Acceptance of Terms

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the Aug-de-Gama Travel website (augdegama.com) and the booking of birding tours at Ankasamudra Bird Sanctuary ("Services"). By accessing our website or booking our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use constitutes acceptance of any changes.

About Us

Aug-de-Gama Travel is a tour operator based in Karnataka, India, specializing in guided birding tours at Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve. With over 15 years of experience in travel, we are the only organized birding tour operator at this Ramsar-recognized wetland near Hampi.

Tour Bookings

Booking Process

All bookings are made through WhatsApp or our contact form
A booking is confirmed only after we send you a written confirmation
Booking on behalf of others means you accept these Terms on their behalf
You must provide accurate information when making a booking

Booking Confirmation

Your booking is not confirmed until you receive explicit confirmation from our team. We will confirm availability, tour details, and total cost before finalizing your booking. Payment terms will be communicated during the booking process.

Tour Packages

Our tour packages and inclusions are as described on our website at the time of booking. We reserve the right to:

Modify tour itineraries due to weather, safety, or wildlife conditions
Substitute accommodation of equivalent or higher standard if necessary
Update prices for future bookings (confirmed bookings are honored)
Add, modify, or discontinue optional activities

Pricing and Payment

All prices are quoted in Indian Rupees (INR)
Prices are subject to change due to taxes, fees, or unforeseen costs
Confirmed bookings will be honored at the quoted price unless external factors require adjustment
We do not process online payments through this website

Payment Schedule

Deposit: 50% non-refundable deposit required to confirm your booking
Balance: Remaining 50% due at least 30 days before tour start date
Late Bookings: For bookings made within 30 days of tour date, full payment is required at the time of booking

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email or WhatsApp. Refunds are processed based on the following schedule:

Cancellation by Guest

More than 60 days before tour: Full refund minus non-refundable deposit (50%)
30-60 days before tour: 50% refund of total amount paid
Less than 30 days before tour: No refund
No-shows or late arrivals: No refund

The initial 50% deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances. Refunds, where applicable, will be processed within 14 business days.

Rescheduling

While refunds are not available, we may allow rescheduling under the following conditions:

Request received at least 48 hours before the scheduled tour
Subject to availability on the new date
Rescheduling is permitted only once per booking
The rescheduled tour must be taken within 6 months of the original date

Cancellation by Aug-de-Gama Travel

In rare circumstances, we may need to cancel a tour due to:

Severe weather conditions affecting safety
Natural disasters or force majeure events
Sanctuary closure by authorities
Minimum group size not met (for group tours)
Safety concerns or emergencies

If we cancel your tour, you will be offered the choice of:

A full refund of all payments made
Rescheduling to an alternative date of your choice (subject to availability)
Credit towards a future booking

We are not liable for any additional expenses incurred due to cancellation, including but not limited to travel, accommodation, or other arrangements made independently.

Tour Conduct and Sanctuary Rules

Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve is a protected Ramsar wetland. All visitors must adhere to the following rules:

Maintain silence or speak softly to avoid disturbing wildlife
Do not feed, chase, or attempt to touch any wildlife
Stay on designated paths and areas as directed by your guide
Do not use flash photography near birds or nesting areas
Dispose of waste responsibly - carry out what you carry in
Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited
Drone usage is not permitted without prior authorization
Follow all instructions from your guide and sanctuary staff

Violation of sanctuary rules may result in immediate termination of the tour without refund and may lead to action by sanctuary authorities.

Health and Safety

Physical Requirements

Our tours involve walking on uneven terrain, exposure to outdoor conditions, and early morning starts. Participants should:

Be in reasonable physical health to participate in walking activities
Inform us of any medical conditions, allergies, or mobility limitations
Bring necessary medications and inform guides of medical needs
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear as advised
Carry sufficient water and sun protection

Personal Responsibility

Participants are responsible for their own health, safety, and personal belongings during the tour.

Travel Insurance Requirement

All participants are required to carry personal travel insurance that covers outdoor activities, medical emergencies, and trip cancellation. Aug-de-Gama Travel is not responsible for any medical expenses, evacuation costs, or losses not covered by your insurance policy.

Liability and Disclaimers

Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife viewing is inherently unpredictable. While Ankasamudra is home to 240+ bird species, we cannot guarantee sightings of any particular species. Bird presence varies by season, weather, and natural factors beyond our control.

Personal Belongings

Aug-de-Gama Travel is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings including cameras, phones, and other equipment during tours.

Third-Party Services

We may arrange third-party services such as transportation, accommodation, or boat rides. We are not liable for the acts or omissions of third-party providers.

Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, extreme weather, government actions, civil unrest, or pandemic-related restrictions.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Aug-de-Gama Travel's total liability for any claim arising from our services shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific tour giving rise to the claim.

Photography and Media

Visitors may take photographs and videos for personal, non-commercial use
Commercial photography requires prior written permission
We may photograph tour activities for marketing purposes
If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform your guide
Drone usage requires authorization from sanctuary authorities

Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, images, logos, and design, is the property of Aug-de-Gama Travel or our licensors. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use our content for commercial purposes without written permission.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of these third-party sites. Accessing external links is at your own risk.

Governing Law and Disputes

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Vijayanagara (Bellary) District, Karnataka, India.

We encourage you to contact us directly to resolve any concerns before pursuing formal legal action. Most issues can be resolved through open communication.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

Aug-de-Gama Travel

Email: [email protected]

Phone / WhatsApp: +91 9746820370

Location: Ankasamudra, near Hampi, Karnataka, India