Terms and Conditions

By accessing, browsing, or using the Elephant Tours website and services — including submitting inquiry forms, making bookings, or communicating with our team — you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our services. These terms apply to all tours, packages, and travel arrangements organized by Elephant Tours (registered in Sri Lanka).

All bookings are subject to availability and confirmation by Elephant Tours. The booking process is as follows:

• Inquiry: Submit your travel request through our website, email, WhatsApp, or phone. Our team will create a customized itinerary based on your preferences.
• Confirmation: A booking is confirmed only upon receipt of the required deposit (typically 30% of the total tour cost) and written confirmation from Elephant Tours.
• Full Payment: The remaining balance must be received at least 30 days before the tour start date unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Price Validity: Quoted prices are valid for 7 days from the date of the quotation. Prices may be adjusted after this period due to changes in accommodation rates, fuel costs, or currency fluctuations.
• Written Confirmation: You will receive a detailed itinerary confirmation via email once your deposit has been processed.

We understand that travel plans can change. The following cancellation policy applies to all bookings:

• 60+ days before departure: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit and any third-party cancellation fees already incurred.
• 30–59 days before departure: 50% refund of the total tour cost.
• 15–29 days before departure: 25% refund of the total tour cost.
• Less than 15 days before departure: No refund.
• No-show: No refund will be provided for no-shows or early departures during the tour.

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email. Emergency cancellations due to medical emergencies or natural disasters may be considered on a case-by-case basis. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise in your confirmed itinerary, tour prices typically include:

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
• Accommodation in the hotels/resorts specified in the itinerary.
• Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, dinner) including kosher meals where arranged.
• Entrance fees to attractions and activities listed in the itinerary.
• Airport pickup and drop-off transfers.

Not included: International and domestic flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips and gratuities, optional activities not listed in the itinerary, and any items not specifically mentioned as included.

It is the traveller's sole responsibility to ensure they possess valid travel documents, including a passport with at least 6 months' validity from the date of entry, necessary visas for Sri Lanka and/or the Maldives (Electronic Travel Authorization for Sri Lanka), and any required vaccination certificates. Elephant Tours is not liable for denied entry due to inadequate documentation. We strongly recommend that all travellers purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and repatriation.

Your health and safety are our priority. By booking with us, you agree to:

• Disclose any medical conditions, allergies, dietary restrictions, or accessibility requirements at the time of booking.
• Carry sufficient personal medication for the duration of the trip.
• Follow safety instructions provided by drivers, guides, and local authorities.
• Ensure you are physically fit enough for the activities included in your chosen itinerary.

Elephant Tours reserves the right to decline participation in specific activities if it is deemed unsafe for the traveller or the group.

While Elephant Tours makes every effort to operate tours as planned, we reserve the right to modify itineraries due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to: adverse weather conditions, road closures, natural disasters, government regulations, strikes, or safety concerns. In such cases, we will arrange suitable alternatives of comparable quality. If a significant change materially affects your tour, we will inform you as soon as possible and offer options including alternative arrangements or, where applicable, a partial refund.

Elephant Tours acts as a tour organizer and coordinator. While we carefully select our service partners (hotels, transport providers, restaurants, and activity operators), please note:

• We are not liable for any injury, illness, loss, damage, delay, or expense resulting from events beyond our reasonable control (force majeure).
• We are not responsible for the acts, errors, or omissions of third-party service providers.
• Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount paid for the specific tour in question.
• Participation in adventure activities (wildlife safaris, water sports, hiking) is at the traveller's own risk.

All travellers are expected to behave responsibly and respectfully throughout the tour. This includes respecting local customs, traditions, religious sites, and wildlife. Sri Lanka and the Maldives have strict laws regarding environmental protection, wildlife harassment, and cultural heritage sites. Elephant Tours reserves the right to terminate the tour of any traveller whose behaviour is disruptive, dangerous, or illegal, without refund.

Elephant Tours may take photographs and videos during tours for use in marketing materials, social media, and the website. If you prefer not to be included in such media, please inform your driver-guide at the start of the tour. Personal photographs taken at certain locations may be subject to local restrictions — your guide will advise accordingly.

If you are unhappy with any aspect of your tour, please raise it immediately with your driver-guide so we can attempt to resolve it on the spot. Formal complaints must be submitted in writing via email within 30 days of the tour completion date. We will acknowledge your complaint within 48 hours and provide a full response within 14 business days. Any disputes that cannot be resolved amicably shall be subject to mediation before legal proceedings.

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Any disputes arising from or related to these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Sri Lanka.