How Booking and Payment Work

A transparent look at the inquiry-to-confirmation flow.

Overview

We do not take instant online checkout. Wildlife travel involves park permits that must be applied for through Forest Department portals, lodge availability that varies a lot by season and zone, and itinerary details that benefit from a short conversation. Instead, we use an inquiry-to-quote-to-payment flow that typically takes 24 to 48 hours from your first message to a confirmed booking. The steps below walk you through it.

Step 1: You Send Us an Inquiry

Reach out through whichever channel suits you: the homepage form, the Plan Your Safari builder, WhatsApp, or email. The more we know up front, the faster we can come back with a quote. Useful details to include:

  • Which parks you are interested in (or whether you'd like a recommendation).
  • Approximate travel dates, even a rough month is enough to start.
  • Group size and composition (adults, children, age range).
  • Lodge preference: budget, mid-range, or boutique / premium.
  • Anything else relevant: photography interest, mobility needs, dietary preferences, special occasions.

Step 2: We Send You a Quote and Itinerary

Within one working day we come back with a written quote and a draft itinerary. The quote breaks down park permits, lodge stays, in-park transport, listed meals, ground logistics, and our planning fee. Inclusions and exclusions are listed clearly so you can see exactly what is and is not part of the price. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and we say so plainly in every quote.

Step 3: You Accept

If the quote works as is, you confirm by email or WhatsApp. If it doesn't quite fit, tell us what to change (different lodge, shorter trip, different dates) and we revise. Once you confirm, we ask for an advance payment to lock in lodge bookings and submit park-permit applications.

Step 4: You Pay the Advance

The text below is a draft, to be confirmed by Varun before publication. It covers the most common payment paths used by Indian tour operators; the final wording will reflect what we actually offer.

Advance payments are accepted by direct bank transfer to our HDFC Bank current account or via a Razorpay payment link we share with the booking confirmation. Bank account details are provided at confirmation, not published on this site, for security. The advance amount is [TODO: percentage to be confirmed] of the trip cost; the balance is due [TODO: number of days to be confirmed] days before departure.

GST is applicable on tour operator services per current Indian rates. Your invoice will show our GSTIN 03ADIPC6315R1ZG and the applicable GST amount. We can issue a GST invoice in your name or your company's name; let us know which at booking.

Step 5: We Confirm and Send Vouchers

Once your advance is received, we apply for park permits, finalise lodge bookings, and send you a confirmation pack. The pack typically includes:

  • Lodge vouchers and check-in instructions.
  • Park permit references where issued in advance (some parks issue at the gate).
  • Your full itinerary, day by day.
  • Your guide's contact and a recommended packing list.
  • A 24/7 in-trip number to reach us if anything goes off plan.

Step 6: Balance and Departure

The balance becomes due per the schedule in your confirmation. We send a reminder a few days ahead. Once the balance clears, your trip is fully confirmed and locked in. From there, we stay in touch through departure and remain reachable throughout your trip.

What if I Want to Compare Options?

We are happy to send 2 or 3 itinerary variants within the same enquiry, for example a different lodge tier, a different number of nights, or a different gateway city. There is no charge for additional quotes within the same enquiry. Comparing variants side by side often helps clarify what you actually want.

What if My Plans Change?

Reach out as early as possible. Date changes are typically easier than cancellations, especially with more than 30 days' notice. Cancellation timelines and refund tiers are on the Cancellation and Refund Policy page.

Contact

To start an enquiry or ask a question about the process, head to the Contact page, message us on WhatsApp, call +91 9878601010, or email booking@thejunglesafari.com.