Refund & Cancellation Policy

1. Scope

This policy applies to all package bookings, tours, and services sold directly by Vala Tourism unless a separate written agreement explicitly states otherwise.

2. Deposit

• A non-refundable deposit of ₹3,000 per person applies to all bookings.
• The deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances and will be retained by Vala Tourism if a cancellation is made.

3. Cancellation by Customer — Refund Scale

If you cancel your booking, refunds (where applicable) will be processed according to the time between the cancellation request date and the package start date:

• 30 days or more before departure: Refund = (Total paid − ₹3,000 deposit per person).
  Example: Only the deposit is retained; remaining amount is refunded.
• 15 to 29 days before departure: Refund = 50% of the package price per person (deposit retained).
• 7 to 14 days before departure: Refund = 25% of the package price per person (i.e., 75% retained).
• Less than 7 days before departure: No refund (100% of package retained).

Notes:

• All refunds are calculated per person.
• Cancellation date is the date we receive your cancellation request in writing (email to valatourism@gmail.com is acceptable). We recommend using the booking reference in the subject line.

4. How to Request a Cancellation & Refund

1. Send a written cancellation request to valatourism@gmail.com with:
   • Booking reference / invoice number
   • Full name(s) on the booking
   • Date of travel
   • Reason for cancellation (optional)
2. We will acknowledge receipt within 2 business days and confirm the refundable amount (if any) and next steps.

5. Refund Processing Time & Bank Charges

• Once a refund is approved, it will be processed by Vala Tourism and credited to the original payment method within 10–15 working days.
• Any bank or transaction charges incurred during the refund process will be deducted from the refund amount or collected from the customer, as applicable. We will inform you of any such charges before finalising the refund where possible.

6. Refunds for Bookings Made via Third Parties

• If you booked through a travel agent, marketplace or third-party partner, their cancellation and refund policy may apply. Please contact that party first. Vala Tourism will coordinate with the third party as needed, but final settlement timelines may be affected by the third party.

7. Changes by Customer (Date/Name Changes)

• Minor changes (name corrections, participant swaps) may be permitted subject to availability and applicable fees.
• Date changes and rebookings are treated as cancellation + new booking when they fall into different cancellation windows; the above refund rules apply.

8. Cancellation or Changes by Vala Tourism

• Vala Tourism reserves the right to cancel or modify a tour for operational reasons (insufficient bookings, supplier issues, safety concerns).
• If we cancel a booking, you will be offered:
  • a full refund of all amounts paid (including the deposit), or
  • an alternative tour/package of equivalent value (if available) or
  • travel credit valid for a specified period.
• In the rare event of itinerary changes initiated by us, we will notify you promptly and offer options where applicable.

9. Force Majeure

• Vala Tourism is not liable for cancellations or changes caused by events beyond our reasonable control (natural disasters, government restrictions, pandemics, strikes, war, etc.).
• In such cases, we will communicate alternatives and refund/rebooking options in accordance with supplier terms and applicable law. Where suppliers do not provide refunds, we will attempt to secure the best possible solution (credits, vouchers, rescheduling).

10. Disputes & Chargebacks

• If you dispute a charge with your bank or payment provider, please notify us immediately at valatourism@gmail.com so we can work to resolve the issue. Unauthorised chargebacks may be contested by Vala Tourism with supporting documents.

11. Recommendation

• We strongly recommend that all travellers obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.

12. Amendments

• Vala Tourism may update this policy from time to time. The version posted on our website (or provided at booking) with the effective date will apply to bookings made on or after that date. Current effective date: November 14, 2025.