This page explains our refund, cancellation, and rescheduling rules for houseboat, shikara, and kayaking bookings made through our platform. We believe in clear communication, fair policies, and complete transparency so you can book with confidence.
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At backwaterholidays.in, we understand that travel plans can change due to personal reasons, weather conditions, or unexpected situations. Our refund and cancellation policy is designed to be fair to both travelers and local houseboat operators.
Unlike large booking platforms that apply rigid rules, we work closely with genuine houseboat owners and activity providers to ensure transparency in pricing, commissions, and refund handling. This helps us minimize confusion and offer clear expectations before you confirm a booking.
Please read the sections below carefully to understand how cancellations, refunds, rescheduling, and exceptional situations are handled for houseboat stays, shikara rides, and kayaking activities booked through our website.
Customers may cancel their booking as per the timelines mentioned below. Refund eligibility depends on the time of cancellation.
Cancellations made closer to the travel date may attract partial or no refunds due to commitments with service providers.
If the customer fails to arrive on the scheduled date without prior notice, no refund will be applicable.
Houseboat bookings can be cancelled as per the timelines mentioned in this policy. Refund eligibility depends on how early the cancellation request is made, as houseboats are reserved exclusively for your selected dates.
Once a houseboat booking is confirmed, an advance amount is shared with the houseboat operator to block your dates. This advance helps the operator prepare crew, fuel, food supplies, and permits.
During peak seasons, weekends, public holidays, and festival dates, refund availability may be limited due to high demand and fixed operational costs borne by the houseboat owners.
In case of unfavorable weather or safety concerns, we work closely with houseboat operators to offer the best possible solution, which may include rescheduling or a partial or full refund depending on the situation.
Shikara rides and kayaking experiences are short-duration activities that are scheduled for specific time slots. Once a slot is reserved, it is blocked exclusively for the customer.
Cancellations made on the same day or close to the scheduled time may not be eligible for a refund, as operators and equipment are already prepared for the activity.
If shikara or kayaking activities are affected by weather conditions or safety concerns, we will assist with rescheduling or offer a refund based on the situation and operator availability.
Guests are requested to arrive on time for their scheduled activity. Delayed arrivals or no-shows may result in reduced ride duration or cancellation without a refund.
Once a refund is approved as per our policy, the refund process is initiated from our side. You will be informed about the approval through email or WhatsApp.
All refunds are processed back to the original payment method used during booking, such as UPI, bank transfer, or other supported payment options.
Refunds are usually processed within 5 to 10 working days. The actual time taken for the amount to reflect in your account depends on your bank or payment provider.
In some cases, delays may occur due to bank processing times, public holidays, or technical issues at the payment gateway. These delays are beyond our direct control.
If the customer does not arrive at the scheduled date or time without prior intimation, the booking will be treated as a no-show and will not be eligible for a refund.
Cancellations made on the same day of travel or very close to the scheduled start time are generally non-refundable, as service providers and resources are already committed.
Certain bookings made during peak seasons, weekends, festivals, or special occasions may be marked as non-refundable due to high demand and operational commitments.
Bookings that include customized itineraries, special arrangements, or tailor-made packages may be non-refundable once confirmed, as these services are prepared specifically for the customer.
If a service is partially used or voluntarily discontinued by the customer after commencement, the unused portion will not be eligible for a refund.
Events such as floods, heavy rains, cyclones, or other natural calamities that make travel unsafe or legally restricted may affect scheduled services and refund eligibility.
Refunds and rescheduling may be impacted by government-imposed restrictions, lockdowns, curfews, or regulatory decisions that limit travel or tourism activities.
If a service is cancelled or modified due to safety concerns, technical issues, or operational limitations beyond our control, we will work with service providers to offer the best possible resolution.
In force majeure situations, priority is usually given to rescheduling the booking or offering an alternative service, subject to availability, instead of a direct cash refund.
We may update or revise this Refund & Cancellation Policy from time to time to reflect changes in business practices, legal requirements, or service conditions.
Any updates to this policy will become effective from the date they are published on this page. Continued use of our website or services after updates indicates acceptance of the revised policy.
The refund and cancellation policy applicable to your booking will be the version available on our website at the time of booking confirmation.
We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to stay informed about how refunds, cancellations, and related matters are handled.
If you have any questions about refunds, cancellations, or rescheduling, our team is here to help. We encourage you to contact us before making changes to your booking so we can guide you with the best possible solution.
You can reach us using the contact details provided on our website, and we’ll respond as quickly as possible to assist you.