Acceptance of Terms

By booking a trip with Sanchari Travels ("we", "us", "our"), you ("the participant", "you") agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. These terms apply to all trips, services, and activities organized by Sanchari Travels.

Completing a booking form, making a payment, or confirming a seat via WhatsApp constitutes acceptance of these terms. If you do not agree, do not proceed with the booking.

Booking & Payment

2.1 Booking Process
All bookings are made through our website booking form or directly via WhatsApp. A booking is considered confirmed only after the advance payment is received and acknowledged by us.

2.2 Payment Structure

• Advance: ₹2,000 per person to confirm your seat (due at time of booking)
• Balance: Remaining amount due 7 days before the trip departure date
• Failure to pay the balance on time may result in forfeiture of your seat and advance payment

2.3 Payment Methods
We accept UPI (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm), NEFT/IMPS bank transfer. Payment details are shared on WhatsApp after booking confirmation. We do not accept cash payments.

2.4 Price Confirmation
Prices listed on our website are per person and inclusive of all items stated in the "What's Included" section. Prices are confirmed at time of booking and are not subject to change after payment is received.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellations and refunds are governed by our Refund Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these terms. Key points:

• 7+ days before trip: 90% refund of total amount paid
• 3–6 days before trip: 50% refund of total amount paid
• 1–2 days before trip: No refund (name transfer allowed)
• No-show on departure day: No refund

If Sanchari Travels cancels a trip for any reason, a 100% refund of all amounts paid will be processed within 7 working days.

Participant Responsibilities

As a participant, you agree to:

• Arrive at the designated pickup point on time. We cannot wait beyond 15 minutes; latecomers will not be refunded.
• Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License) at all times during the trip
• Follow instructions from the trip coordinator and activity guides
• Behave respectfully towards fellow participants, local communities, vendors, and the environment
• Not carry or consume illegal substances. Alcohol consumption is permitted only in designated areas and not during activities
• Not participate in activities if under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Inform us of any medical conditions that may affect your participation before confirming the booking

Sanchari Travels reserves the right to remove any participant from a trip without refund if their behavior endangers themselves or others, or disrupts the experience of fellow travelers.

Health & Safety

Your safety is our priority. By joining a trip, you confirm that you are physically fit to participate in the planned activities.

• If you have any pre-existing medical conditions (heart conditions, epilepsy, respiratory conditions, pregnancy, recent surgeries), you must inform us before booking
• A basic first-aid kit is carried by the trip coordinator on all trips
• In case of medical emergency, we will make reasonable efforts to assist; however, medical costs are the responsibility of the participant
• We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before the trip
• Beach activities involve natural risks (currents, waves, rocks). Participants engage in these at their own risk

Scuba Diving Terms

Scuba diving at Netrani Island is conducted by our PADI-certified partner operator. The following additional terms apply:

• All participants must complete a medical questionnaire before the dive. Persons with certain medical conditions (listed on the form) will not be permitted to dive
• Scuba diving is for persons aged 10 and above. Participants under 18 require parental/guardian consent
• You must follow all instructions from the dive master at all times
• The dive operator reserves the right to refuse diving to any participant deemed unfit or unsafe
• If diving is cancelled due to weather, sea conditions, or safety concerns, we will attempt to reschedule during the same trip. No separate refund is provided for the scuba component alone
• Underwater photos are included; additional video recording requires separate arrangement

Liability & Limitation

Sanchari Travels acts as an organizer and coordinator of group travel experiences. We work with third-party vendors (bus operators, homestays, activity providers) to deliver the trip.

• We are not liable for delays, disruptions, or cancellations caused by factors beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, government restrictions, road closures, etc.)
• We are not liable for personal injury, illness, loss, theft, or damage to personal property during the trip
• Our liability for any claim arising from a trip is limited to the total amount paid by the participant for that trip
• We are not responsible for third-party vendor failures (bus breakdowns, homestay issues, activity cancellations) but will make reasonable efforts to resolve or substitute

Participants join activities (beach trekking, scuba diving, boating) of their own free will and accept the inherent risks associated with outdoor adventure travel.

Changes to Trips

Changes by Sanchari Travels: We reserve the right to modify itineraries, activities, accommodation, or transport due to operational or safety requirements. We will inform participants of significant changes as early as possible.

Trip Cancellation by Us: If we cancel a trip due to insufficient participants (below minimum viable group size), weather, or other circumstances, participants will receive a 100% refund within 7 working days.

Changes by Participants: Name transfers (transferring your booking to another person) are allowed up to 48 hours before departure. Date changes are subject to availability and an administrative fee of ₹500.

Photo & Media Consent

By participating in a Sanchari Travels trip, you grant us permission to use photographs and videos taken during the trip for promotional purposes including our website, social media, and marketing materials.

If you do not wish to appear in promotional content, please inform our trip coordinator at the start of the trip. We will make reasonable efforts to exclude you from published media.

Underwater photos taken during the scuba session are shared with all participants from that dive group. Do not share identifiable photos of other participants without their consent.

Governing Law & Disputes

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising from or relating to these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Bangalore, Karnataka.

We encourage participants to first attempt to resolve any disputes informally by contacting us on WhatsApp or email. We are committed to fair resolution of genuine grievances.

These terms may be updated periodically. The version applicable to your booking is the one in effect at the time of your booking confirmation.