Key Highlights at a Glance
A concise summary of our operational rules before you read the complete legal clauses:
handshake 1. Scope of Agreement & Services
These Terms and Conditions constitute a legally binding agreement between the traveler ("Guest," "You," or "Booker") and Kashi Wonders ("Company," "We," "Our," or "Us"), a licensed tour operator headquartered at Assi Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Kashi Wonders curates and operates:
- Private sunrise and sunset boat cruises along the 84 historical ghats of Varanasi (including traditional hand-rowed boats, luxury Bajras, and motorboats).
- Special Evening Ganga Aarti boat viewings with priority docking permits at Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghat.
- Licensed walking tours, Vedic heritage corridors, and culinary explorations through the historic gallis (alleys).
- Temple visit facilitation, Vedic rituals (Rudrabhishek, Ganga Pooja), and regional pilgrimage circuits to Sarnath, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam).
By paying an advance deposit, confirming a reservation via our website, or receiving a formal booking voucher, you explicitly accept these terms on behalf of yourself and all members in your party.
payments 2. Booking Confirmation, Payments & Taxes
To maintain exclusive private boat charters and dedicated native scholar-guides, reservations are processed under the following terms:
A. Advance Deposit Requirement
A minimum advance deposit (typically 30% to 50% for standard tours, or 100% for same-day/peak season boat reservations) is required to block private boats, Vedic guides, and transportation assets.
B. Balance Payment Schedule
The remaining balance must be settled prior to the commencement of the first tour segment or upon arrival at the designated meeting point, payable via UPI, Netbanking, Credit Card, or Cash in Indian Rupees (INR).
C. Currencies & Statutory GST
All base quotations are priced in Indian National Rupees (INR). Applicable Goods & Services Tax (GST) is levied as per Government of India tourism taxation schedules and clearly itemized on your booking invoice.
id_card 3. Identification & Statutory Regulatory Protocols
Security and civil administration regulations in Varanasi are stringent due to high pilgrim footfalls and sacred river traffic:
- Original Physical Government ID: Every traveler must carry original valid government photo identification (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driver's License, or Passport for Indian citizens; valid Passport and Indian Tourist/e-Visa for foreign nationals).
- Passenger Manifests: The Varanasi Jal Police requires boat captains to maintain a formal passenger manifest prior to departure from the ghats.
- Temple Corridor Security: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Dham and surrounding sanctums require original photo ID for Sugam Darshan entry verification. Soft copies on mobile phones may be rejected by Central Armed Police Forces (CISF/CRPF) stationed at temple gates.
sailing 4. Ganga Boat Cruise & River Safety Regulations
Safety on the sacred river is our highest priority. All travelers boarding Kashi Wonders chartered vessels agree to abide strictly by local maritime guidelines:
5. Sacred Sanctum Etiquette & Conduct
Varanasi is a sacred tirtha. We cherish its centuries of unbroken tradition and expect all guests to demonstrate sensitivity and decorum:
- Modest Traditional Attire: Certain inner sanctums (such as Sparsh Darshan at Shri Kashi Vishwanath) require traditional dress (dhoti-kurta for men, saree or salwar suit for women). Shoulders and knees must remain respectfully covered during temple visits.
- Footwear Removal: Shoes, leather belts, and leather accessories must be deposited at temple cloakrooms before stepping onto sanctum premises.
- Photography Restrictions: Photography is strictly prohibited inside temple sanctum sanctorums, at burning cremation ghats (Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats), and near sensitive administrative security perimeters.
- Strict Prohibition of Substances: Alcohol, narcotics, and recreational smoking are strictly prohibited in holy pilgrimage zones, on chartered boats, and during guided trails. Any guest violating these rules will face immediate termination of services.
flood 6. Monsoon Floods, River Bans & Force Majeure
The holy River Ganga experiences seasonal fluctuations, particularly during the late monsoon (July to September), when rapid water discharge can prompt the Varanasi District Administration and Jal Police to temporarily halt motorized or hand-rowed boats:
shield_with_heart Our River Safety Guarantee:
If official administrative orders prohibit boat operations on your reserved date due to high currents, flash floods, or dense winter fog:
check Option 1: Free rescheduling to an alternate slot or following morning when waters stabilize.
check Option 2: Seamless substitution with an elevated Ghat Walk and Rooftop Aarti Viewing, with boat charter difference refunded.
check Option 3: 100% refund of the boat charter component if no suitable alternative is feasible.
Neither party shall be held liable for failure or delay in performance caused by natural disasters, river overflow, sudden strikes, VIP state security cordons, or governmental orders beyond reasonable control.
directions_walk 7. Health, Walking & Mobility Considerations
The ancient core of Varanasi consists of ancient stone staircases, uneven flagstones, and pedestrian-only gallis where vehicles cannot enter:
- Guests must evaluate their physical capability for navigating steps and moderate walking distances (1.5 km to 3 km on walking tours).
- If any member of your group has mobility restrictions, heart conditions, or requires wheelchair/palanquin assistance, you must notify our concierge at least 48 hours in advance so accessible routes and dedicated assistants can be arranged.
policy 8. Limitation of Liability & Travel Insurance
While Kashi Wonders exercises utmost diligence, adheres to UP Tourism guidelines, and inspects all boat charters thoroughly:
- The Company is not liable for personal belongings, cameras, or jewelry lost or damaged during river crossings or in crowded bazaar areas.
- Travelers are strongly advised to secure comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to their trip covering illness, personal accidents, and trip interruptions.
- In all cases, the maximum cumulative liability of Kashi Wonders for any claim arising out of a booking shall be limited strictly to the total amount paid by the client for that specific service.
gavel 9. Governing Law & Dispute Jurisdiction
These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of India. In the rare event of an unresolved dispute, both parties agree to attempt amicable resolution through our designated conciliator at Assi Ghat. If unresolved, all legal proceedings shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
help 10. Frequently Asked Questions
Can we modify our tour timing after booking? expand_more
Yes. One complimentary time or date change is permitted up to 72 hours prior to scheduled departure, subject to private boat and guide slot availability.
Are children allowed on morning boat rides? expand_more
Yes! Children are very welcome on our private family charters. We provide specially sized child life jackets for your peace of mind.
What if rain occurs on our scheduled evening Aarti tour? expand_more
Normal light rainfall does not stop the Ganga Aarti (which is performed under sheltered canopies on the ghats). Our boats have covered canopies. If severe storms cause unsafe river currents, we coordinate sheltered rooftop viewing or reschedule.
Have Questions About Cancellations?
Review our transparent refund timeframes and rescheduling guarantees.