Privacy Policy Effective Date: February 19, 2026

1. Introduction Welcome to gaiaekole.com, the official website of Gaia Ekole (“we,” “us,” or “our”), a luxury forest campsite located at Survey No. 56, Ekole Village, Bhambarde Group Grampanchayat, Taluka Mulshi, District Pune, Maharashtra 412108. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal data when you visit or interact with our website.

By accessing or using gaiaekole.com, you consent to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the site. We may update this policy periodically; continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. We encourage you to review it regularly. This policy is governed by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) and other applicable Indian laws.

2. Scope This policy applies to all personal data collected through gaiaekole.com and related communications (email, phone, WhatsApp). It does not cover third-party sites linked from ours (e.g., Instagram) or external booking platforms where Gaia Ekole may be listed—their privacy practices govern those interactions.
3. Information We Collect We collect only the data necessary to respond to your inquiries and facilitate bookings. Because the site has no forms or automated capture tools beyond standard web functionality, collection is voluntary and limited.

We do not collect sensitive personal data (such as health details beyond basic dietary preferences, financial card information, or biometric data) directly on the website. Any payment details shared for advance transfers (UPI, bank) are handled outside the site and subject to your bank’s or payment provider’s policies.

4. How We Use Your Information We use personal data solely for the purposes disclosed or as permitted by law:

• Processing and confirming campsite bookings.
• Responding to inquiries and providing information about stay options, activities, and policies.
• Improving website functionality and understanding visitor trends (aggregated, non-identifiable data).
• Complying with legal obligations, preventing fraud, or protecting our rights.
• Sending occasional important updates (e.g., booking confirmations, policy changes)—never unsolicited marketing unless you explicitly consent.

5. Sharing of Information We do not sell or rent your personal data. Limited sharing occurs only in these cases:

• With trusted service providers (e.g., web hosting, email service) who are contractually bound to protect data and use it only for the agreed purpose.
• When required by law, court order, or government authorities.
• In the event of a business transfer (merger, acquisition), with appropriate safeguards.

External platforms like Booking.com or Agoda, if you book through them, operate under their own privacy policies.

6. Data Security We implement reasonable security measures appropriate for a small eco-tourism operation, including secure servers, access controls, and regular reviews. While no system is completely secure, we strive to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
7. Data Retention We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected or as required by law (e.g., accounting or tax records). Once no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.
8. Your Rights under the DPDP Act As a data principal, you have the right to:

• Access and obtain a copy of your personal data.
• Correct inaccuracies.
• Request erasure (where no legal obligation requires retention).
• Withdraw consent at any time (this may affect our ability to process future bookings).
• Nominate another person to exercise rights on your behalf in case of death or incapacity.

To exercise these rights or raise a grievance, contact us at ekolegaia@gmail.com. We will respond within the timelines prescribed by law (typically 30 days or as notified). We have designated our primary contact email as the point for grievance redressal.

9. Children’s Privacy Our website and campsite are not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it promptly.
10. Cookies and Tracking The site may use essential cookies for basic functionality (e.g., remembering preferences). We do not use advertising or tracking cookies from third parties. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
11. International Transfers All data is stored and processed in India. If any transfer outside India becomes necessary in the future, it will comply with DPDP safeguards.
12. Changes to This Policy We may update this policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The effective date at the top will be revised, and we will post the new version on this page. Significant changes will be notified via the website or direct communication where feasible.
13. Contact Us For questions about this Privacy Policy or data practices: Gaia Ekole Survey No. 56, Ekole Village, Bhambarde Group Grampanchayat Taluka Mulshi, District Pune, Maharashtra 412108 Email: ekolegaia@gmail.com Phone/WhatsApp: +91-908-222-8463

Grievance Officer The above email serves as the primary channel for data-related grievances.