Terms and Conditions

1 Definitions

• "Package" / "Tour Package" means any pilgrimage tour, yatra, or travel arrangement offered by us, including 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 Jyotirlinga tour packages and any other pilgrimage package listed on our website.
• "Booking" means a confirmed reservation made by the Client for any Package, confirmed in writing (email/WhatsApp) upon receipt of the advance payment.
• "Services" means transportation, accommodation, darshan assistance, guide services, and any other travel-related services arranged by us as part of the Package.
• "Force Majeure" means any event beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, floods, earthquakes, government orders, temple closures, curfew, riots, strikes, pandemics, or acts of God.
• "Lead Traveller" means the primary contact person who makes the booking on behalf of their group and is responsible for ensuring all members of the group comply with these Terms.

2 Booking & Confirmation

2.1 All bookings are subject to availability and are confirmed only upon receipt of the advance deposit as specified at the time of enquiry.

2.2 The minimum group size for all standard packages is 6 persons. Packages for smaller groups may be available at a higher per-person cost and are subject to separate quotation.

2.3 A booking is confirmed once we issue a written confirmation via email or WhatsApp. Verbal commitments alone do not constitute a confirmed booking.

2.4 The Lead Traveller is responsible for providing accurate information for all group members, including names, ages, and any medical or mobility requirements, at the time of booking.

2.5 We reserve the right to decline any booking at our sole discretion without providing a reason, in which case any amount paid will be fully refunded.

2.6 Any special requests (e.g., vegetarian meals only, early check-in, wheelchair access) must be communicated at the time of booking. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests but cannot guarantee fulfilment of all special requests.

3 Payment Terms

3.1 Advance Payment: A non-refundable advance of 30% of the total package cost per person is required to confirm a booking. The exact advance amount will be communicated at the time of enquiry.

3.2 Balance Payment: The remaining balance (70%) must be paid in full at least 7 days before the tour departure date, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

3.3 Accepted Payment Methods:

• Bank transfer / NEFT / RTGS / IMPS
• UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm)
• Cash payment at our Pune office
• Cheque (subject to clearance before tour commencement)

3.4 All prices are quoted in Indian Rupees (INR) and are inclusive of GST unless explicitly stated otherwise.

3.5 Prices are valid for the specified group size and departure date. Any change in group size or dates may result in a revised quotation.

3.6 Surcharges may apply during peak seasons (Maha Shivaratri, Navratri, Diwali, Shravan month). These will be communicated clearly at the time of booking.

4 Package Inclusions & Exclusions

4.1 Standard Inclusions (unless otherwise specified in your package itinerary):

• AC vehicle transportation throughout the tour route
• Accommodation (twin/triple sharing basis) as per itinerary
• Darshan assistance and temple guidance at each Jyotirlinga
• Local guide services at key destinations
• All applicable toll charges, driver allowances, and parking fees
• GST as applicable

4.2 Standard Exclusions (unless separately confirmed):

• Airfare, train tickets, or any intercity travel not mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) unless explicitly stated as included
• Personal expenses — tips, laundry, telephone calls, snacks, mineral water
• Entry fees to any monuments, museums, or paid attractions
• Puja samagri, dakshina, or any religious offerings at temples
• Travel insurance of any kind
• Expenses arising from delays due to traffic, weather, or unforeseen circumstances
• Any medical expenses, doctor fees, or emergency evacuation costs
• Single occupancy room charges (supplement applicable)
• Any services not explicitly listed under "Inclusions" in the confirmed itinerary

5 Cancellation Policy

5.1 All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to jyotirlingaofficial@gmail.com or in writing via WhatsApp to +91 9812867225. Verbal cancellations will not be accepted.

5.2 Cancellations are subject to the following charges based on the number of days prior to the tour departure date:

5.3 Peak Season Surcharge: Bookings cancelled within 21 days of departure during peak periods (Maha Shivaratri, Shravan month, festival seasons) attract a 100% cancellation charge regardless of the above schedule.

5.4 If a Client wishes to postpone their tour rather than cancel, rescheduling may be permitted subject to availability and an administrative fee of ₹500 per person. Rescheduling requests must be made at least 15 days before departure.

5.5 Unused services (meals, accommodation, transportation legs) due to the traveller's personal choice or early departure during the tour are non-refundable.

6 Refund Policy

6.1 All eligible refunds will be processed within 10–15 working days from the date of receipt of the written cancellation request.

6.2 Refunds will be credited to the original payment method (bank account, UPI ID, etc.) used at the time of booking.

6.3 No refund will be provided for any unused portion of the tour arising from the traveller's personal decision, including early departure, skipping temple visits, or opting out of included services.

6.4 In cases where we initiate a tour cancellation (see Section 9 — Company Cancellation), a full refund of the amount paid will be provided within 10 working days. No additional compensation will be payable.

6.5 Bank charges, payment gateway fees, or transaction costs incurred during refund processing will be borne by the traveller.

7 Itinerary Changes & Amendments

7.1 We reserve the right to alter, modify, or substitute any element of the itinerary (including accommodation, route, temple visit sequence, transport mode, or timing) if circumstances make it necessary, including but not limited to traffic conditions, road closures, weather, temple timings, or administrative requirements.

7.2 We will make every reasonable effort to provide a suitable alternative of similar or equivalent standard when changes are required. No compensation will be payable for such modifications.

7.3 Client-Requested Changes: Any changes to a confirmed booking requested by the Client (change in dates, departure city, package type, or group size) are subject to availability and will attract an amendment fee of ₹500 per person, plus any difference in package cost. Change requests must be made in writing at least 15 days before departure.

7.4 During the tour, if the group collectively agrees to make deviations from the planned itinerary (additional stops, extended stays, etc.), any additional costs incurred will be borne entirely by the travellers.

7.5 The sequence of temple visits shown in the itinerary is indicative and may be adjusted on the ground to optimize travel time and temple crowd management.

8 Force Majeure & Circumstances Beyond Our Control

8.1 We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our services or for any loss, damage, or additional expenses incurred by travellers due to Force Majeure events, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters — earthquakes, floods, landslides, cyclones
• Government orders, political unrest, curfew, or border restrictions
• Temple closures due to religious, administrative, or security reasons
• Epidemics, pandemics, or public health emergencies
• Strikes, bandhs, or civil disruptions affecting transportation
• Extreme weather conditions making travel unsafe
• Any other event beyond our reasonable control

8.2 In the event of Force Majeure, we will make all reasonable efforts to provide alternative arrangements or reschedule the tour. If neither is possible, we will offer a credit note or a partial refund at our discretion, after deducting costs already incurred.

8.3 We strongly recommend that all travellers obtain comprehensive travel insurance before departure to cover Force Majeure events, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations.

9 Cancellation by the Company

9.1 We reserve the right to cancel any tour or package under the following circumstances:

• Minimum group size (6 persons) is not met by the departure date
• Unavailability of confirmed accommodation, transport, or key services
• Force Majeure events as described in Section 8
• Safety concerns for travellers at any destination on the itinerary

9.2 In the event of company-initiated cancellation, we will notify the Lead Traveller as early as possible and offer one of the following: (a) a full refund of all amounts paid, (b) a credit note for future travel valid for 12 months, or (c) an alternative tour of comparable value, subject to availability.

9.3 We shall not be liable for any consequential losses (e.g., pre-booked flights, hotel stays, or other expenses) arising from a company-initiated cancellation beyond the refund of the tour package cost itself.

10 Traveller Responsibilities & Code of Conduct

10.1 Documentation: All travellers are responsible for carrying valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence, or voter ID) throughout the tour. Some temples may require ID for entry.

10.2 Health & Fitness: Travellers are responsible for ensuring they are physically fit for the tour. Some pilgrimages involve significant walking, steps, or trekking (e.g., Bhimashankar). Travellers with medical conditions must consult their physician before booking and inform us of any health concerns that may affect their participation.

10.3 Temple Dress Code: All travellers must adhere to the dress code of each temple visited. Traditional attire is mandatory — men should wear kurta/dhoti or clean trousers with a shirt; women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other traditional Indian attire. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing are strictly prohibited and may result in denied entry.

10.4 Behaviour at Religious Sites: Travellers must behave respectfully at all temples and religious sites, follow temple rules and priest instructions, refrain from photographing the main deity (unless explicitly permitted), and avoid any conduct that is disruptive or disrespectful to other pilgrims.

10.5 Punctuality: Travellers must report at the designated pick-up point at the agreed time. We cannot delay the departure of the group vehicle for individual travellers who are late. No refund will be provided for missed departures.

10.6 Alcohol & Intoxicants: Consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or any intoxicating substance is strictly prohibited during temple visits and is strongly discouraged throughout the pilgrimage. Travellers found in an intoxicated state at any temple will be refused entry, and no refund will be provided.

10.7 Damage to Property: Travellers are liable for any damage caused to hotel rooms, vehicles, or other property during the tour. The cost of any such damage will be borne by the responsible traveller.

10.8 Insurance: Travellers are solely responsible for arranging their own travel insurance, medical insurance, and personal accident cover for the duration of the tour. We do not provide insurance coverage of any kind.

11 Accommodation

11.1 Accommodation is provided on a twin or triple sharing basis unless a single room supplement has been paid. The Company will endeavour to provide accommodation of the category specified at the time of booking.

11.2 We reserve the right to substitute accommodation with a property of equivalent or superior standard if the originally booked property becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control, without incurring any liability.

11.3 Standard hotel check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 noon. Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability and may attract additional charges payable directly to the hotel.

11.4 Accommodation near temples (dharamshalas, guesthouses) may be basic in nature. Facilities may be limited compared to city hotels. Travellers are advised to have realistic expectations of accommodation in remote pilgrimage destinations such as Aundha Nagnath and Parli Vaijnath.

11.5 Any valuables, cash, or personal belongings left in hotel rooms are the sole responsibility of the traveller. We are not liable for any theft or loss from accommodation.

12 Transportation

12.1 Transportation is provided by AC vehicles (Innova, Tempo Traveller, Mini-bus, or equivalent) appropriate to the group size. The type of vehicle may vary based on group size and route requirements.

12.2 The vehicle is for the use of the booked group only and will not be shared with other tour groups unless explicitly agreed in writing.

12.3 Our drivers are experienced, licensed, and familiar with pilgrimage routes. However, we cannot guarantee freedom from traffic, road closures, or delays caused by external factors.

12.4 Travellers must wear seatbelts at all times and follow all safety instructions given by the driver. No standing in moving vehicles is permitted.

12.5 The vehicle will not be available for personal use outside the scheduled tour itinerary unless an additional charge is agreed upon.

12.6 Night Travel: For the safety of travellers and in accordance with best practices, long-distance night driving may be avoided where possible. This may affect the exact timing of arrivals mentioned in the itinerary.

13 Health, Safety & Medical Emergencies

13.1 Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions (heart conditions, blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory issues, knee/joint problems, etc.) must disclose these at the time of booking and consult their physician before the tour. We cannot be held responsible for any medical complications arising during the tour.

13.2 We strongly recommend that all travellers carry their regular medications in sufficient quantity for the entire duration of the tour, as pharmacies may not be readily available near remote temple sites.

13.3 In the event of a medical emergency during the tour, we will assist in arranging transportation to the nearest medical facility. All medical costs are the sole responsibility of the traveller and/or their insurer.

13.4 We are not responsible for any adverse health effects arising from altitude, climate change, physical exertion, or consumption of local food and water during the tour.

13.5 Senior travellers (65 years and above) and those with physical limitations are advised to discuss their itinerary with us before booking to ensure the chosen package is appropriate for their fitness level.

14 Limitation of Liability

14.1 We act as an organizer and facilitator of pilgrimage tours. While we carefully select our service providers (hotels, transport operators, local guides), we are not the direct provider of accommodation, transport, or other third-party services.

14.2 Our maximum liability to any traveller for any claim arising from a booking shall not exceed the total cost of the tour package paid by that traveller. We shall not be liable for any consequential, indirect, or punitive damages.

14.3 We are not responsible for:

• Loss or damage to baggage, personal belongings, or valuables at any point during the tour
• Personal injury, accident, illness, or death during the tour
• Delays, cancellations, or disruptions caused by third-party service providers
• Denial of entry to temples due to temple authorities' decisions or crowd management
• Dissatisfaction with the quality of darshan experience, which is subject to temple management and crowd conditions
• Any loss arising from travellers' failure to follow instructions or comply with temple rules

14.4 Our liability is subject to applicable Indian laws. Nothing in these Terms shall limit liability for death or personal injury caused by our proven negligence.

15 Travel Documents & Identification

15.1 All travellers must carry a valid government-issued photo ID throughout the tour. Acceptable documents include Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID Card, Driving Licence (with photo), or PAN Card.

15.2 For certain yatras (Amarnath Yatra, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Chardham Yatra), specific permits and registrations are required. We will assist with the registration process, but it is the traveller's responsibility to provide accurate personal information for permits on time.

15.3 For International travellers, a valid passport and any required visa for India are mandatory. We do not assist with visa processing.

15.4 We are not responsible for any consequences arising from a traveller's failure to carry valid identification or obtain necessary permits.

16 Privacy & Data Usage

16.1 We collect personal information (name, contact details, ID numbers) for the sole purpose of arranging your pilgrimage tour and complying with regulatory requirements.

16.2 Your personal data will not be sold or disclosed to third parties except as required to provide the booked services (e.g., sharing details with accommodation providers, government authorities for permits).

16.3 By making a booking, you consent to our use of your contact details for sending booking confirmations, tour updates, and occasional promotional communications. You may opt out of promotional communications at any time.

16.4 We comply with applicable Indian data protection laws, including the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

17 Intellectual Property

17.1 All content on jyotirlingainmaharashtra.com — including text, itineraries, pricing, photographs, logos, and design — is the exclusive property of Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra and is protected by applicable copyright and intellectual property laws.

17.2 No content from this website may be reproduced, copied, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from us.

17.3 Unauthorized use of our content may result in legal action under applicable Indian laws.

18 Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

18.1 These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Mumbai, Maharashtra.

18.2 In the event of any dispute, both parties agree to first attempt resolution through mutual discussion and negotiation within 30 days of the dispute arising.

18.3 If the dispute cannot be resolved amicably, it shall be referred to arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 of India, with the seat of arbitration at Mumbai. The arbitration shall be conducted in English.

18.4 The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 of India governs consumer rights for all individual travellers booking personal pilgrimage tours through us.

19 Amendments to These Terms

19.1 We reserve the right to amend, update, or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. The updated Terms will be published on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date.

19.2 It is the traveller's responsibility to review the current Terms before making any booking. Continued use of our services after any amendment constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

19.3 For bookings already confirmed, the Terms in force at the time of booking confirmation shall apply, except where changes are required by law.

20 Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or grievances regarding these Terms and Conditions or any of our services, please contact us:

By booking any tour package with us, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all the Terms and Conditions stated on this page.