| When you cancel | Charges | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ≥ 30 days (Standard) | Advance retained (non-refundable) | One-time date change possible (see policy) |
| 29–15 days | 75% of total tariff | If fully paid, 25% refundable |
| 14–08 days | 90% of total tariff | If fully paid, 10% refundable |
| ≤ 7 days / No-show | 100% of total tariff | No refund |
| Peak/Blackout dates | Advance retained; <30 days: 100% | Date change not guaranteed |
| Force-Majeure (floods, riots, govt orders) | Flexible | Reschedule credit up to 120 days; refunds only if Sanchari cancels & no reschedule feasible |
*Third-party fees are non-refundable once confirmed. Safety/authority directives may curtail cruising without refund.
This policy applies to all bookings made directly with Sanchari (thesanchari.com) for houseboats, shikaras, day cruises, and adventure activities across Kerala. By paying an advance, you agree to the terms below.
Advance (Non-Refundable):
Houseboats & Private Day Cruises: 40% to block the date/boat.
Peak/blackout dates (Christmas–New Year, long weekends, regattas, festive weeks): 60% advance.
Balance Payment: Due at check-in before boarding / activity start.
Payment Modes: UPI, Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards (via Razorpay), or bank transfer.
Currency: INR. For international cards, bank conversion charges may apply.
GST: Charged as per Indian law; GST invoices provided on request with correct details shared before payment.
Quoted tariffs are based on chosen boat/category, route, meal plan, AC timings (Deluxe/Premium/Luxury), and date.
Price may vary for: peak days, last-minute inventory changes, route upgrades, or fuel surcharges.
Inclusions/Exclusions are stated on your quote/voucher. Unused services are non-refundable.
Valid Government ID (original) is mandatory for all adult guests.
Check-in & Check-out timings per your voucher; late arrival may reduce cruising time without refund.
No-Show: Treated as 100% cancellation.
Cancellations must be requested in writing via email/WhatsApp from the booking number/email.
Refund / Retention Slabs (Standard Dates):
≥ 30 days before check-in: Advance is non-refundable; you may request one-time date change (see §6).
29–15 days before: 75% of total tariff chargeable (25% refund if fully paid).
14–08 days before: 90% of total tariff chargeable (10% refund if fully paid).
≤ 7 days, same-day, or no-show: 100% of total tariff chargeable.
Peak/Blackout Dates:
≥ 30 days: Advance fully retained; no date change guaranteed.
< 30 days: 100% chargeable.
Note: Third-party costs (festive surcharges, special permissions, transfers, permits, seafood upgrades) are always non-refundable once confirmed.
Standard dates: One-time date change allowed ≥ 15 days before check-in, subject to availability & price difference. Credit is valid 90 days from original date; new date must be selected at the time of approval.
Within 14 days or during peak/blackout dates: Date change is not guaranteed and may be treated as cancellation.
Name change (lead guest) allowed once ≥ 7 days prior.
We understand unexpected events. The following are treated as Force-Majeure, at Sanchari’s discretion and based on official advisories/evidence:
Natural disasters: Floods, landslides, severe cyclonic warnings; red-alert from IMD/Revenue/Police/Port authorities.
Civil unrest: Riots, curfews, sudden government restrictions; official orders required.
Operational shutdowns: Government/Port Authority order to suspend boat movements.
Medical emergencies: Lead guest’s hospitalization/accident (medical certificate & proof required).
Resolution Options (case-by-case):
Full reschedule credit (100% of paid amount) valid 120 days, same category/like-for-like, fare difference may apply.
Route/time modification on the same day (e.g., reduced cruise, lake-only cruise) if authorities allow; fare remains same.
Refunds are generally not offered under force-majeure; however, if Sanchari cancels and no reschedule is feasible, we may issue a partial or full refund after deducting unrecoverable third-party costs.
Important: Rains/light showers or typical monsoon conditions do not count as force-majeure unless there is an official restriction/red alert affecting safe operations.
If a specific boat becomes unavailable due to breakdown, safety, or compliance, Sanchari may upgrade/substitute with a similar category boat at no extra cost.
If only a lower category is available, we will offer a refund of the difference or a full reschedule credit if you decline.
Navigational decisions rest with the Captain and local authorities.
AC timing, night anchoring rules, sound restrictions, and route limits are governed by regulations; non-compliance requests will be declined.
In adverse conditions, cruising time may be reduced; safety first. No refunds for curtailed cruise when ordered by authorities.
Approved refunds (if any) are returned to the original payment method within 7–10 Indian business days after confirmation.
Bank/processing charges and unrecoverable third-party costs are deducted.
International cards may see additional FX timelines/fees as per issuing bank.
Please contact us first; most issues are resolved quickly.
Unauthorized chargebacks where services were available as per policy may be contested with documentation (voucher, logs, GPS, crew statements, photos, authority orders).
For 3+ boats or 12+ cabins, stricter payment/cancellation schedules may apply (shared during contracting).
Staggered payments and security deposits may be required.
WhatsApp/Call: +91 90721 19095
Email: [email protected]
