Discover Sri Lanka, the teardrop in the Indian Ocean

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...

Average Review Rating: from 88 reviews.

Karen Wilson

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

Written December 2009
A very well planned tour showcasing Sri Lanka. Temples, historical sites, scenic views, beaches, wildlife, forests, active excursions .... something for everyone.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The bike ride with the coconut break and lunch at a local village was a highlight, we got caught in heavy rain and covered in mud (no mudguards on the bikes) but it was still so much fun. Seeing fabulous wildlife everywhere, cheeky monkeys on the hotel balcony, elephants at Pinnawela and the abundance of colourful birds.
What did you think of your group leader?
He was fantastic. Roshan really makes this trip that extra bit more special with his humour and superb management skills. This was his 150th trip yet he seemed to enjoy it like it was his first trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There are some long drives, but you get to see so much. Pack for all types of weather and have a good mosquito repellent.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Sri Lanka is such a welcoming place with so much to see and do. Really had an amazing holiday here, better than I had expected!
Lyn Murphy

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

Written November 2009
Really enjoyed my trip to Sri Lanka. A great group of people and everything very well organised.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiting the Sunami Family rehoused with the help of Exodus and having lunch with them. Incidentally the food was some of the most delicious of the whole trip.
What did you think of your group leader?
Roshan was absolutely excellent. His knowledge on all subjects was superior, he was good fun, friendly, patient and had the most wonderful smile. He definitely made my trip. As you can tell, I am a fan!!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
When you are on an adventure holiday such as this, don't expect everything to be right. Flexibility and tolerance are good qualities to have.
Penney Bell

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

Written August 2009
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country full of wonderful people who helped make a fantastic holiday.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were several and mainly linked to elephants. Sitting by the river watching the elephants from the orphange enjoying the rain and then taking mud baths was a highlight. Pushing our way through the crowds to find our seats for the Perahera was rewarded by a cavalcade of elephants and dancers trying desperately to avoid cinders from the fire baskets. Racing round Yala in an old jeep watching crocodiles, buffalo and hyenas culminated in spotting our first 'wild' elephant.
Lunch at Exodus house number 7 with a family that are overcoming the trauma of the tsunami was 'real' Sri Lanka.
What did you think of your group leader?
Roshan is an abosolute star. He was one of us very quickly as he'd picked up on all our little quirks, he made sure we all had our little treats. He was always there when you needed him, got the talks on the bus just right, managed to get us all in the right place at the right time. It was a pleasure to visit the Exodus house with the guy who'd got the whole idea off the ground, although it wasn't easy getting him to admit his very vital role.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't forget your mosquito deterrants. Try eating Marmite daily for a month before you go - it worked for me. Check your bank cards will work in Sri Lanka - mine didn't.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'd have liked a few more evening meals in local restaurants rather than hotel buffets, unfortunately the location of the hotels often made this difficult
Sarah Harper

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

Written September 2008
My Exodus holiday to Sri Lanka was the best holiday I've ever been on! I was wary before leaving, worrying I wasn't going to enjoy it, but I couldn't have been further from the truth. I was the youngest on the trip (18), but this didn't turn out to be a problem at all, because the group was fantastic. The trip is so varied and packed full with things to do and see, I enjoyed every single minute, and the hotels were much better than I expected. There's no pressure to do anything you don't want to, so if you want you can just stay at the hotel and have a massage while everyone else goes on an excursion! I would recommend this holiday to absolutely anyone!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiting a mother and her 2 children that had lost their father to the Tsunami. We went to their house, a house that Exodus and the tour leader, Roshan, had built for them following the tragedy, and it was the most humbling and emotional experience of my life. I think in England we had a very sheltered view of the devastation the Tsunami caused, and still causes to this day, and seeing how the family were living, in a tiny tiny house with almost nothing inside, made it all real. Exodus and in particular Roshan, have done an amazing job for so many families, I'm in complete awe of what they've done. Seeing the family was definitely the most inspirational moment of the trip for me.
Other highlights for me were the lunch in the village house, on the bike ride, climbing Sigirya Rock (it;s worth it when you get to the top!), Temple of the Tooth, dinner at the local curry house, white water rafting,the walk on Horton Plains ands the visiting the turtle hatchery on the last day.
What did you think of your group leader?
Roshan was absolutely fantastic. He had the perfect balance between being a leader and being part of the group. He always had everything in control, but at the same time making it seems effortless. There wasn't a moment when I thought there was anything that could have been organised better or when I felt anxious about anything. He had a fantastic knowledge of his country and its history, and could answer every question we threw at him, however extreme. He was also very good socialising and having fun, including playing cricket and singing karaoke! But be warned - he likes to tell jokes. If you go on this trip, be sure to have plenty of jokes and quotes up your sleeve to compete!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take part in everything, if something is offered to you, do it. One of my highlights was after the elephant ride on the 3rd day, when we were asked if we wanted to get in the water and wash the elephants. Only a few of us did it, but it was absolutely amazing to be with them in the water. Simlarly, do all the optional activities like visiting the elephant orphanage and white water rafting (definitely Grade 3 though!) - they make the trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I couldn't have improved anything on this trip - sign up now!
Karin Hall

I came dangerously close to consuming toxic quantities of seafood

Written November 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I think what I found most inspirational was all the little day-to-day nuances of experiencing the country in a small group with a leader that knew and loved his country. We largely avoided built-up westernised resorts and stayed in accommodation, which although incredibly comfortable, also got you one step closer to the ‘real’ Sri Lanka. And the real Sri Lanka has lots of friendly little lizards.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Roshan was excellent. He gave good in-depth as well as being able to answer the most obscure questions about the judicial system and municipal services. Struck a good balance between guiding us round and letting us see and experience things for ourselves. Be warned though – he’ll tell some terrible jokes!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don’t try and shell out for a Sri Lankan plug adaptor. It’s a waste of money and effort (they change all the time!) You just need a two pin European plug adaptor and a pen.
Take some good quality DEET/mosquito repellent for the jungle walk and evenings. And a hat because it gets hot, hot hot! Take something warm/waterproof for Horton Plains. And some padded cycling shorts for the bike ride (which is very easy even for the unfit among us).
The traditional food may be spicy but there is always a lot of choice and something for every palate. Try everything in the buffets – it’s all part of the experience. Also, the seafood is amazing - try the 'jumbo prawn' in Ahangama.
This is an excellent trip if you are a keen bird-watcher and perfect if you love elephants.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Aim to spend as long as you can on the island. It might be tempting to take the shorter trip but don’t do it!
Janet Atherton

Great to see so many young Elephants.

Written November 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

In spite of the obvious problems within Sri Lanka, the wildlife seems very contented and healthy. Lots of very cheeky monkeys. The Tsunami victims need your direct help, but do it through a company like Exodus, where your money will be used properly. I was quite shocked to see how little had been done to help the people. The extent of the absolute coastal devastation and struggle of the communities made me see how desperate they are for tourists to return. The best meal of the trip was lunch, when we spent the day cycling through villages and stopped at a homestead and ate outside off banana leaves and had coconut milk straight from the tree, lovely. The views from the top of the Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, were stunning. The jeep safari was crazy. Great to see all the old temples and relics from the past. The tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya were scenic and the walks around Horton Plains were great for stretching the legs after sitting on a bus!
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What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was very knowledgable and eager for everyone to get the most out of the holiday. He could be a little over protective on occasion, but we were working to a very tight schedule and had a lot of miles to cover at lots of fabulous things to see.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Mosquitoes are not dettered by DEET in Sri Lanka. The only thing that seemed to help was the local Citronella cream from the Spice Gardens visit. If you have a problem with beasties, best to cover up day and night. I hope you like Rice and Curry!
Kate Rowlands

Luscious land

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I climbed Adam's Peak; this was an optional part of the holiday and the trip notes described it as very strenuous. Well, I'mn a size 16 going on 18, not the world's fittest, but I did it, and was glad I did. Even though it rained and I didn't get to see the mysterious shadow cast on the clouds below me, it was a great experience and I felt like part of a huge community of worshippers climbing a mountain sacred to every religion.
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What did you think of your group leader?
One of the all time greats; he seemed to enjoy the trip as much as we did and behind the scenes worked tirelessly to make things run smoothly. He had a great sense of humour and an equally great sense of responsibility - hence his work with the charoty to help with Tsunami relief.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Sri Lanka is like India without the hectic. Don't expect great roads, but do expect colourful life and a very warm welcome.
Try everything. It's a long way to go if all you want to do is sunbathe. Although that's nice as well! Climbing ADams Peak was tiring, especially as there was an early day the next day but one, but you're only there once.
The white water rafting is not to be missed. Take old clothes. Don't count on swimming in the sea, though, as the waves and currents are powerful.
Be prepared for the after-effects of the tsunami. It's sad to see islanders retreating from the sea. Also be prepared to pay the stilt fishermen if you want to take their photos - after all, they get photographed a heck of a lot and you wouldn't like it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was one of my favourite holidays - Sri Lanka has a rich history and the sites like the Temple of the Tooth and Sigirya are fantastic; the hotels are very high quality and the people are so friendly. I just wished I could have stayed longer.