Description of services in the brochure / on the website

We print the brochures several months in advance. Naturally, the brochure / website describe the available services as of this date as accurately as possible. We reserve the absolute right to alter, amend, change or modify the tour package & itineraries (including but not limited to the cancellation and or substitution of guest speakers & signature departures). This may be necessitated due to factors beyond our control such as 'force majeure' events, strikes, fairs, festivals, sport events, weather conditions,disruptions/diversions of rail services, floods, earthquakes, traffic problems, pandemic,overbooking of hotels / flights, cancellation / re-routing of flights or railway, closure of / restricted entry at a place of sightseeing and non availability of venues. Where we may know of these sufficiently in advance we will notify you, otherwise our Train General Manager or IRCTC representatives would inform you of the changes during the tour. IRCTC would not be liable for any loss, cost, expenditure, damage or compensation for such changes.

Itinerary changes

The itineraries on certain departures will run in the reverse direction. There may be a slight amendment in the activities and sequence of destinations visited. The right to vary, amend, alter or withdraw any particular itinerary, departure or excursion rests entirely with the IRCTC.

Registration:-

Booking DirectlyYou have read and understood the Tour Brochure / itinerary and the 'Terms and Conditions' and accordingly signed the Booking Form and the Terms & Conditions which will be binding on the parties and shall constitute a contract between the parties upon your signing the same and making payment towards the prescribed booking amount.

Booking through Travel AgentIn cases where the travel agent through whom the clients have booked the tour, signs the Booking Form for and on behalf of the persons named in the Booking Form, it shall be deemed and construed that all the persons named in the Booking Form have duly authorized the said travel agent to sign on their behalf. The signing of the Booking Form by you or by your travel agent shall mean acceptance in totality of the Terms and Conditions contained herein by all of the Clients.

Our affiliates categorized as IA, TA, PSA-IA, PSA-TA have signed the agreement with IRCTC under detailed T&C of agents.

Definitions

They / You / Client / Them / His / Hermeans the person/s in whose name and / or whose behalf the Booking is made and/or whose name appears on the Booking Form, Invoices and Service Voucher and includes every person availing the services of the Company.

We / Us / The Company means IRCTC Ltd.

Infant / Child : An 'Infant' means a person below the age of two years and a 'Child' means a person above the age of two and below the age of twelve years.

Tour Costmeans the tour cost mentioned in the Price Grid / brochures / online and other payments such as taxes, surcharges etc payable by the client to the Company.

Brochure -means printed brochure, website, online brochure, leaflet, booklet and price grid. Gender - the male shall include the female.

Number -the singular shall include the plural.

Website -means www.the-maharajas.com

How to book online

Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Please go to www.the-maharajas.com and choose your journey.

Step 2: Read the itineraries, inclusions, exclusions, terms and conditions and user agreement carefully before accepting them on behalf of your client.

Step 3: Once you have chosen the journey, please print out (or ask IRCTC office to give the booking form) the Booking Form with the terms and conditions. The client and or the IA must duly sign the same and return to IRCTC.

Step 4: On completion of the booking form, you have the option of scanning and e-mailing or faxing it to IRCTC at contact details given in Appendix-7.

Step 5: Make the payment either in part or in full depending on the number of days before departure. If you have made part payment, the balance must be paid in accordance with the payment schedule defined, failing which the booking will be treated as cancelled and the relevant cancellation charges will be applied.

Note:

Whether the booking done by IA/TA/PSA return a signed copy of these conditions or not, the conditions will be deemed to have been accepted and will be in force upon confirmation of the booking.

You can book the pre-tour night and post tour accommodation, flights, extension programmes shortly online at www.irctctourism.com

Payment

Please refer to our website www.the-maharajas.com or call our call centre + 91 - 9717635915.

A. PAYMENT TERMS

In case of FIT's:

a) 25% of the published price plus applicable taxes at the time of confirming the booking along with names and passport copy.

b) Balance payment 60 days prior to the departure.

In case of bookings under companion offer:

a) 1st Adult:- 25% of the published price plus applicable taxes at the time of confirming the booking along with names.

b) 2nd Adult:- Full 50% of the published price plus applicable taxes at the time of confirming the booking along with names.

c) Balance payment 60 days prior to the departure.

d) Special Note:

i) Name with details required at the time of booking except as provided. Name change is allowed upto 60 days prior to departure. In absence of full payment, names and passport copies booking will not be confirmed.
ii) Only one date change may be permitted upto 60 days prior to departure subject to availability. No refund in case of difference of tariff.The difference of tariff to be paid in case of higher tariff for the scheduled departure.
iii) Either name change or date change will be allowed not both as stated above. Name change or date change will be allowed subject to submission of passport copy and full payment before 60 days prior to the departure (original booking).

B. PENALTY CLAUSE

• Deduction of 0.5% of the balance amount shall be paid if payment is made between 30 to 59 days prior to departure.
• Deduction of 0.75% of the balance payment shall be paid if payment is made between 0 to 29 days prior to departure.

If this is not done, then the request will not be accepted and the booking will be treated as cancelled and relevant cancellation charges will be applied following deduction for services rendered.

On completion of the booking and payment formalities, a confirmation will be sent to you or your travel agent. It is your / travel agent's responsibility to check the confirmation and advise us immediately in case of any errors. The final documentation containing the itinerary and voucher will be dispatched to you 14 days prior to date of departure.

On payment of the booking amount, you will receive an acknowledgement for the amount paid.

You will have to pay all bank charges.

The amount in INR should be credited in our account as per the rate of exchange (ROE) of the previous day of the date (www.rbi.org.in) of transferring the amount by the agent. IA/TA/PSA have to make the payment (initial or balance) through NEFT/RTGS only as per th T&C. The Company reserves the right to decline your booking /s for any Tour or to cancel your booking without assigning any reason.

Cancellation

If you wish to cancel the booking of your client, you must communicate the cancellation by

• E-mail to IRCTC at maharajas[at]irctc[dot]com.
• In case the IA or any other person signs the Booking Form, it shall be conclusively presumed that the tour participants had given the necessary authority to such lead person / tour operator IA to sign the cancellation request on their behalf and send the same to the company. Such notification will only be deemed to have been given on receipt of your email / fax, since we can only act once we have received the same. The computation of the period of notice of cancellation shall commence only from the time the signed fax copy reaches IRCTC on working days within working hours till further notice. A cancellation charge is applicable to compensate us for making the booking and the possibility that we will be unable to resell your place in the time available.

The following cancellation charges will apply: -

For any cancellation days are counted excluding the date of departure

A. In case of FITs:

60 days or more prior to departure, 25 % of published price. 45 to 59 days prior to departure, 50% of the Net amount. 0 to 44 days prior to departure, 100% of the Net amount.

B. In case of Bookings under companion offer:

• 1st Adult:- a)60 days or more prior to departure, 25 % of published price. b)45 to 59 days prior to departure, 50% of the nett amount. c) 0 to 44 days prior to departure, 100% of the nett amount.
• 2nd Adult:- Full 50% of the adult fare will be charged irrespective of no. of days from the date of cancellation and the date of departure.

Changes and cancellation by irctc prior to your departure

The journeys are planned well in advance. We reserve the right to make changes to the programme if necessary at any point of time. Should the minimum number of passengers not be met or due to certain operational reasons and conditions, we reserve the right to cancel the departure or amend the same. Operation of All the journeys are subject to a minimum number of passengers. In case the minimum numbers of passengers are not mustered, IRCTC reserves the right to offer the client an alternate departure date or an alternate journey or a refund. In the unlikely such eventuality, 30 days advance intimation may be given, wherever possible. The refund would be subject to the booking terms and conditions of IRCTC. Most changes made by us would be minor, but on certain occasions there could be a possibility of making a significant change. A change is defined as significant if it involves a change of destination or date of departure. In such an eventuality, we would inform you as soon as possible and provide you with the following solutions:

• Accepting the changed arrangements or
• Purchasing alternative arrangements from us, similar in standard as originally booked if available with the applicable cost adjustment or
• Cancelling or accepting the cancellation where you will receive a refund of the payment remitted to us. However, there will be no refund for any service such as pre / post accommodation, airline tickets, Visa, excursions, extensions etc. that have been booked by you and / or your Travel Agent.

In case of a 'force majeure' (please refer to details mentioned below) situation due to which a departure has to be cancelled, we regret there would be no refund of the monies paid to us or reimbursement of any additional expenses incurred by you as a result of our cancellation / change.

Amendments

Any amendment to the services would be treated as a cancellation of the original services and any new arrangements will be regarded as an entirely new booking. Cancellation charges will be applied as per the chart above.

If you wish to make any amendments to your booking (for example, change in departure date or the journey chosen by you) you must inform IRCTC by email at maharajas[at]irctc[dot]com or call us at + 91 - 9717635915. The email / booking form has to be sent to us for any amendments must be signed by the person who signed the Booking Form and / or your Travel Agent. It may not always be possible to make these requested changes and confirmation on the revised details will be subject to availability.

In case any amendment is made by the client 90 days prior to the date of departure, there would be a loss of booking amount towards cancellation charges.

In case any amendment is made by the client 90 days or less prior to the date of departure, the same would be treated as cancellation of the original booking and the cancellation charges specified above would apply.

Accepting the changed arrangements or Purchasing alternative arrangements from us, similar in standard as originally booked if available with the applicable cost adjustment or Cancelling or accepting the cancellation where you will receive a refund of the payment remitted to us. However, there will be no refund for any service such as pre / post accommodation, airline tickets, excursions, extensions etc. that have been booked by you and / or your Travel Agent.

Force Majeure

Neither party shall be considered in breach of this Agreement or in default of its obligations hereunder if it fails to perform or observe any or all of the terms of this Agreement as a direct or indirect result of causes beyond the reasonable control of such party, such as but not limited to, acts of God, Civil or military authority, acts of the public enemy, threat of war, declared war, undeclared war, war riots, actual or threatened terrorist activity, civil disturbances, insurrections, industrial dispute, strikes, accidents, explosions, fires, earthquakes, floods, transportation embargoes, epidemics, Pandemic, diseases, acts of government, its agencies or officers, non availability of venues or any other legitimate cause beyond the reasonable control of the parties.

Refund

IRCTC reserves the right to determine the amount of refund value in case of cancellation and amendments. The decision on the quantum of refund will be final as that made by IRCTC. The refund will be made in the name of the passenger or agent. There will be no refund for unutilized services unless specified. In no circumstances whatever shall the travel agent make or promise any refund on or in respect of the tours, deviations in route/service or vouchers supplied by IRCTC without previous reference to IRCTC and by its written authority. Where the travel agent makes such representations, the travel agent would be solely responsible and incur full liability for such representation including but not limited to damages, compensation and specific performance.The refund amount (if any) will be calculated as per the amount received in our account in INR.

Train Schedules And Flexibility

Please note that our train operates within the constraints of the Indian Railways Network and the timing agreed upon by them. We require you to abide by timings suggested by your guides, escorts, etc. enabling us to adhere to the schedules. Certain departures would be operating in reverse with minor changes in timings and flow of destinations.

Complaint And Problems

Should you have any complaints or face any problem during your journey, please bring it to the attention of the Train General Manager immediately, while on board, in order for him or her to provide you with an immediate solution rectifying the problem whilst on tour. It is only if you do this, that IRCTC has the opportunity to put matters right, on the spot. Failing to do this, any right to compensation, which you may have, will be extinguished or reduced. In the unlikely event that the problem persists, please write to the IRCTC Customer Service team either by email to within 3 weeks of your return from the tour, providing us with the details of your booking reference and complaint. Any delay beyond the stipulated time may affect our ability to investigate the complaint and may impact the way that your complaint is dealt with.

Law And Jurisdiction

Your relationship (and any contract you may have) with IRCTC or with any Third Party Supplier or any disputes or other matters arising from it shall be interpreted as per Indian Laws and Courts in New Delhi, India alone would have exclusive jurisdiction.

By signing the Booking Form, by you / your agent on your behalf, agree to accept these Terms and Conditions, including all other information provided in this website.

Indemnification and Exclusion of Liability

The guest availing services or undertaking the tour/trip, having such activities which involve risk of accident or death or personal injury or loss of any kind, shall be deemed to have read, understood and expressly accepted the terms and conditions of this agreement which shall govern the transaction for all purposes and shall be binding on guest/agent.

The guest expressly agreed that the use of services/ undertaking the tour/trip is at their sole risk. In the event of an untoward incidence, causing injury/fatality/loss of any kind to guest, the company and its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents shall not be liable for any loss or damage of whatsoever nature or personal injuries or death, howsoever arising (including, but not limited to the guest's or any other person's property) which the guest or any such other person may incur or suffer as a result of or arising from the guests participation in the tour and any other activities undertaken on or during the tour, and the guest irrevocably and forever releases and discharges the company and its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents from any and all such liability.

Additionally there are terms and guidelines that govern a particular feature, offer or operating rules or policies applicable to each service. The guest shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms and guidelines or operating rules or policies of the respective services.

The guest furthermore indemnifies and holds the company and its respective directors, offices, employees, representatives and agents harmless from and against any and all loss, damage, actions, proceedings, claims, demands and legal and other costs and expenses (including legal costs on an attorney and own guest scale) of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising (including, but not limited to, the guest's or any other person's injury or fatality, or any loss of or damage to the guest's or any other person's injury or fatality, or any loss of or damage to the guest's or any other person's property) asserted against or incurred by the company, its affiliates their respective lawful successors and assign, that arise out of, result form or may be payable by virtue of any breach on non performance of representation, warranty, covenant or agreement, made on obligation to be performed by the guest pursuant to this agreement.

The guest shall be solely responsible for any breach of any specific rules/regulation or ground code of conduct of the area and the company cannot be held responsible for the same.

Obligations Of IRCTC

IRCTC shall ensure that all elements of the journey (On board and off board) within its control are provided as narrated in its brochures meeting standard of excellence. However, IRCTC reserves the right to change the venues/destinations/ events due to unavoidable circumstances and in that eventuality, the passengers will be advised suitably. Train timings are given as guidance only and are subject to change. The relationship between IRCTC and the passenger shall be governed by the Terms and Conditions of booking which shall constitute a binding contract between IRCTC and the passenger and shall define the mutual rights, duties, responsibilities and liabilities of the parties. IRCTC shall advise the passengers on board to submit their feed back on the journey undertaken. IRCTC reserves the right to decline booking of any passengers, to cancel any such bookings already made or to refuse boarding any passenger, if it may be necessary to prevent violatio n of any law. The passenger's reservation may be refused / cancelled or his boarding may be refused / passenger may be offloaded if the passenger or any articles carried by such passenger pose a risk to the IRCTC Super Luxury Train, property or the well being and enjoyment of other passengers.

Our liability to you

IRCTC assure that all arrangements for the passenger's holiday will be made and provided with utmost skill and care as per itinerary. IRCTC will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description whatsoever which results from:

• The act(s) and / or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or any member(s) Of their party; or
• The act(s) and / or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of arrangements and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or
• Any service or facility not arranged by IRCTC as part of the contract; or
• 'Force majeure' as defined herein.

Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any travel arrangements, the maximum amount of compensation will be limited to the extent provided here under:

• Public liability insurance if any taken by IRCTC.
• Any relevant international conventions or regulation which apply to the travel arrangements in question.
• IRCTC's liability for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim may be limited by relevant conditions as outlined in booking terms and conditions of IRCTC.

Exclusion Of Liability Or Responsibility:

• Any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description which, based on the information given at the time of booking, one could not have foreseen that the passenger would suffer or incur damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description if terms of agreement are breached.
• Any business losses.
• Excursions or other tours or any other travel services taken and paid for by the passenger which have not been provided by IRCTC whilst the passenger is on IRCTC tour. In such instances, the passenger's contract will be with the Sales Affiliates/ supplier of the excursion of tour or travel services and not with IRCTC.
• IRCTC does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage suffered as a result of any event beyond its control.
• IRCTC will not be liable for indirect or consequential loss or damage howsoever arising.
• IRCTC accepts no liability for the consequences of cancellation or delay, other than as specified elsewhere herein.
• Except as otherwise provided in the Terms and Conditions, all baggage and personal effects are at all times the responsibility of the clients and IRCTC takes no responsibility for the same.

Privacy of information

We try to maintain the privacy of the personal information provided by you. However, it would be necessary for us to share this information with Consulates, Embassies, Airlines, Hotels and other service providers who would be providing you service during the tour. We would also be constrained to disclose such information if we receive an order of the court, a requisition from any government or statutory authority, subpoena, or under any law, rules or regulations, such disclosure becomes necessary. The company reserves the right to publish photographs / letters / web pictures /videos / emails taken by you during the tour and also to track usage statistics online. IRCTC prompts all its users to register online so that IRCTC can send you updates and information on travel destinations. You have read the IRCTC Privacy Policy, the terms of which are deemed to be incorporated herein, and agree that the terms of such policy are reasonable. You consent to the use of your personal in formation by IRCTC, its associate and group companies and / or its third party providers and distributors in accordance with the terms of and for the purposes set forth in the IRCTC Privacy Policy.

Conditions of travel

You will have to strictly follow the tour program. There would be no refund if you fail to join the group at the commencement of the tour, or join the group later or leave the group before culmination of the tour for any reasons whatsoever. You are responsible to register with the representative of the Company at the appointed date, place and time and you would be treated as a no-show if you fail to do so. Under no circumstances would any refund be given for any unutilized services. You shall not behave in a manner which may cause distress or annoyance to other co-travellers or which may create the risk of danger or damage to property of the Company, co-travellers or others. In this event, you may be asked to leave the tour immediately. The Company shall be under no liability to any such person.

Communication

The communication transmitted to your mailing address / email address on record shall be deemed to have been communicated to you. All communication from you to the Company has to be in writing, not orally. Where a booking is made directly by you with the Company, communications will be sent to you at your mailing address or e-mail address given in the Booking Form. Where a booking is made through a travel agent, communications from the Company will be sent to your agent through whom such booking has been received on your behalf and the agent would be responsible for transmitting such communication to you. All monies paid to the travel agent shall not constitute payment to us unless deposited by your agent with the Company. In case of publication of any travel scheme offering any discount or benefit by the Company, it shall have the sole right to withdraw such a scheme or discount at any time unless a specific assurance to the contrary is published.

Travel insurance

At India Railway catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) Maharajas’ Express, guest safety and holiday enjoyment are very important, therefore, travel insurance is essential. For booking your travel on Maharajas’ Express it is highly recommended to have adequate travel insurance cover from the country of domicile for injury, illness, death, accident, loss of effect & luggage, holiday cancellation. Please carry a copy of travel insurance policy stating clearly the company, policy number and 24 hour medical emergency telephone number. Availability of a copy of the policy with us would be helpful in case of any emergency.

Christmas , New year and signature journey supplement charges

There will be supplement charge of USD 500 per pax travelling during the tour falling on New Year eve and Christmas.

The supplement charge will be applicable for child between 05-12 years also. Supplement charges may be applicable for certain signature journeys as announced by IRCTC from time to time.

Child policy

Maharajas' Express does accommodate children but we ask parents to be mindful of the sophisticated adult atmosphere we endeavour to maintain.

A) For Deluxe/Jr.Suite/Suite Cabins

• Children below 5 years shall be allowed free, subject to sharing of double bed with parents.This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking. Single child (5 years - 12 years) sharing cabin with adults - 50% of the adult fare, subject to sharing of double bed with two full paid adults.This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking. OR
• Single child (5 years - 12 years) in a separate cabin -50% of the(adult fare + Supplement charges) if requested in a separate cabin.
• Two child (5 years - 12 years) in a separate cabin - 50% of the adult fare for each child in a separate cabin on twin sharing basis. Three child (5 years - 12 years) in a separate cabin - 50% of the adult fare for each child subject to sharing of double bed. OR
• If third child request in a separate cabin - 50% of the (adult fare + Supplement charges). Single child (5 years - 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin:- Two adults fare on twin sharing basis.
• Two child (5 years - 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin:- One adult fare plus 50% of the adult fare for each child subject to sharing of double bed.

B) For presidential suite cabin

• Children below 5 years shall be allowed free, subject to sharing of double bed in PS.
• Single child (5 years - 12 years) sharing cabin with adults - 25% of the adult fare, subject to sharing with two/three/four full paid adults in PS.
• Two child(5 years - 12 years) in a separate cabin - 25% of the adult fare for each child in a separate sub cabin on twin sharing basis subject to sharing with two full paid adults in PS.
• Three child (5 years - 12 years) in a separate cabin - 25% of the adult fare for each child subject to sharing of with two/three full paid adults in PS.
• Single child (5 years - 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin:- Two adults fare on twin sharing basis in PS.
• Two child (5 years - 12 years) + one adult in a separate cabin:- Two adults fare on twin sharing basis in PS + 25% of the adult fare for 2nd child.

Note :

• Child booking if requested in a separate cabin is subject to travelling with the adults. It is to be noted that single child has to share guide/vehicle with adults travelling together in case of Suite & PS cabin booked pax. In case, a separate higher category vehicle is required then supplement will be levied
• Please note that we do not have the facility for interconnecting cabins except in the Presidential Suite Car.
• All applicable taxes will be charged extra.

Policy On Guide/Vehicle

I) Policy on Guide (PS & Suite Cabins):

We will provide a Local English/ Language speaking local guide at each destinations on complimentary basis.

Note :

• In case guests desire for accompanying English/ Language speaking accompanying guide throughout the tour, it will be provided on chargeable basis subject to availability.
• In some of the destinations language speaking local guides are not available. Whereas language speaking local guides at those locations will be tried but not guaranteed, we will provide English speaking local guides.

II) Policy on Guide with separate vehicle for Group Bookings:

In case, a group desires a separate vehicle/guide the policy will be followed as under:

• For a group (14+1 pax or more) an air-conditioned deluxe bus with local English/ language speaking local guide may be provided on complimentary basis but a Volvo Bus can be provided at supplement cost.
• For a group (28+2 pax or more) Volvo bus with local English /language speaking local guide may be provided on complimentary basis.

Note :

• In case guests desire for accompanying English/ Language speaking accompanying guide throughout the tour, it will be provided on chargeable basis subject to availability.
• In some of the destinations language speaking local guides are not available. Whereas language speaking local guides at those locations will be tried but not guaranteed, we will provide English speaking local guides.

III) Policy on Guide with separate vehicle for Full Train and charter Bookings:

• For Charter & full train booking the sightseeing shall be provided on sharing seat in coach basis and English Speaking/ Language Speaking Local Guides on complimentary basis.
• For Exclusive Vehicles or accompanying English/ Language Guides a supplement cost shall be charged.

Policy on De-boarding en-route for shorter itineraries:

Treasures of India is the itinerary for 3N/4D package, the cost for the itinerary may be reduced by 12% of the published tariff, if guest is availing 2N/3D package and can deboard at Jaipur after availing off board services at Jaipur.

Booking for Presidential Suite Cabin: 50% reduction in tariff for 3rd and 4th guest. Further 50% reduction on reduced tariff will be given for child accompanying 2 adult guests in PS cabin for season 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25.

If you have any feedback or suggestions, which you might want to share with us, do email us at maharajas[at]irctc[dot]com