Refund & Credit Matrix
Our standard refund framework calculated from the scheduled starting hour of your experience:
| Cancellation Notice | Cash Refund | Tour Credit (12 Mo.) | Date Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7+ Days (168+ hrs) | 90% Refund (minus 5% gateway fee) | 100% Credit | Free |
| 3 to 7 Days (72-168 hrs) | 50% Refund | 70% Credit | Free (1st change) |
| 24 to 72 Hours | 25% Refund | 40% Credit | Subject to slot fee |
| Under 24 Hours / No-Show | Non-refundable | Case-by-case review | Not permitted |
* Note: Non-recoverable statutory temple tokens (such as Kashi Vishwanath Sugam Darshan tickets already booked in traveler name) cannot be refunded by temple trust rules.
favorite 1. Our Cancellation Philosophy
When you book a private tour or sunrise cruise with Kashi Wonders, we reserve exclusive resources for you. Our private Bajras and rowboats do not run commuter trips; they are detailed, inspected, and held solely for your party. Similarly, our licensed Vedic scholars and storyteller-guides decline other appointments to dedicate their morning to your family.
When cancellations happen at short notice, these local artisans lose their day's livelihood. Our policy is structured to be empathetic to unforeseen changes while ensuring that native Banarasi boatmen and guides are fairly protected.
timer 2. Tiered Cancellation Timeframes
Cancellations must be communicated in writing via email to namaste@kashiwonders.com or directly via our verified WhatsApp concierge line. The timestamp of the written receipt determines the refund bracket:
A. Cancellation 7 or More Days in Advance
90% RefundCancellations received at least 168 hours prior to scheduled start time receive a 90% cash refund (the 10% deduction covers non-recoverable electronic payment gateway fees and administrative handling). Alternatively, you may choose a 100% Tour Credit Voucher valid for 12 months.
B. Cancellation Between 3 and 7 Days
50% RefundCancellations received between 72 and 168 hours prior receive a 50% cash refund, or a 70% Tour Credit Voucher. This partial fee covers the reservation holding fee committed to boat owners and vehicle drivers.
C. Cancellation Between 24 and 72 Hours
25% RefundCancellations received between 24 and 72 hours receive a 25% cash refund, or a 40% Tour Credit Voucher.
D. Under 24 Hours or No-Show
Non-RefundableCancellations made less than 24 hours prior to departure, or failure to arrive at the designated meeting point at the appointed boarding hour, are non-refundable. At this stage, boats have arrived at the ghat, fuel is disbursed, and guides are waiting on-site.
The Sacred River & Weather Guarantee
If the Varanasi District Magistrate or Varanasi Jal Police issues an official safety ban halting boat movements on the Ganga due to heavy monsoon currents, high-flood warnings, or zero-visibility winter fog:
event_repeat 3. Complimentary Rescheduling Flexibility
We understand that flight delays, Indian Railway schedule variations, and unexpected personal circumstances can disrupt travel itineraries:
- Every booked guest is entitled to one complimentary date or time shift, provided the request is made at least 72 hours prior to the original departure.
- Rescheduling is subject to available boat slots and guide calendars on the new requested date.
- Requests made within 24 to 72 hours can usually be accommodated upon payment of a modest operational re-blocking fee (INR 500 to INR 1,500 depending on boat size).
receipt_long 4. Third-Party & Temple Trust Non-Refundables
Certain components arranged as part of personalized pilgrimage packages involve strict third-party non-refundable fees that Kashi Wonders cannot recover:
account_balance_wallet 5. Refund Processing Method & Timelines
Approved refunds are disbursed transparently through the following systematic procedure:
- Written Notice: Send your cancellation request with your Booking Reference Number (e.g. KW-829104) via WhatsApp (+91 88 580 11233) or email (namaste@kashiwonders.com).
- Audit & Acknowledgment: Our reservations team verifies the timestamp and sends you a written acknowledgment within 12 to 24 hours confirming the approved refund amount.
- Reversal to Original Source: Refunds are initiated directly back to your original source account (UPI ID, Debit/Credit Card, or Netbanking bank account).
- Bank Settlement Window: While Kashi Wonders executes the reversal within 48 business hours, Indian banking and card networks typically take 5 to 7 business days to reflect the credit on your bank statement.
help 6. Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if our train to Varanasi is delayed by several hours? expand_more
Fog and railway delays are common in North India during winter. As soon as you suspect a train delay, alert our WhatsApp concierge immediately. If your sunrise tour is affected, we will do our utmost to shift your private boat to the sunset Ganga Aarti slot on the same day at no extra fee.
Can one person in our family group cancel while others still attend? expand_more
For private boat charters, the charter fee is for the private vessel itself; the boat will still run for the remaining group members. However, any per-person add-on fees (such as guide meals, temple darshan tokens, or floral diya packages) will be pro-rated and refunded according to our standard notice timeframes.
How long is a Kashi Wonders Tour Credit Voucher valid? expand_more
Tour credits are valid for a full 12 months from the date of issue. They are fully transferable, meaning you can gift them to friends, parents, or family members planning a trip to Varanasi, Ayodhya, or Prayagraj.
support_agent 7. Contact Our Cancellations Concierge
Need immediate assistance with an upcoming booking or want to speak with a human coordinator? Our Assi Ghat team is here for you:
Reservations & Billing Desk
Assi Ghat, Varanasi Headquarters
WhatsApp: +91 88 580 11233
Phone: +91 88 580 11233
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM IST (Daily)
General Desk: namaste@kashiwonders.com
Response: Within 12 to 24 hours
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