These Terms and Conditions apply to all scheduled group tours, private safaris and tailor-made expeditions organized by Avian Atlas (Pvt) Ltd, also referred to as Avian Atlas in this document and in other materials. By confirming a reservation, guests agree to these terms, subject to applicable law.
We understand that travel plans can change. If you need to cancel your expedition, please notify us in writing by email and quote your booking reference. The date we receive your cancellation request determines the applicable cancellation period.
| Cancellation notice before departure | Percent of total tour price | |
| 91 days or more | 72% | |
| 61–90 days | 50% | |
| 31–60 days | 25% | |
| 0–30 days | 0% |
The percentages above describe the refund available when the full expedition price has been paid. The applicable cancellation charge is calculated against the total expedition price, and any refund will be limited to the amount actually paid, less the applicable cancellation charge.
For example, if a guest cancels 91 days or more before departure after paying only the 25% deposit, the deposit will ordinarily be retained and no additional refund will be due.
Cancellation charges are intended to reflect reasonable costs and losses associated with booking administration, supplier commitments, costs saved and the possibility of reselling the arrangements. They will be applied in accordance with applicable law, including any mandatory rights to cancel without a fee or receive a refund.
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. Where a refund is due, it will be processed in accordance with applicable law and the refund-processing provisions in Section 9.
Each scheduled group expedition may require a minimum number of confirmed participants. The minimum, where applicable, will be stated in the relevant expedition description.
If the minimum number is not reached, Avian Atlas may cancel the departure by providing the notice required by applicable law. Guests will be offered a refund of payments made for the cancelled expedition or an alternative departure date, subject to availability and the guest’s agreement.
We may also offer to operate the expedition with fewer participants at an additional cost. Guests are under no obligation to accept the revised price.
Where possible, we aim to confirm group departures before the final-payment deadline. We strongly recommend that guests avoid booking non-refundable international flights until their departure has been confirmed.
Avian Atlas may cancel or modify an expedition where reasonably necessary and permitted by applicable law. Reasons may include insufficient participants, serious safety concerns, natural disasters, government restrictions, or other extraordinary circumstances.
If we cancel a confirmed expedition, guests will be informed as soon as reasonably possible and offered a full refund or other remedy required by applicable law. We may offer an alternative expedition or departure date, but guests will not be required to accept an alternative where the law provides otherwise.
We may make reasonable itinerary adjustments because of weather, road conditions, park closures, accommodation availability, wildlife activity or operational requirements. We will endeavour to maintain the overall quality of the expedition. Material changes and any related refund or alternative-arrangement rights will be handled in accordance with applicable law.
Events beyond our reasonable control may affect an expedition. These may include severe weather, natural disasters, epidemics, civil unrest, security concerns and government restrictions.
In such circumstances, we will prioritise guest safety, communicate necessary changes and make reasonable efforts to assist affected travellers.
Refunds, rescheduling and alternative arrangements will be determined according to the circumstances, the booking terms and applicable law. Nothing in this section removes any mandatory refund or cancellation rights available to guests.
Guests wishing to change their departure date or transfer a reservation to another available expedition should contact us as early as possible.
All requests are subject to availability, supplier conditions, and any reasonable, lawful costs associated with changing existing arrangements. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests where possible. Depending on the timing of the change, you will be responsible for the following cancellation fees.
| Transfer fee before departure | Percent of total tour price | |
| 91 days or more | 75% | |
| 61–90 days | 50% | |
| 31–60 days | 25% | |
| 0–30 days | 0% |
Any transfer or amendment must be confirmed in writing by Avian Atlas. This section does not restrict any transfer rights that guests may have under applicable law.
Our expeditions take place in natural environments. Wildlife sightings depend on weather, habitat conditions, seasonal patterns and animal behavior. Sightings of particular birds, mammals or other species, and specific photographic opportunities, cannot be guaranteed.
The absence of a particular species does not, by itself, qualify a guest for a refund where the contracted expedition services have been properly delivered.
Expeditions may involve uneven terrain, rough roads, remote locations, changing weather, insects, leeches, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Birdwatching and photography activities may require early starts, extended safari drives, walking and prolonged periods in the field.
Guests must follow reasonable safety instructions provided by guides, tour leaders, drivers and park authorities. Acknowledgment of these inherent risks does not exclude liability for negligence or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded. Guests that do not follow the safety instructions given by the tour guide might be asked to leave the expedition.
Guests must respect local laws, wildlife, other participants, local communities and the instructions of expedition staff and park authorities.
Guests are expected to follow local guidance and dress appropriately when visiting religious and culturally sensitive locations.
Guests are expected to comply with the conduct standards, safety instructions and reasonable directions provided by their tour leader, expedition staff and relevant authorities throughout the expedition.
Avian Atlas reserves the right to restrict a guest’s participation in any activity where reasonably necessary for safety or due to misconduct. In cases of serious misconduct, repeated disregard of instructions or behaviour that compromises the safety or well-being of others, wildlife or local communities, Avian Atlas may require the guest to leave the expedition.
Where a guest is removed due to their misconduct or breach of these Terms & Conditions, no refund will be provided for unused services resulting from their removal, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Any additional costs arising from such removal shall be the guest’s responsibility, where legally permissible.
Guests may also be held financially responsible for documented damage to property caused intentionally or through negligence, subject to applicable law.
We strongly recommend that all guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance as soon as possible after booking. Cover should include, where available:
Guests are responsible for ensuring their insurance adequately covers their planned activities in Sri Lanka. Personal medical and travel-related expenses are generally the guest’s responsibility unless Avian Atlas is legally or contractually liable.
Guests should inform us before booking of any relevant mobility, accessibility or other requirements that may affect participation.
Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas and required travel authorisations. Avian Atlas may provide general entry and health information where appropriate, but guests should verify official requirements before travelling.
Guests are also responsible for taking reasonable care of their personal belongings, valuables and photography equipment. Appropriate equipment insurance is recommended.
Where a refund is due, it will be returned through the original payment method wherever practicable and as required by applicable law.
We will process refunds within any mandatory statutory deadline. Where no specific deadline applies, we aim to initiate approved refunds within 21 business days of confirming the amount due.
Guests will be informed when a refund has been initiated. The time taken for funds to appear in an account may depend on the payment provider, card issuer or bank.
Nothing in this section limits a guest’s mandatory statutory refund rights.
Accommodation, transport and activities are provided as specified in the confirmed itinerary. Where necessary, Avian Atlas may arrange suitable alternative accommodation, transport or services of a comparable standard.
Daily schedules may be adjusted for safety, weather, wildlife conditions, park restrictions, or operational requirements. We will communicate significant changes affecting contracted services to guests, and we will respect any applicable refund or other legal rights.
Avian Atlas may replace a guide or tour leader where reasonably necessary, using a suitably qualified replacement whenever possible. Changes affecting essential contracted services remain subject to applicable guest rights.
Tour prices include only the services specified in the booking confirmation. International flights, visas, personal expenses, optional activities, tips, and travel insurance are excluded unless expressly stated otherwise.
Guest-requested changes are subject to availability and any reasonable additional costs. Any price adjustment after booking must be expressly permitted by the contract and applicable law. Material changes requiring guest consent will not be imposed without it.
Avian Atlas cannot guarantee that expeditions will be unaffected by extraordinary events beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, epidemics, civil unrest and government restrictions.
We will make reasonable efforts to assist affected guests and arrange suitable alternatives where possible. Refunds and other remedies will be determined according to the circumstances and applicable law.
Avian Atlas will exercise reasonable care in organizing expeditions and selecting suppliers. Nothing in these terms excludes or restricts liability for negligence, personal injury caused by negligence, failure to provide contracted services or any other liability that cannot legally be excluded.
Guests should notify their tour leader or Avian Atlas promptly if a problem arises during an expedition, allowing a reasonable opportunity to address it. Formal complaints may be submitted by email using the contact details published on our official website.
These Terms and Conditions are intended to be governed by the laws of Sri Lanka, without excluding mandatory consumer protections or jurisdictional rights that may apply to guests in other countries.
By confirming a reservation, guests acknowledge receipt of these Terms and Conditions and the confirmed expedition details.
Email: contcat@avianatlasexpeditions.com
Website: https://avianatlasexpeditions.com
Registered address: [Insert Sri Lankan registered address]
Company registration number: [Insert registration number]
Tourism registration: [Insert details, if applicable]
Policy version: October 2026
