Frequently Asked Questions
About Your Trip
Do I need to take water purification tablets?
No, there is plenty of bottled water available daily and soft drinks can also be bought at every stop.
Ian Langford - Sales
What kind of food should I expect around the Indian subcontinent?
There is a real mix available and you won't be disappointed! The local cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, with lots of rice. You can enjoy everything from traditional spicy curries to stalls selling tasty sweets and deserts and even right the way to western style grub, if it all gets a bit too much. Vegetarians and 'non-spicy' food people are easily catered for, and the leader will make sure a wide range of dishes are ordered for each meal.
Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations
What clothing is most suitable when cycling around the Indian subcontinent?
Rural people on our cycling routes dress conservatively and both men and women need to adhere so far as possible to their cultural norms to avoid unwanted disrespectful attention. In particular male and female cyclists should cover lycra shorts with baggy knee length shorts or calf length pedal pushers. Women should not wear short shorts, strappy, backless, plunging or figure hugging tops. Loose fitting T shirts or cycling tops are suitable. We also strongly recommend that clients bring cycling gloves, cycling shorts and helmet. There are a number of hotels where clothes can be washed and dried by the staff.
Will Shoubridge - Agency Sales
Any good shopping tips for India?
Where do you start?! Half the joy of shopping in India is the sheer scale of what's on offer, from upscale boutiques in New Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta to the crowded and sweaty markets of pretty much any town or village you come to. Handicrafts, art, leather goods, spices, hand carved statues, silk, the list goes on - all the way to cheap knock offs of western brands!
Remember, outside of the proper shops, haggling is the key but don't waste your time trying to split the difference over a few pence - the best result is when everyone comes away happy!
Charlotte Taylor - India Operations
What is the best way to take money to India?
Any time I go out, I normally just take sterling cash which, as long as you excercise the normal degree of common sense you would at home, is safe and easy. The India rupee is a closed currency, meaning you can only get it upon arrival in the country. There are exchange facilities at all arrival airports, and ATMs are available pretty much everywhere as well in case you need to top up along the way.
Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations
Do you have any advice about malaria and rabies?
Unfortunately we are not qualified to answer all your questions in regards to travel health, so we strongly recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.
Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel, providing advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require! Take along your Nomad discount card, sent with your confirmation pack, or call Exodus for your special discount code.
Visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus for further information.
For additional information please visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Charlotte Taylor - India Operations
I have some free time in Delhi - what should I see?
A definite place to visit when you have an extra day in Delhi is a trip to the new Akshardham Temple. Situated on the outskirts of New Delhi in the embankment of River Yamuna, this sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham spreads over 100 acres of land and is renowned for its carved pillars, water fountains and 20,000 statues. Made from white marble and pink stone this new temple was only completed in 2005 which makes it less well known by Western tourists or the guide books. A visit to the temple is the perfect way to explore the amazing world of Indian culture and get a unique view of the Hindu religion.
Other ‘must see’ places are the Red Fort, Humayum’s Tomb (a forerunner to the Taj Mahal), Qutab Minar, Tuqulaquabad, Purana Quila.
The National Museum is very interesting as is the Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
- Customer Operations
Can you always guarantee a bike available to hire locally?
‘In-country’ bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Please note that there are a limited number of bikes available locally. We always have to match a person's height to the bike frame size and, as there are a limited amount of each size, we cannot always guarantee availability of the correct frame. Therefore it is recommended you add the local bike hire as early as possible.
Andy Ross - Product Manager
Some days look quite long. Do we need to be experienced cyclists?
No. The leader carefully breaks up the distances covered with refreshment stops and lunch. The terrain will vary but clients are always free to hop on the support vehicle that shadows the whole group, if they feel like a break. Saying that, you do cover more ground than you think, especially with a tailwind behind you!
Will Shoubridge - Agency Sales
Can I bring my own saddle and pedals?
Yes. All the bikes are adaptable to be fitted with personalised bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip.
Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations
The hotels you stay at will all be good quality, with en suite facilities. As such, towels are usually provided but it's always a good idea to pack a small emergency one in the end of your bag as well, just in case. You may have an odd night where the standard is slightly lower but this will usually be due to where you are and, as such, limited by what is available.
Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations
India Specific Questions
I've heard the 'Delhi Belly' rumours in India -will this be a problem?
India has delicious food to cater for all preferences but, like anywhere in the world, hygiene is important. Keeping your hands well washed before eating, staying as hydrated as possible and sticking to bottled water is the best protection against an upset tum. Otherwise, mashed potato is apparently a good cure!
Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations
India country guide (including plugs!)
Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to India where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.
Is it possible to get visas upon arrival?
No. Indian visas must be pre-arranged in advance. Check the Indian embassy website for details.
Will Shoubridge - Agency Sales
Cycling Specific Questions
How do I pack my bike for the flight?
Please download this PDF document to assist you in your preparation for flying with your bike.
Flying with the bike information sheet PDF document size 124KbYou can view the Grading System for our Cycling programme online.
Not Found What You're Looking For?
Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help
All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!


