Cancellation & Refund Policy
Where a permit can be returned, where it cannot, and what happens if the park closes on your date.
Last updated: 07 October 2026
Policy overview
We aim to be transparent about cancellations and refunds. Please read the terms for your booking type below. By confirming a booking with us you agree to this policy, and the exact figures on your confirmation always prevail over this page.
Once a safari permit (Gypsy / Canter) is confirmed and issued by the forest department, the safari portion is generally non-refundable as per government rules. Exceptions such as park closures are detailed below.
Safari cancellations
Standard safari (Gypsy / Canter)
Non-refundable once issuedOnce a permit is confirmed and issued by the forest department, the amount paid for the safari portion is non-refundable. This applies to Gypsy and Canter safaris in Ranthambore, Jhalana, Sariska and Kuno, regardless of the cancellation reason.
Monsoon exception — park closure due to rain
Partial refund availableIf the park is officially closed on your safari date due to heavy rain, we process a refund after deducting applicable charges. No refund is possible if the permit has already been issued.
Refunds for closures are processed only after confirmation from the forest department.
Chambal boat safari
Non-refundableThe amount paid for the Chambal boat safari is non-refundable once booked, due to fixed boat and guide costs.
Current / Tatkal bookings
Tatkal bookings have specific rules because of their last-minute nature. Confirmation for morning slots may be provided one day prior, and for evening slots on the same day.
Safari not confirmed
Safari is confirmed
If you cancel before the Tatkal safari is confirmed:
- Gypsy safari: 25% cancellation fee applies (75% refund)
- Canter safari: 35% cancellation fee applies (65% refund)
Hotels & transport
- Hotels and stays — hotels apply a sliding scale: the closer to check-in, the larger the charge, and most hotels charge the first night or more for same-day cancellation or no-show. The hotel's own policy is shown in your confirmation.
- Taxis and transfers — transport cancelled well in advance is usually refunded in full. Cancellations on the day of travel or no-shows may be charged, as the vehicle and driver are already committed to you.
- Changes instead of cancellations — wherever possible we will help you move dates rather than cancel, subject to availability. Changing dates often preserves more of your money, so contact us before you decide.
Tour package cancellations
For tour packages (hotel + safari combos) the following sliding scale applies, based on days before your arrival date. The day of arrival is not counted.
| Cancellation period (before arrival) | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
| 30 days or earlier | 20% of total tour cost |
| 15 to 29 days | 30% of total tour cost |
| 7 to 14 days | 40% of total tour cost |
| 2 to 6 days | 50% of total tour cost |
| Less than 48 hours / no-show | No refund |
- The safari portion within a package is subject to the non-refundable permit terms above.
- Any booking / holding amount paid in advance is non-refundable.
- If a permit is not generated for a package booking, we refund 70% of the total tour cost (GST and payment gateway charges are non-refundable).
- Separate cancellation rules may apply during peak seasons (Holi, Diwali, Christmas, New Year) — communicated at the time of booking.
Special circumstances
Vehicle replacement
If a Canter is replaced with a Gypsy or vice-versa for operational reasons, the price difference will be refunded to you.
Technical error / non-availability
If your safari is not booked due to a technical error or unavailability of seats, the full amount for that service will be refunded.
Peak season / holidays
Separate cancellation rules apply during Holi, Diwali, Christmas and New Year — communicated at the time of booking.
Refund process & timeline
Raise a request
Contact us with your booking ID and reason for cancellation. Requests must be raised within 14 days of cancellation.
Review & approval
We review your request against the applicable policy. Approval is typically communicated within 3–5 business days.
Refund issuance
Approved refunds are processed within 7–14 business days to your original payment method, or by bank transfer if needed.
To cancel a booking or request a refund, contact us by phone, e-mail or WhatsApp with your booking ID and preferred refund method. We will acknowledge the request and confirm the refund amount and timeline in writing.
Liabilities & force majeure
Bigstriped Cat Safari Tours | Ranthambore is not liable for delays, cancellations or changes caused by events beyond our control. While we will attempt to arrange suitable alternatives, refunds or compensation are not guaranteed in such circumstances.
Jurisdiction: any disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, India.
Declaration
Bigstriped Cat Safari Tours | Ranthambore is a private travel agency. We are not authorized by, nor affiliated with, any forest department. We charge a reasonable service fee for facilitating bookings.
All reservations inside tiger reserves are provisional and may be modified or cancelled by the authorities without reason. Safari permits, once issued, are non-cancellable, non-reschedulable and non-refundable as per park rules.
Questions? Contact us
If you have any doubts about this policy or need help with a cancellation, our team is ready to assist.
Need to change dates?
Talk to us before cancelling; moving a trip is often cheaper than a refund.