At *Sacred Trails*, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you use our website SacredTrails.in and our services.
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy applies to all users of SacredTrails.in, including:
- Visitors browsing our website
- Customers booking pilgrimage packages
- Senior citizens utilizing our services
- Family members or guardians making bookings on behalf of others
By using our website or services, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect the following personal information when you register, book, or use our services:
Basic Details:
- Full name
- Date of birth and age
- Gender
- Contact number(s)
- Email address
- Postal address
Travel Documentation:
- Government-issued ID details (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License)
- Photographs for travel documentation
Medical Information:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Current medications and prescriptions
- Emergency contact details
- Medical fitness certificates (for specific destinations)
- Dietary restrictions and food allergies
- Mobility limitations or special assistance requirements
Financial Information:
- Credit/debit card details (processed through secure payment gateways)
- Bank account details (for refund processing)
- Transaction history
- Billing address
Emergency Contacts:
- Names, relationships, and contact details of family members or guardians
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit SacredTrails.in, we automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device information (desktop, mobile, tablet)
- Operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on each page
- Referring website addresses
- Clickstream data
- Cookies and tracking technologies data
2.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information about you from:
- Payment processing partners
- Travel insurance providers
- Hotels and accommodation partners
- Transport service providers
- Temple authorities and darshan booking platforms
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 Primary Uses
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
Service Delivery:
- Processing and confirming bookings
- Arranging transportation, accommodation, and temple darshan
- Assigning trained *Personal Care Assistants*
- Managing medication schedules and health monitoring
- Coordinating door-to-door pickup and drop-off
Communication:
- Sending booking confirmations and itinerary details
- Providing journey updates and notifications
- Customer support and query resolution
- *Emergency communications* during travel
- Post-journey feedback requests
Safety and Medical Care:
- Ensuring medical fitness for specific destinations
- Managing health emergencies during pilgrimage
- Coordinating with healthcare providers if needed
- Maintaining medical records for Personal Care Assistant reference
Financial Transactions:
- Processing payments securely
- Issuing invoices and receipts
- Managing refunds and cancellations
- Detecting and preventing fraudulent transactions
3.2 Secondary Uses
Service Improvement:
- Analyzing customer preferences and feedback
- Improving website functionality and user experience
- Developing new pilgrimage packages
- Training staff and Personal Care Assistants
Marketing and Promotions:
- Sending promotional offers and special packages
- Festival-specific travel opportunities
- Newsletters and spiritual travel content
- Personalized recommendations based on travel history
Legal Compliance:
- Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
- Responding to government or law enforcement requests
- Protecting our rights and property
- Enforcing our Terms and Conditions
4. Sharing Your Information
4.1 Third-Party Service Providers
We share your information with trusted third parties who help us deliver our services:
Travel Partners:
- Hotels and guest houses for accommodation bookings
- Transport operators (car rentals, bus services, helicopter operators)
- Temple authorities for darshan arrangements
- Local guides and cultural experts
Healthcare Partners:
- Medical professionals for health assessments
- Travel insurance providers
- Emergency medical service providers
Technology Partners:
- Payment gateway providers (for secure transactions)
- Cloud storage providers (for data backup)
- Website hosting and maintenance providers
- SMS and email service providers
All third-party partners are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality and use your information only for specified purposes.
4.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by law:
- In response to court orders, subpoenas, or legal processes
- To comply with government regulations
- To protect the rights, property, or safety of Sacred Trails, our customers, or the public
- To investigate fraud or security concerns
4.3 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to the same privacy protections.
4.4 We Do Not Sell Your Information
*Sacred Trails does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.*
5. Data Security
5.1 Security Measures
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:
Technical Safeguards:
- *SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption* for all data transmissions
- Secure payment gateways compliant with *PCI-DSS standards*
- Firewall protection and intrusion detection systems
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Encrypted databases for storing sensitive information
Physical Safeguards:
- Restricted access to servers and data storage facilities
- Background verification of all employees and staff
- Secure disposal of physical documents containing personal information
Administrative Safeguards:
- Access controls limiting employee access to personal information
- Regular staff training on data protection and privacy
- Confidentiality agreements with all employees and partners
5.2 Data Breach Protocol
In the event of a data breach compromising your personal information, we will:
- Notify affected customers within 72 hours
- Inform relevant authorities as required by law
- Take immediate steps to secure systems and prevent further breaches
- Provide guidance on protective measures
5.3 Your Responsibility
You are responsible for:
- Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
- Using secure internet connections when accessing our website
- Logging out after using shared or public devices
- Reporting any unauthorized access to your account immediately
6. Data Retention
6.1 Retention Period
We retain your personal information for the following periods:
Active Customers:
- Account information: Retained as long as your account is active
- Booking history: Retained for 7 years for legal and tax purposes
- Medical information: Retained for 3 years after last journey
Inactive Accounts:
If no bookings are made for 5 consecutive years, we may delete or anonymize your account data after providing notice
Financial Records:
Transaction records retained for 7 years as required by Indian tax laws
Marketing Communications:
Retained until you unsubscribe or opt-out
6.2 Deletion Requests
You may request deletion of your personal information subject to our legal obligations and legitimate business needs.
7. Your Rights and Choices
7.1 Access and Correction
You have the right to:
- Access your personal information held by us
- Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data
- Update your account information at any time
- Download a copy of your data
How to Exercise: Email *info@sacredtrails.in* with your request
7.2 Marketing Communications
You can opt-out of marketing communications by:
- Clicking the "Unsubscribe" link in promotional emails
- Adjusting preferences in your account settings
- Contacting customer support at 1800-XXX-XXXX
- Sending an email to *info@sacredtrails.in*
Note: You will continue to receive transactional emails related to your bookings even after opting out of marketing communications.
7.3 Data Portability
You have the right to request your personal information in a structured, commonly used format for transfer to another service provider.
7.4 Withdrawal of Consent
You may withdraw consent for specific uses of your information, though this may limit our ability to provide certain services.
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
8.1 What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better user experience.
8.2 Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies:
- Enable core website functionality
- Remember your login status
- Maintain shopping cart information
Performance Cookies:
- Track website performance and usage
- Help us identify and fix technical issues
- Analyze which pages are most/least popular
Functionality Cookies:
- Remember your preferences (language, font size)
- Personalize your experience
- Enable social media sharing features
Marketing Cookies:
- Deliver relevant advertisements
- Track advertising campaign effectiveness
- Limit ad frequency
8.3 Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Delete existing cookies
- Block cookies from specific websites
- Block all cookies (may impact website functionality)
Most browsers accept cookies by default. Refer to your browser's help documentation for specific instructions.
8.4 Third-Party Cookies
Our website may contain links to third-party websites (payment gateways, social media platforms). These sites have their own privacy policies and cookie practices.
9. Children's Privacy
Sacred Trails services are designed for senior citizens aged 60 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 years of age without parental consent. If we discover we have inadvertently collected such information, we will delete it immediately.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information is primarily stored and processed within India. If data is transferred internationally for service delivery purposes (e.g., international payment processing), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with Indian data protection laws.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
11.1 Updates
Sacred Trails reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect:
- Changes in legal or regulatory requirements
- New features or services
- Technological advancements
- Feedback from customers
11.2 Notification
Material changes to this Privacy Policy will be communicated through:
- Email notification to registered users
- Prominent notice on our website
- In-app notifications (if applicable)
11.3 Effective Date
The updated Privacy Policy becomes effective immediately upon posting on SacredTrails.in. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
12. Grievance Redressal
12.1 Privacy Concerns
If you have concerns about how your personal information is being handled, please contact our Grievance Officer:
12.2 Response Timeline
- Acknowledgment of complaint: Within 48 hours
- Investigation and resolution: Within 30 days
- If unresolved: Escalation to senior management
13. Compliance with Indian Laws
This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with:
- Information Technology Act, 2000
- Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (when applicable)
- Other applicable Indian data protection regulations
14. Third-Party Links
SacredTrails.in may contain links to external websites (temples, tourism boards, social media platforms). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.
15. Contact Us
For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information:
16. Your Consent
By using SacredTrails.in and our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. You consent to the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of your personal information as described herein.