Terms & conditions

Wandermate curates and coordinates river experiences in Varanasi with vetted boat partners. We may act as an intermediary: the service on the water is performed by independent partners who meet our standards. Your contract for the cruise arises between you and Wandermate for coordination and payment as described at checkout, and between you and the operating partner for the on-river service, as communicated in your confirmation.

You must be legally able to enter a binding contract in India (e.g. 18+ where applicable). You agree that all details you provide — name, contact, party size, date and time — are accurate. Incorrect information may result in forfeiture of the booking or extra charges.

A booking is confirmed only after successful online payment (or other method we expressly accept) and issuance of a booking reference. Prices are shown in Indian Rupees unless stated otherwise and include or exclude taxes as indicated at checkout. Festival, peak, or partner surcharges may apply and will be displayed before you pay.

Payment processing is handled by secure third-party providers. You authorise us to charge the selected amount for the itinerary and any add-ons you select.

Meeting locations and times are described on journey pages and in your confirmation. You are responsible for arriving on time at the agreed ghat. Late arrival may shorten the experience or be treated as a no-show per our cancellation policy.

We may adjust meet points or routing for safety, river conditions, or local regulations. We will communicate material changes to you using the contact details you provided.

• Follow instructions from your host, boat operator, and local authorities.
• Wear life jackets when offered or required. Do not exceed stated boat capacity.
• Avoid behaviour that endangers people, wildlife, or property, or disrespects local customs at ghats and on the water.
• Alcohol, littering, or unsafe activities may result in immediate termination without refund.

River levels, visibility, government orders, festivals, strikes, or other events beyond our reasonable control may require postponement or cancellation. Where that happens, we will offer rescheduling or refunds as set out in our cancellation policy.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law: (a) our total liability for any claim arising from your booking is limited to the amount you paid us for that booking; (b) we are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages; (c) we are not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings you bring on board.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

Partners or hosts may take photos for safety or operations. Unless you object on the day, incidental images of group experiences may be used in marketing where permitted by law. Contact us if you require privacy.

Content on this site (text, layout, branding) is owned by Wandermate or its licensors. You may not copy, scrape, or reuse it for commercial purposes without permission.

These terms are governed by the laws of India. Courts at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, shall have exclusive jurisdiction, subject to any mandatory consumer protections that apply to you.

We may update this page from time to time. The “Last updated” date will change accordingly. Material changes may also be communicated by email or notice on the site where appropriate.

For questions about these terms: use the WhatsApp concierge linked on this site or the contact details provided in your confirmation correspondence.