellation policy is detailed in the booking confirmation and on the Website. Below is a general framework, subject to specific tour terms:

a. Standard Cancellation Policy

  • More than 30 days before tour start date: Full refund, less a 5% administrative fee to cover Razorpay transaction costs and processing.
  • 15-30 days before tour start date: 50% refund of the tour price, less non-refundable third-party fees and a 5% administrative fee.
  • 7-14 days before tour start date: 25% refund of the tour price, less non-refundable third-party fees and a 5% administrative fee.
  • Less than 7 days before tour start date: No refund, except in exceptional circumstances at our discretion.

b. Special Tours and Custom Packages

Certain tours (e.g., spiritual retreats, adventure excursions, or group bookings) may have stricter cancellation policies due to limited availability or third-party commitments. These will be clearly communicated at the time of booking. For example:

  • Non-Refundable Deposits: Some tours require a deposit, which is non-refundable unless otherwise stated.
  • Custom Itineraries: Custom or private tours may be non-refundable or have unique cancellation terms.

c. No-Shows or Partial Participation

  • If you fail to attend a tour without prior notice (“no-show”) or choose not to participate in part of the tour, no refunds will be issued.
  • Early departure from a tour due to personal reasons (e.g., health, dissatisfaction) does not qualify for a refund unless explicitly agreed by us.

3. Cancellation by The Ganga Tour

We reserve the right to cancel or modify tours due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to:

  • Force majeure events (e.g., natural disasters, political instability, pandemics, or weather conditions).
  • Insufficient bookings to operate the tour.
  • Safety concerns or operational issues.

In such cases:

  • We will notify you as soon as possible via email or phone.
  • You may choose:
  • A full refund of the amount paid, processed within 7-14 business days via Razorpay to the original payment method.
  • A credit for a future tour, valid for 12 months, subject to availability.
  • An alternative tour or date, if available, at no additional cost (subject to price differences).
  • We are not liable for additional costs incurred (e.g., flights, visas, or other travel arrangements).

4. Changes to Bookings

  • Modifications by You: Requests to change tour dates, itineraries, or participant details are subject to availability and may incur fees (e.g., third-party charges or price differences). Contact us at least 15 days before the tour start date to request changes.
  • Modifications by Us: If we need to alter an itinerary (e.g., due to safety or operational reasons), we will offer a comparable alternative. If the alternative is unsatisfactory, you may request a refund, subject to the cancellation terms above.

5. Razorpay-Specific Refund Guidelines

As we use Razorpay for payment processing, the following apply:

  • Transaction Fees: Razorpay’s transaction fees (typically 2-3% per transaction) are non-refundable, as per their policy. These may be deducted from your refund amount.
  • Refund Timeline: Razorpay processes refunds within 5-7 business days after we initiate them. Delays may occur due to your bank or card issuer (up to 10-15 additional days for international cards).
  • Disputed Transactions: If you initiate a chargeback or dispute with Razorpay or your bank, we will provide necessary documentation to resolve the issue. However, fraudulent or unjustified disputes may result in account suspension.

6. Exceptional Circumstances

In rare cases (e.g., medical emergencies, bereavement), we may consider refund requests outside the standard policy at our discretion. Submit requests with supporting documentation (e.g., medical certificate) to info@thegangatour.com. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

7. Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen events such as cancellations, medical emergencies, or trip interruptions. We are not responsible for losses not covered by this Refund Policy.

8. How to Request a Refund

To request a refund:

  1. Email info@thegangatour.com with:
  • Your full name and booking ID.
  • Tour details (name, date, etc.).
  • Reason for cancellation.
  • Any supporting documentation (if applicable).
  1. We will review your request and respond within 3-5 business days.
  2. Approved refunds will be processed via Razorpay to the original payment method.

9. Governing Law

This Refund Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of India. Any disputes arising from this policy shall be resolved in the courts of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.

10. Changes to This Refund Policy

We may update this Refund Policy at any time by posting the revised version on the Website. Continued use of the Services after changes constitutes acceptance. We will notify you of material changes via email or a Website notice.

11. Contact Us

For questions or refund requests, contact us at:

  • Email: info@thegangatour.com
  • Address: The Ganga Tour, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India (specific address to be updated on the Website).

Thank you for choosing The Ganga Tour. We aim to ensure a fair and transparent refund process while delivering exceptional travel experiences along the Ganges River.

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