How do I book a tour?+
Choose a package and reach out via WhatsApp or our contact form with your preferred dates and group size. We confirm availability, send a booking confirmation, and share a payment link for the deposit — your seat is held once the deposit is received.
How far in advance should I book?+
For peak travel months and our more popular tours, we recommend booking a few weeks ahead. For quieter months, shorter notice is often fine, though availability isn't guaranteed — the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting your exact dates.
Can I book for a group larger than a standard departure?+
Yes — if your group is larger than our standard cap of 14 travellers, we can either split you across two coordinated departures or arrange a private departure just for your group. Contact us with your group size and we'll advise the best approach.
Do I need to create an account to book?+
No account is required. Bookings are confirmed via WhatsApp or email with your name, phone number, and payment confirmation — we keep the process as simple as possible.
Can I book on behalf of someone else?+
Yes — just provide the actual traveller's name, phone number, and any dietary or medical requirements at the time of booking, so our on-ground team has accurate information for the trip.
How much deposit is required to confirm a booking?+
A deposit confirms your seat on any tour, with the remaining balance due before departure. Exact deposit and balance amounts are shown at checkout for each specific package.
What payment methods do you accept?+
UPI, bank transfer, and major credit/debit cards via a secure payment link.
Are there any hidden costs beyond the listed price?+
No. The price shown includes accommodation, transport, guide fees, listed meals, entry tickets, and applicable taxes. Anything excluded — typically extra meals, personal shopping, and travel insurance — is listed clearly on every package page.
Do you offer discounts for larger groups?+
For groups booking together on the same departure, contact us with your group size — we're often able to work out better pricing depending on the tour and season.
Are taxes included in the displayed price?+
Yes — prices shown on our site include applicable taxes. The number you see is the number you pay, before any optional add-ons.
What is your cancellation policy?+
Cancel 30 or more days before departure: full refund. Cancel 15–29 days before: 50% refund of the total amount paid. Cancel within 14 days of departure: no refund, though we'll try to move you to a future departure at our discretion.
What happens if I need to cancel due to a medical emergency?+
We handle genuine medical emergencies with discretion, on a case-by-case basis — please contact us directly with details and, where possible, supporting documentation.
Can I transfer my booking to someone else instead of cancelling?+
Yes — you can transfer your seat to another traveller at no charge, provided you notify us with enough advance notice before departure and share the new traveller's details.
What if Swadeshi Traveller cancels the tour?+
In the rare case we cancel a departure — for example, an insufficient minimum group size or safety concerns — you receive a full refund or the option to move to another date at no cost, your choice.
How long does a refund take to process?+
Approved refunds are processed back to your original payment method as soon as they clear internal approval, with no unnecessary delay on our end.
What is the maximum group size?+
Every departure is capped at 14 travellers — a hard operational limit, not a marketing claim. When a tour reaches capacity, it closes.
Is solo travel safe on your group tours?+
Yes — solo travellers make up about 40% of our bookings. You'll be joining a small group of like-minded travellers with an experienced local guide, and our team checks in personally with solo travellers throughout the trip.
What safety measures are in place during the trip?+
Vehicles are checked before departure, drivers are experienced on the specific routes we run, and a trip coordinator is reachable by WhatsApp throughout your tour for anything you need.
Are your guides trained and vetted?+
Yes — our guides are regional specialists native to the areas they guide, and go through vetting before joining our network.
What happens if there's a medical emergency during the trip?+
Our guides are trained in basic emergency response and know the nearest reliable medical facilities for every itinerary. They will accompany or arrange transport for any traveller who needs medical attention.
What should I pack?+
This varies by destination and season — we share a packing checklist ahead of departure. As a general rule: comfortable walking shoes, layers for cool mornings and evenings, sunscreen, and any personal medications.
Do I need any special fitness level?+
Most of our tours involve light to moderate walking and suit most fitness levels. If a tour includes a more physically demanding activity, that's called out clearly on the package page — check this before booking if you have concerns.
What documents do I need to carry?+
A valid government photo ID (such as Aadhaar, passport, or driving licence) is required for hotel check-ins across India. International travellers should carry their passport and any required visa documentation.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?+
Yes — vegetarian, Jain, gluten-free, and allergy-specific requirements can be accommodated on most tours if flagged in advance when you book.
What if the weather is bad on my travel dates?+
Our itineraries build in flexibility for weather, with alternative plans and guide judgment calls on activity safety. We'll never proceed with an activity our guide considers unsafe, and we'll always offer a worthwhile alternative.
Where does Swadeshi Traveller operate?+
We run small-group tours to destinations across India, with departures currently from Bangalore and Hyderabad.
How long has Swadeshi Traveller been operating?+
We've been running tours since 2018, with 380+ departures and 4,200+ travellers so far.
Is Swadeshi Traveller a registered company?+
Yes — we operate as a registered Indian business and hold every departure to real, consistent safety and operational standards.
Do you arrange private or custom tours, or only fixed-group departures?+
Our core offering is fixed small-group departures, but we can arrange a private departure for a larger group on request — reach out and we'll advise what's possible for your dates.
How can I leave feedback or a review after my trip?+
We welcome feedback after every trip, and a Google review directly — every review, positive or constructive, genuinely shapes how we improve future departures.
