Cancellation & Weather Refund Policy
Complete transparency: If water levels rise, Jal Police halts boating, or your travel plans shift, here is how our hassle-free refund process works.
Assi Ghat Sunrise: Traditional wooden boat with 100N life jackets & zero mid-river haggling
100% Fixed Rates
Written WhatsApp price confirmed in advance. Strictly zero mid-river fare demands or hidden add-ons.
Certified Life Jackets
ISI-certified marine life jackets provided and properly fitted to every guest prior to casting off.
Zero-Scam Guarantee
Direct sacred darshan. Zero tout drop-offs, zero shop diversions, zero cremation donation traps.
Local Nishad Boatmen
Local boatmen from traditional Nishad families. Skilled river navigation with 100% direct payment to the family.
During monsoon months (July to September) or periods of rapid Himalayan runoff, the District Magistrate or Jal Police frequently issue safety directives suspending small boat navigation. If your scheduled ride cannot take place due to an official government ban, dangerous water levels, or severe winter fog:
- You are eligible for an immediate 100% full refund with zero cancellation penalty.
- Alternatively, you may reschedule your boat ride to another day of your choice at zero extra charge.
2. Standard Rides (Voluntary Passenger Cancellation)
For standard daily sunrise, afternoon, and evening Aarti rides, no large advance deposit is charged. If you need to cancel or shift your timing, simply message us on WhatsApp at least 4 hours in advance so we can reassign the boatman. Zero cancellation fee is incurred.
3. Festival & Special Charters (Dev Deepawali / Bajra)
Due to extreme scarcity of vessels on Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) and private Bajra charters:
- Cancellations made 15 days or more prior to the festival date receive an 80% refund.
- Cancellations within 7 days of the festival are non-refundable unless the administration suspends all river boating (in which case clause #1 applies for a 100% refund).
4. Refund Processing Time
All refunds are processed within 2 to 24 hours directly via the original method of payment (UPI or Bank Transfer). For any queries, contact our desk at bookings@varanasiboat.in or call +91 99354 74730.