KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

15 days from GBP1,839 to GBP2,379 including flights
Tripcode: MIK

Countries Visited: India

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 36 reviews.

Susan Appleby

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Written January 2012
The second week in Kerala was stunning - scenery, birdlife, food, backwater cycling, Varkala beach. Perfect.First week - not so good. Too much heavy traffic and pollution. I have asthma so it wasn't a happy time as I struggled along 40KM of trucks, cars and motorbikes belching out goodness knows what. I would therefore recommend anyone with a similar condition to acquire a face mask.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved the houseboat. For the first time in many years I actually relaxed and watched the world go by. It helps to have some of the most genuinely lovely people we met on the trip on the same boat.
What did you think of your group leader?
Vishna was excellent - however one of our party did have a serious accident and had to be hospitalised and flown home so Vish left us to take care of her and her partner. So we had to put up with Safi! I jest. He was brilliant - what an extraordinarily happy man! Quite infectious. Whenever I hear a bike bell ring I shall think of him....
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you have asthma please ensure you have what you need with you and get a breathable face mask. There are no panniers on the bike so, if you have a fancy pants camera like me, you could invest in a camera holder which attaches to the front of the bike. I had to use a rucksack which was hot and heavy.
If you can, spend an extra couple of days at Varkala at the end - it really is a lovely beach with great seafood, generally hassle free shops and beer oddly wrapped in newspaper so the locals aren't offended.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have enjoyed several group holidays both with and without Exodus. This, by far, had the most entertaining, well travelled and enjoyable group to spend the first 2 weeks of 2012 with. I can't thank them enough. They made the holiday along with Vishnu, Safi and Shibu (our wonderful driver who put up with nearly all of us having to hop into the bus at some point whilst recovering from the usual holiday trials and tribulations one encounters when away from home...).
Jane Howard

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Written January 2012
Loved it, particularly the 2nd week once we'd entered Kerala, which was as beautiful as I'd imagined. Lots of early starts, and some long cycling days, but always with the support vehicle for anyone in need, and friendly 'hi's' from local children as we cycled passed, and a wonderful day on the house-boat and final day on the beach to round it all off.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
1. The ascent to Ooty. Not for the faint hearted - a 2 hour slog up hill but a great sense of achievement at the end.
2. The descent from Ooty - an amazing and beautiful downhill ride crossing over into Kerala.
3. Sunset on the houseboat; early morning on the houseboat
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group was led by 3 incredibly patient people - Vishnu, the main group leader; Safi - main bike man; and Shibu in the bus. They worked really hard behind the scenes to ensure we could relax as much as possible, and nothing was too much trouble for them. Putting away bikes each night, getting them out and loaded with new water bottles each morning, organising and running the kitty for meals and tips, and looking after us at our frequent coffee/tea stops en route.
They deserve particular thanks for the way they coped when, due to an unfortunate and serious accident one of our group had to be taken to hospital. Vishnu stayed with them at the hospital for a few days and Safi took on the role of group leader as well as main bike man.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The hotel at Ooty was freezing cold - take some warm clothes, ask for an electric heater for your room. Best options for your free afternoon in Ooty are the Botanical Gardens or the Rose Garden.
If you are not sure about the trip to the Orphanage - do go. It is not at all voyeuristic and the children at the orphanage will be excited to see you, and at the end you can make a donation if you wish.
Allan Allison

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Written January 2012
India is not a cycling friendly country. A decision to take this trip should be guided by a serious consideration of traffic and road conditions - both are adverse and the potential for serious injury is real and not to be underestimated.
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What did you think of your group leader?
Vishnu was extremely helpful to us in coping with and negotiating the unfamiliar hospital experience.
Shibu was an excellent and thoughtful driver. Safi is a very competent cyclist and able bicycle mechanic.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you have difficulties breathing wear an anti-pollution cycling mask.
A water bottle with sanitary cap covering the drinking value is much better than the exposed values of hydration packs and standard bottles that are exposed to dirt and contaminents.
Always carry medical information on your person in case of injury - particularly if you are travelling alone.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Along the Ootty Hill climb there are large red signs, marked with skulls and cross bones, that announce ACCIDENT PRONE ZONE DRIVE CAREFULLY or DANGEROUS GHAT ROAD DRIVE CAREFULLY - that particular sign goes on to list the numbers of persons killed or injured over a number of years. The map we received during the trip for the descent from Ootty to Edakkara twice states: “Ride carefully we have had 2 big crashes on downhill!” I wonder why no mention of such is made in the trip notes, no advisory given. Shame! Dangerous road conditions, sometimes happening unexpectedly and in combination, include: Narrow roads and laneways The angle of curves, blind corners and steep descents Road surfaces – including substandard patches, extended surfaces breaks, disintegrated pavement, potholes, jagged, uneven and elevated drop-offs at shoulders, insufficient shoulders and or shoulders strewn with litter, or overgrown with vegetation, or blocked in various ways Obstacles - including unmarked speed bumps, parked vehicles blocking shoulders whilst extending into traffic lanes, and freely roaming animals The risks inherent in these conditions are exacerbated by the nature of traffic that can be described in three words – unsafe and chaotic! “ …. it’s not uncommon for bicycle and motorbikes to ride in the wrong direction! And you have to make allowances for this. Rule number 2 there is a pecking order with cows at the top, then large trucks and buses, working its way down through old vehicles then new vehicles to dogs and chickens with cyclist and pedestrians at the bottom. As a cyclist you pretty much have to give way to everything” (Form Rules of the Road – a handout to the group on day one.) The trouble is there is often no space into which one can give way! Again, shame that no meaningful description of cycling conditions is given in the trip notes. Six days into the trip, my wife went down in the midst of traffic. She sustained serious multiple injuries and an abrupt halt to this holiday. Be advised that prior to her accident one individual went down with resulting minor injuries. Another individual fell three times also suffering minor injuries. On two occasions individuals were forced off the road. From this experience recommendations to increase safety include: - A proper pre-ride safety check ensuring that all cyclists are wearing properly fitting and correctly adjusted helmets. Fit matters!- A pre-ride check to inform less experienced riders how to shift gears and how to do it safely, followed by time to practice. It is too dangerous to do this in traffic during the first ride. - A non-negotiable expectation that all riders wear helmets whenever in the saddle. - Pre or post dinner group meetings to explain and meaningfully discuss the next day’s ride and its requirements. The handouts we received moments before each ride were insufficient. - Increased vigilance by the group leader during the Ootty descent and other dangerous areas (stopping the group more frequently to bring it together, slowing the descent for all, making himself/herself visible to riders and controlling their passage over dangerous surfaces - be that on foot if necessary). This was lacking in our trip. - An assistant leader (capable of sweeping back from time to time to inform, encourage, support or assist riders at the back of the group).

Our fellow cyclists were a good group - frequently supporting each other.
Exodus Response
We thank Mr Allison for his review and have replied directly in full to all his points.

Exodus takes the safety of its clients very seriously so investigated this incident, and the manner in which the trip was conducted in full. Exodus has operated this trip for 10 years; in this time, over 1000 clients have cycled this itinerary and any accidents have been few and far between. Five Exodus staff members have been on the trip, one of whom went in September 2011, and we have not had any reason to believe that this trip is any more risky than other cycling itineraries. The trip notes explain that clients should, 'be aware that cycling of all kinds has its dangers and that accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.'

Having reviewed the risk assessment for this trip and the established procedures that are adopted by our local staff, and having spoken at length to staff members who have been on this trip previously, we remain confident that Southern India is a suitable part of the world for a cycling itinerary of this nature. We do not feel that cycling in India poses any greater risk than cycling elsewhere in Asia or indeed, many other parts of the world. There is an inherent risk associated with cycling either on road or off road anywhere in the world, but we believe that our local staff are providing our clients with sufficiently thorough briefings each day and the information in the trip notes is accurate.

If anyone has any particular concern regarding any points made in this review please feel free to call us for further information.

- Exodus Staff
Caroline Gove

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Written January 2012
A wonderfully varied trip from a chilly start in the Western Ghats to the warm tropical beaches of Kerala.Cycling was varied too from challenging uphill to sedate coastal rides. Fabulous cheap food!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cruising the backwaters in the converted rice boat - a fabulous change and rest towards the end of the trip.
The downhill after the previous day's uphill struggle with Mount Ooty's 36 hairpin bends.
What did you think of your group leader?
Could not have been better! Safi's capacity to herd cats is now legendary. He made all the preparations etc that he obviously put into the trip seem effortless which made our trip so much more relaxing than other (non Exodus) trips I have been on.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take some layers for colder climate on Mount Ooty.
Gifts can be bought at the end of the trip in Varkala
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Would (and have already) recommend to our friends.
Richard Gear

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Written October 2011
Terriffic holiday, great cycling, genuinly friendly locals even asking for pictures with us. Good hotels in interesting locations. Food fantastic.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
On the cycling side the 13k climb to Ooty and the 23k descent the following day. Hard to pick otherwise but particlarly enjoyed the moment when one of the ferry's was on strike and we had to hire a fishing boat and get our bikes into the hold.
What did you think of your group leader?
Visnu was a font of knowledge on tour, with us at all times explaining what was happening around us. He also ran a whip so that he could organise all our food and tea stops for us. It worked out very cheap and easy.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Find the time to do this trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Get as many photo's as possible, I have over 300 but have missed some sights.
Ann Jacklin

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Written October 2011
Wow! Kerala & Tropical India Cycling trip was all we expected and more.Excellent trip - great cycling, great scenery - with wonderful variety, great tour team & great group to be on holiday with.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling up Otty
Spending time at the Orphanage - with children happy to see you and speak to you
Feeling famous - everyone saying "Hello" "Where you come from?" "Where you going?", having our photos taken by the locals and being in the local paper - news article of our trip because of a serindipidous moment.
Houseboat - relaxation and woderful views
What did you think of your group leader?
we really had three - although Vishnu was the leader, the whole experience was enhanced by Joseph as bike leader and Shibu as driver/ waterman / bike repair man - they made a great team and made our trip a fantastic experience.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go on this trip
No need to cover up - as suggested in brochure/ trip notes- as a female - vest tops and cycle shorts were fine except in Mysore Palace and around the elephant tour linked to the Temple
Is there anything else you would like to add?
One of the best trips we have ever done - cycling a good challenge but really enjoyable , scenery so varied and cycling varied to - much better than we could have ever imagined. India (Southern) much better experience than we ever imagined it would be - the people so friendly and they were so happy to meet us & speak to us
Got to try out lots of different foods all the way along the tirp
Kitty run by leader - great - allowed all to try lots more food - and there was such variety along the way.
Melissa Palermo

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Written October 2011
India and this trip far exceeded my expectations. If I had to convert friends to do a cycling holiday, this would be the trip to convince them, as it is mostly door-to-door riding with so much to see and experience. Brilliant! This was my 7th cycling trip and was up there with the best. Don't hesitate - book it!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Everyday offered a moment of inspiration! Overall, the colour and energy of India is so inspirational. The place is so full of life and character. This trips offers one the opportunity to have a sticky beak in the daily life of people in southern India.
I was totally amazed when we started to explore the remote lane ways outside Guruvayor. This day made me realise how much work and thought went into the planning of this trip.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader, Vish, was good and very knowledgeable about history. However, he didn't love cycling as much as the group ;-)
Joseph - the cycle leader was absolutely wonderful. He had a lovely nature and was very interested in the lives of people in the group. At the end, he circulated a comments book which he and the driver (Shibu) keep as a memento of their travels. Usually, you'd think it was hum drum for them but it made me realise that these trips enrich their lives too.
Shibu was an awesome driver and bike mechanic. He was always up bright and early tending to our bikes. His amazing, happy smile was always a great start to our day! Shibu was always helpful and if we asked for anything, he was quicky to help us.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take a gel seat! The bikes were fantastic but the seats were the slim-lined types which hurt your butt after a day.
Try the semolina pudding with cashews and sultanas (called Kesari). It is served for breakfast at the lodge we stay at Bundapur National Park and totally rocks!! Semolina has never ever tasted so good and it was my stand-out meal.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Exodus describes the trip as relatively 'easy'. I think this should be adjusted. We were a fit bunch but sometimes a flat road in hot conditions makes it tough.
Exodus should include notes on shopping and what collectables are worth buying at different stops eg brassware in Guruvayor. It was quite common to find a gem item in one spot and then not see it again. So a shopping list of 'what to pick up where' would be awesome. My boyfriend and I had just bought a home, so it was great for purchasing homewares especially the antique treasure in Mattancherry, Fort Cochin.