Sri Lankan Highlights

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Philippa Harrison

  SRI LANKAN HIGHLIGHTS

  

  Written April 2011

  Fabulous trip - my head is still buzzing with the number of things we saw, places we visited, people we met and people we spoke to.  Far exceeded my expectations. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  So many - the bike ride was fantastic - we went through beautiful lanes following a river and looking out over paddy fields, saw some mad lizards, and learnt how coconut milk is made (had no idea!).  We were all in need of some exercise as well after some jetlag and sitting on a bus.

  We organised with Subesh's very kind help a trip to the tea plantations which was stunning - the trip alone was breath taking then it was excellent fun to learn about then drink tea in the very English tea room/factory.

  The elephants - on safari, the ride and the orphanage were fantastic - this was a very special thing to be able to do.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our leader Subesh was a rockstar - he was not an experienced guide and, at times, needed a bit of prompting on what the group required (when's the next loo break, how long's the next trip etc) but once I pointed this out to him, he quickly sorted this out.  He was very kind to the group, and by the end of the week I think most of us were very fond of him.  His knowledge of history, culture, animals etc was fantastic and was deliverd in an interesting way.  He also did things such as stop to buy red bananas - very Sri Lankan but none of has had that before.  Subesh was a little reticent to eat with us at first - he sat a couple of seats away but we encouraged him to sit with us.  He was good at getting us from place to place on time.  I hope, with experience, he will learn more about us foreigners!  and hopefully to not take criticism - 1 (rude) person had quite a go at him and he was quite upset, and another (equally rude) person criticised his English (which was absolutely fine) which I think he found difficult.  Really good guide overall.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  A couple of domestics - For ladies - take tampons, very difficult to find and when you can they're non-applicator.  You don't need loo roll (as you do in Cuba) - as all toilets have this.  If you're travelling on after the tour, take a torch.

  If you're not sure about Sri Lanka, go on this tour anyway - so much to see, the people are fantastic and the food was really good.  I had thought it would be like India but found it much more chilled out and great food (and no-one got sick).

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  We didn't really get very much free time or time for shopping. On the last day we were taken to a department store (Odel) to do shopping but no-one was interested in this and would have much preferred to go to a market to buy handicrafts.   I would also recommend staying on in Sri Lanka after the tour if you can.

   
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  Shirley Morgan-Knott

  SRI LANKAN HIGHLIGHTS

  

  Written April 2011

  We did enjoy the trip....we saw a lot of interesting cultural sights, the people/guide/fellow travellers were great and we do have lots of good memories etc.  However, on the downside, we were always either on the tour bus or in tourist restaurants, tourist hotels, eating at the hotel buffet as a group practically every evening (usually one of many similar groups) - it sometimes felt like a Saga/Kuoni type tour that my mum (who is 77) would go on, rather than the more adventurous Exodus style trip that we were anticipating.  Whether this is because Sri Lanka does not have the infrastructure to cope with larger groups of independent travellers - or perhaps is not considered safe enough to allow tourists to explore independently - I am not sure, but it made for a rather regimented trip sometimes.  There may be handicraft shopping opportunities in Sri Lanka - but we had literally zero time to stop and look....apart from the rather miserable western-style Odel shopping mall in Colombo on our last evening.     

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  By far the most interesting/inspiring/authentic moment (not to mention the tastiest lunch) was the cycling trip to the local village.....more of this type of experience (in preference to the gemstone showroom, or the sari shop, for example) would really enhance the trip in my opinion.. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Subash was great - responsive, kind, good company, knowledgeable.....perhaps he didn't realise however, that many people who go on an Exodus tour are quite well travelled and would appreciate a bit more independence and the opportunity to experience local culture/flavours a bit more. 

  Having said this, perhaps others on the trip enjoyed the higher level of protectiveness that was offered. 

   
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  Jonathan Stanton

  SRI LANKAN HIGHLIGHTS

  

  Written February 2011

  An excellent short trip that covers a lot in seven days.  This trip gives a mix of history, culture, wildlife and local interaction - just what you would hope for from an Exodus trip. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The cycle ride though the local villages was not something that stood out on the itiniary, but it was an unexpected treat.  The cycling was very easy, and took us through beautiful countryside and past an eclectic mix of rural dwellings.  Stopping for a drinks break of coconut water, freshly chopped down before our eyes, was just the ticket to keep up going.  And a spicy lunch in a villagers garden topped off the morning.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Sampath was an excellent group leader and was a key part of making the trip a success.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage was something we were really looking forward to, but we felt it was disappointing for two reasons.  Firstly, it has become far too successful so there are too many people crowded around the elephants at feeding time.  Secondly the way some of the elephants are tied down with chains is simply wrong.  Both these issues are causing distress to the animals we went to watch.  The chance to see so many elephants going down to the river is an experience I will never forget, but was offset by the knowledge of how some of the elephants are being treated.  I would urge Exodus to consider an alternative attraction more in keeping with it's ethical tourism policies.

   
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  Nieves Arroyo

  SRI LANKAN HIGHLIGHTS

  

  Written November 2010

  Beautiful country. I did not expect it would be so beautiful: landscapes, fauna, flora, people, food. I recomend this trip for everybody as this country has everythng . 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Knuckles Range, it was hard but it was worth for the views from there and the ruins.

  The Elepahnt orphanage where you can admire these great animals and enjoy

  Dambalawewa lake and the views from the hotel and all the little villages that were around this lake. It was really fantastic to see the sunset, with the jungle around us.

  Kandy city, a misture of cultures and religions, food and colours

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Sujan loves his country. He explained to us everything about his country with passion. He showed us even the smallest stone, animal or corner so we could learn and admire his country. He always kept the group together and attended everybody needs

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Enjoy, relax, eat everything you can, do not worry or feel shy, Sri Lankan people are friendly.

  Careful with the monkeys, they are little thiefs and they love women bags. At the cave temple I had to take care of my bag, and even having my back with me, the monkeys tried to take it and checked it. It was really funny!!!!

  During your stay at the hotels, in the night if you can, go outside (balcony or gardens) and try to see the glowworm. It is fantastic!!!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  It was curious that being a city person, it was difficult to sleep, no because I missed the city noised, because the frogs decided to sing all nights. The group said it was Kermitt the frog and his partners on tour around the country :-). So if you have the tour too, seat, grab a beer and enjoy!!!

   
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  Tracy Palmer

  SRI LANKAN HIGHLIGHTS

  

  Written August 2010

  A great trip. We saw so much in the limited time we had in Sri Lanka.  The itinerary/trip notes don't really give you a feel for everything you will do.  I would definitely recommend this trip. There is a mixture of things to do and see so there is something for everyone to enjoy.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Really enjoyed the cycling trip and having lunch in one of the village houses. Also the climb to the top of the rock fortress was good fun.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Sampath was excellent. He was very patient with the group and very pleased and proud to be sharing his country with us.  He also told jokes on the bus to keep us amused! He was definitely one of the best guides I have had on an Exodus holiday.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  There are lots of shopping opportunities so take plenty of money. The lunches and dinners are fairly cheap but I spent more than the trip notes said to take. I would recommend you take sterling and change it at the airport.  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Go on book it! Don't worry if you can't cycle as you can still join in on that day by sitting in the back-up truck. In summary, it is a fairly relaxed but busy trip and the hotels were surprisingly good. There are a couple of longish drives but these are made interesting by stopping at stalls along the road to sample the array of unusual fruits etc. There are lots of shopping opportunities so take plenty of money.

   
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  Jennifer Wilson

  SRI LANKAN HIGHLIGHTS

  

  Written March 2009

  A fantastic trip- varied in sights and experiences, relaxation coupled with plenty of things to see, do and taste! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I loved the elephant back riding- it was so much fun. It was a real priviledge to get so close to magnificent animals like elephants. I also really enjoyed cycling through the village- as the lush and verdant countryside rolled past- you really got a sense of how beautiful this fertile country is.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  He was great- really keen for us to see as much as we could in the short time that we were there. If he wasnt sure about an answer to a question, he made efforts to find out the correct answer. He made us feel very welcome in Sri Lanka.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Book a trip to Sri Lanka- you will not regret it! Ask to sit at the front of the elephant!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This trip was great because it had a real mix of experiences. I didnt enjoy the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage as much as I had expected- the real treat in that experience is watching the elephants get into the water at lunch time.

   

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