There are many people offering tickets, visas and tour packages in Wayanad — from established offices to individuals working only through WhatsApp. Most are honest. But every year travellers lose money to fake visa promises, unpaid hotel bookings and “cheap” packages full of hidden costs. Before you pay any travel agency in Wayanad, run through this checklist.
1. Is there a real office you can visit?
A permanent office address is the simplest test. Ask for it, check it on Google Maps and, if you can, visit once. An agency that only exists as a phone number is harder to hold to its promises.
2. Do they have genuine Google reviews?
Look at the agency’s Google Business Profile. Read the recent reviews, not just the star rating. Real reviews mention specific trips, names of staff and problems that were solved. Be careful if all reviews appeared on the same few days with no detail.
3. Will they give you a written quote?
Ask for the plan in writing — on WhatsApp or email is fine. It should list:
- Hotels by name and room type
- What meals are included
- Transfers and sightseeing included
- Flights (airline, timings, baggage)
- Visa fee and service charge, shown separately
- What is not included (tips, city taxes, optional tours, insurance)
If an agency refuses to put the plan in writing, walk away.
4. Are they honest about visas?
No travel agency can guarantee a visa. The decision belongs to the embassy or immigration authority of that country. If someone promises “100% visa approval” or offers to “arrange” documents you don’t have, that is a warning sign — false documents can get you banned from a country. A good agent tells you clearly what documents you need and what the risks are.
5. Do they explain cancellation and refund rules?
Airline tickets, hotels and visa fees each have their own rules. Many are non-refundable. Ask before you pay: “If I cancel, what do I get back?” The answer should be specific.
6. Do they ask the right questions?
A good agent asks about your passport validity, previous travel, who is travelling, ages of children, any medical needs and your budget. Questions mean they are planning for you, not just selling a ready-made package.
7. How do you pay — and do you get a receipt?
Pay through traceable methods (bank transfer, UPI to a business account, card) and always get a receipt or invoice with the agency’s name. Avoid paying large amounts in cash with no record.
8. Can they handle the whole trip?
It is easier when the same team handles your visa, flights and hotels. Dates match, and there is one number to call if anything changes.
9. Will they be reachable during your trip?
Ask who to contact if a flight is delayed or a hotel has a problem while you are travelling. You want a real person on WhatsApp or phone, not just a website form.
10. Do they understand travellers from Wayanad?
A local agency knows the practical details — the best airport for your trip (Kannur, Kozhikode or Kochi), how long the ghat road takes in the monsoon, and the documents Gulf visit visas usually ask for from Kerala families.
How Anerva Tours & Travels measures up
We are a local travel agency in Mananthavady, Wayanad, with an office at VC Junction that you can visit Monday to Saturday. We give written plans, check visa documents before filing, explain refund rules before you pay and stay reachable on WhatsApp during your trip. You can read what customers say on our Google profile and on our home page.
Quick checklist to save
- Real office address ✔
- Recent, detailed Google reviews ✔
- Written quote with inclusions and exclusions ✔
- No “guaranteed visa” promises ✔
- Clear refund rules ✔
- Receipt for every payment ✔
- Reachable during the trip ✔
Have a trip in mind? Talk to our team or read more about our travel agency in Wayanad.
