Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking group trips safely on Safarnama.
What is escrow payment protection?
When you book a trip on Safarnama, your payment is held in a secure escrow account powered by Razorpay. The money is NOT released to the organizer until the trip is successfully completed. If the trip is cancelled by the organizer, you receive an automatic full refund — no questions asked, no processing fees. This protects you from fraud and ensures organizers deliver on their promises.
How do I book a group trip?
Browse trips on our platform, select one that matches your interests, and click "Book Now". For instant-booking trips, you pay and your seat is confirmed immediately. For request-based trips, the organizer reviews your request first and sends you a payment link upon approval. You'll receive a booking confirmation on your registered email and phone number.
Are the trip organizers verified?
Yes. Every organizer on Safarnama goes through a mandatory KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process before they can list any trips. We verify their government-issued ID, business documents, and bank account details. Only approved organizers can list trips. You can see their rating, verified badge, review count, and completed trip history on their profile page.
What happens if a trip is cancelled?
If an organizer cancels a trip for any reason, you receive a 100% full refund from the escrow account — automatically, within 5–7 business days. If you cancel, the refund depends on the trip's cancellation policy — Flexible (full refund up to 7 days before), Moderate (50% refund up to 7 days before), or Strict (25% refund up to 14 days before, no refund after). The policy is clearly shown on the booking page before you pay.
Can I compare trips side by side?
Yes! Use our comparison tool to compare up to 3 trips side by side. Compare prices, itineraries, inclusions, exclusions, organizer ratings, and more. Click the "Compare" button on any trip card to add it to your comparison queue.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept all major payment methods through Razorpay — UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM), credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay), net banking, and digital wallets. All transactions are encrypted with bank-grade security and comply with RBI guidelines. We never store your card details.
How long does a refund take?
Refunds are processed via Razorpay to your original payment method. UPI refunds typically arrive in 2–5 business days. Credit/debit card and net banking refunds take 5–7 business days. Wallet refunds appear within 1–3 business days. If you haven't received your refund within these timelines, email support@safarnama.in with your booking reference.
How do early bird discounts work?
Many trips offer early bird pricing — a discounted rate if you book before a certain date. The early bird deadline and both prices are shown on the trip page. Once the deadline passes, the price reverts to the standard rate. Book early to save — early bird prices are locked in even if the price increases later.
Can I choose my seat in the vehicle?
Some trips offer seat selection. If the organizer has enabled it, you'll see a seat map during booking where you can pick your preferred seat. Available, held, and booked seats are clearly marked. Seat selection is subject to availability at the time of booking.
What documents do I need to carry on a trip?
You must carry at least one valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence) on all trips. For trips to Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Northeast India, you may also need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) — check the trip page for specific requirements. Foreign nationals must carry a valid Passport and Indian Visa.
How do reviews work?
Only travelers who have completed a trip can leave reviews. You rate the organizer on 4 criteria: overall experience, organization, value for money, safety, and accuracy (how well the trip matched its description). Organizers can respond to reviews publicly. This ensures authentic, verified feedback — no fake or incentivised reviews are permitted.
Is my personal information safe?
Safarnama takes data privacy seriously and complies with India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA). We never share your personal data with third parties for advertising. Organizers only see the information needed to manage your booking (name, phone, emergency contact). Payments are processed securely through Razorpay — we never store your card or UPI details.
What destinations do you cover?
We currently feature trips across Goa, Manali, Ladakh, Rishikesh, Jaipur, Kasol, Lonavala, Udaipur, Spiti Valley, Coorg, Varanasi, Andaman Islands, Meghalaya, and Hampi. New destinations are added regularly. Most trips depart from Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore.
What should I do if I lose something on a trip?
Message your organizer immediately through the Safarnama messaging system (My Bookings → Message Organizer) with a description of the item and where you think you left it. If the organizer doesn't respond within 24 hours, email support@safarnama.in with your booking reference and we'll follow up on your behalf.
Read the full Lost Item Policy →Do I need travel insurance?
Safarnama strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance before every trip, especially for adventure activities (trekking, rafting, high-altitude trips). Insurance should cover medical emergencies, personal accident, trip cancellation, and loss of baggage. For Ladakh and Himalayan treks above 3,500 metres, ensure your policy covers altitude sickness and emergency evacuation. Neither Safarnama nor organizers are liable for medical costs in the absence of insurance.
How can I become a trip organizer?
Sign up on Safarnama and select the Organizer role. You'll need to complete KYC verification by providing your government-issued ID, business details, and bank account information. Our team reviews applications within 48 hours. Once approved, you can start listing trips immediately. Organizers receive payouts after each successfully completed trip.
Still have questions?
Browse our trips or reach out to our support team.