Terms & Conditions

Agreement to Terms

The Organizers shall not be held liable for any delay, cancellation, modification, or disruption of the pilgrimage due to events beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, storms, landslides, heavy rainfall, lightning, or fires; acts of God; war; invasion; hostilities; terrorism; civil unrest; riots; strikes or labor disputes; pandemics; epidemics; outbreaks of contagious diseases; government restrictions, orders, or regulations including travel bans, or curfews; third party interventions; transportation failures or delays including breakdowns of buses or other vehicles; accidents; sudden adverse weather conditions; infrastructure failures such as power outages or communication network disruptions; or any other events of similar nature that are beyond the reasonable control of the Organizers. In such cases, no refund or compensation shall be provided.

The Organizers shall not be liable for any loss, theft, damage, or harm caused by third parties, co-participants, or any circumstances beyond their reasonable control. Liability for personal injury shall arise solely if the injury is grave, directly attributable to a proven act of HKM Bangalore or the designated FOLK Guide, and results in permanent incapacitation or amputation. In such cases, the maximum liability of the Organizers shall be limited to a reasonable amount as decided by the management of HKM Bangalore. Liability for death shall arise solely if it is directly attributable to a proven act of HKM Bangalore or the designated FOLK Guide. In such cases, the maximum liability of the Organizers shall be limited to a reasonable amount as decided by the management of HKM Bangalore. The Organizers shall not be responsible for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential losses, including but not limited to loss of income, opportunity, or enjoyment

Jurisdiction

In the event of any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, including its interpretation, validity, or enforcement, the parties shall first attempt to resolve the matter through good faith negotiation and settlement between themselves. If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation within a reasonable time, the parties agree to refer the matter to mediation before a single mediator. The mediator shall be appointed by mutual agreement of the parties. If the parties are unable to agree on the mediator, the mediator shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Mediation Act, 2023. The mediation shall be conducted in Bengaluru, Karnataka. All costs associated with the mediation shall be borne equally by the parties unless otherwise agreed. If the dispute is not resolved through mediation, either party may initiate legal proceedings in the Civil Courts located in Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka. For the avoidance of doubt, it is clarified that, all disputes relating to the validity of this Agreement, or any procedural matters under this clause, including but not limited to the conduct of negotiations, mediation, or any other related process, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Civil Courts in Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka. Both parties shall agree to proceed with negotiation and mediation in good faith before approaching the civil courts.

Program Conduct

Being a socially responsible spiritual organisation, below are our zero-tolerance norms & anyone found indulging As a socially responsible spiritual organization, HKM Bangalore expects every participant to maintain discipline, respect, and dignity throughout the pilgrimage. The following shall constitute the Code of Conduct, and any participant found violating these norms will be immediately dropped from the priligrimage without refund or compensation:

• Violating the timely instructions given by the Organizers to the participants.
• Any act that is prohibited under Indian law.
• An act of mischief or misbehavior with fellow pilgrims, staff, guides, organizers, or any third party.
• Any derogatory remarks, gestures, or comments that may hurt the sentiments of anyone, including fellow pilgrims, staff, guides, organizers, or any third party, based on their caste, gender, race, color, religion, religious beliefs, local culture, nationality, political views, or any other personal or social identity & belief.
• Any form of molestation, sexual harassment, or inappropriate conduct displayed physically, verbally or digitally.
• Consumption, possession, or distribution of intoxicants and contrabands, including but not limited to tobacco (in any form), alcohol, drugs (as defined under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and other applicable Central or State Special Laws), or non-vegetarian food during the trip.

Do’s & Don’ts to safeguard your luggage

• Don’t leave your luggage for guarding with unknown persons.
• Don’t leave your luggage unobserved at any time. Organisers may remove unattended luggage as an object of suspicion.
• Clearly label all luggage items with your name, address and contact details.
• Safety of your luggage at hotel room/bus/places of visit is your responsibility organisers will not be liable for any loss or theft due to negligence of the participants.
• In case you purchase any fragile items organisers will not be liable for any damage.
• Do not keep packets of eatables in check-in baggage.

Dispute Resolution

• In the event of any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, including its interpretation, validity, or enforcement, the parties shall first attempt to resolve the matter through good faith negotiation and settlement between themselves.
• If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation within a reasonable time, the parties agree to refer the matter to mediation before a single mediator. The mediator shall be appointed by mutual agreement of the parties. If the parties are unable to agree on the mediator, the mediator shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Mediation Act, 2023. The mediation shall be conducted in Bengaluru, Karnataka. All costs associated with the mediation shall be borne equally by the parties unless otherwise agreed.
• If the dispute is not resolved through mediation, either party may initiate legal proceedings in the Civil Courts located in Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka.
• For the avoidance of doubt, it is clarified that, all disputes relating to the validity of this Agreement, or any procedural matters under this clause, including but not limited to the conduct of negotiations, mediation, or any other related process, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Civil Courts in Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka.
• Both parties shall agree to proceed with negotiation and mediation in good faith before approaching the civil courts.

Medical Fitness & Responsibility

• The participant declares that he is above 18 years of age. In case the participant is a minor, this declaration is made by the parent/legal guardian on behalf of the minor child.
• The participant (or parent/legal guardian, in case of a minor) confirms that he the ward is physically and mentally fit to participate in the trip.
• The participant (or parent/legal guardian) agrees to disclose any known medical conditions, allergies, injuries, or medications that may affect participation in the trip, prior to the commencement of the trip.
• The participant (or parent/legal guardian) shall carry all necessary personal medications required during the trip and shall inform the trip organizer in advance of any critical or special medical needs.

Assumption of Risk & Waiver of Liability

• The participant (or parent/legal guardian, in case of a minor) acknowledges that participation in the trip is voluntary and undertaken at his/her own risk, and understands that outdoor and travel activities may involve inherent risks including, but not limited to, accidents, injuries, illnesses, and unpredictable weather or terrain conditions.
• The participant (or parent/legal guardian) agrees to accept full responsibility for his/her personal belongings, health, safety, and overall well-being throughout the duration of the trip.
• The participant (or parent/legal guardian) understands and agrees that the trip organizer, its representatives, volunteers, and any third-party service providers shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay, or irregularity that may occur during the trip.
• The participant (or parent/legal guardian) agrees to follow all safety guidelines, rules, and instructions provided by the organizer, trip leader, or authorized representatives at all times during the trip.