Booking
Your contract is with South DMC. A contract will exist between you and South DMC once your booking is confirmed and we receive your booking request and deposit for your selected tour, hotel, or any other travel-related services. All communications regarding bookings should be addressed to South DMC.
Payments
For contracted services, a 50% advance payment is required to confirm the booking, with the remaining amount due prior to the commencement of your tour. South DMC reserves the right to adjust the advance payment based on the services and proximity to the start date. In cases of special bookings such as luxury train journeys or during peak tourist seasons (like Christmas and New Year), full payment is required upfront.
Payment Options
Payments can be made via Credit Card through our secure online gateway, Bank Transfer, Cash at our local offices, or Demand Draft/Cheque. All payments must be free of withholding tax or deductions, and any associated bank charges will be borne by the payer.
Changes to the Itinerary
Once the tour has commenced, the itinerary will be followed as planned. However, South DMC reserves the right to alter the itinerary due to unforeseen events or circumstances beyond our control to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests.
Cancellation, No-Show, and Early Departure Policy
All cancellations must be communicated in writing. Cancellation fees will apply as follows:
- 60 days or more before arrival: 10% of the tour/service cost
- 59 to 30 days before arrival: 20% of the tour/service cost
- 29 to 15 days before arrival: 25% of the tour/service cost
- 14 to 8 days before arrival: 50% of the tour/service cost
- 7 days or less before arrival, or no show: No refund
Note: For special bookings (e.g., Taj or Leela Hotels, luxury trains, peak seasons), no refunds are given regardless of the cancellation timeline. If you cancel after the trip has commenced, refunds will be limited to the amounts recoverable from our service providers, and we bear no responsibility for unused accommodations, transport, or meals.
Refunds
Refunds for unused services will be processed according to the cancellation policy above. Please note that refunds may take 2 to 4 weeks due to banking procedures. Any bank charges will be deducted from the refund amount.
Liabilities & Limitations
South DMC acts as an agent for hotels, airlines, and other service providers, and is not liable for the terms set by these providers. Changes in entrance fees, taxes, or service costs post-booking will be passed on to the client. The itinerary is subject to change due to factors such as weather or road conditions. South DMC is not liable for delays or additional expenses caused by factors beyond our control, such as natural disasters, strikes, or political disturbances. We do not provide insurance, and all personal property is the responsibility of the traveler.
Passports & Visas
Travelers from abroad (excluding citizens of Nepal and Bhutan) must have a valid passport and visa to enter India. Processing of passports and visas is not included in our tour costs.
Health
Guests with contagious diseases are prohibited from traveling with South DMC. If a guest is found with such a disease during the tour, they will be asked to leave and arrange their return independently.
Arrival and Departure Policy
- Check-in: 12:00 to 15:00
- Check-out: 10:00 to 12:00
For houseboat stays, check-in is at 12:00 noon, and check-out is at 09:00 the next morning. Early check-ins or late check-outs are subject to availability and may incur additional charges. Requests can be made, but they are not guaranteed.