Cycle The Backroads of Sri Lanka

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 47 reviews.

John Heathcote

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written November 2011
I came home feeling I had had a holiday - warm sunshine, nice food, having fun and an 'easy' country to have been in.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For me the best day was the big climb up to Nurawa Eliya (day 8 ex London). A huge variety of scenery and a decent physical challenge with 2000 m of ascent. Fortunately, the steep hills aren't long and the long hill isn't steep.
What goes up must come down. There are also some epic descents - really exciting when round the bend the tarmac road surface disappears into gravel!
What did you think of your group leader?
Everything worked, it all held together, Pieter made time to talk to all of us and generally took the load (and the lead in some of the wilder exploits). All that could be expected.
Cycling in Sri Lanka is what he does as a day job, so he knows the country thoroughly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go for it! But note it is more than a 'moderate' ride overall with a couple of long days and it's hot. Confidence in traffic is necessary too - the faster ones of us got to overtake most other sorts of traffic at some time. Sri Lankan traffic is slower than British traffic, and more used to slow vehicles.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Some of the road surfaces are appalling, or even non-existent (there are some epic roadworks under way) - I'm glad I didn't take my touring bike. The supplied mountain bikes with semi-road type tyres (not knobblies) were ideal for the job.
Breakfasts were pretty good (British style if required, apart from the chicken sausages) and there were good opportunities to feed up on fish buns etc too en route, so no shortage of food for strenuous days. Don't expect to lose weight!
Sketch maps for the longer days provided a measure of independence, so it was not necessary to cycle in a bunch all day.
Valerie Parkinson

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written November 2011
brilliant trip and on a bike is the best way to see Sri Lanka.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
the long ride up to Nuwarya Ellya - classic challenging day with the most wonderful hotel at the end of it.
What did you think of your group leader?
Peter and his team - Ekanaike, Upali and Suresh. Great team work. Peter knows Sri Lanka like the back of his hand. Always chose different route etc and places to eat and stop to suit the group and the weather (we had lots of rain). Bikes well looked after by the rest of the team.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
There was lots of rain in November but apart from not taking as many photos with blue sky it did not spoil the trip very much. Trekking sandals best to bike in due to the hat and wet. Make sure your saddle is comfy - bring your own and bring chamois cream for the sore bits. Take your time. There may be faster cyclists than you - this was my first bike trip and I was at the back but never felt it was too hard.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Great little trip with lots to see and do. Chat to the locals - they are still surprised at seeing bike groups in Sri Lanka. Trip is mix of road and trails. I am a hobby cyclist and nothing was too difficult for me.
Russell Dean

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written October 2011
lovely trip in a lovely country
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
completing the big climb
What did you think of your group leader?
Peter was good
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Insect repelant
Louise Masson

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written October 2011
This was a fantastic trip with a huge variety of scenery and challenges. As a reasonable cyclist however not a true fanatic I really enjoyed this holiday. Having been with Peter our guide in Kerala, I travelled again with 2 friends who also had a great time. Our group was good fun and supportive of each others abilities.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Lots of great days and whilst I chose to go on the train to Nuara Elia we enjoyed a fantastic experience with the locals. I was delighted to be there to welcome many of the group back from an amazing challenge.
There are many other fab cycling days including the down hill day of supreb views from Ella, to make in time to watch the Rugby World Cup final over a few beers!!
Chasing home from mad rainstorm, along the lakeside was also a great experience!
Whale watching trip is also a must!!
What did you think of your group leader?
Peter and his team ( AK and Kasun) were excellent and extremely supportive.
At no point do you need to ask for anything as we were always well catered for.
Having been with Peter in Kerela, I would recommend any trip that he and his team guide, as we have had 2 very good experiences.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You do need rain gear, though it was a lot of fun in the muddy back lanes!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A great way to see Sri Lanka. The final hotel at the beach has still some way to go, to be the best way to end the trip.
Claire Waddington

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written September 2011
Beautiful way to travel thorough this amazing country. Amazing diversity of people and places and great to get off the beaten track.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Finally getting to the top of the hardest climb I've ever done aminst beautiful tea plantations and sunset.

What did you think of your group leader?
Pleasant but limited English. Was unaware of my dietry requirements (gluten free because of coeliacs disease) despite Exodus being informed months ahead of schedule and checking again before departure. Didn't have enough English to understand this. Very ridgid in his plans and overbearing at times. Expected guests to buy his water and snacks etc.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you're coeliac take your own food! You need to be reasonably fit to enjoy this.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If I hadn't had to buy all my own food when it was supposed to be provided I would have enjoyed this much more.
Jerry Verhoef

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written August 2011
A though but very nice bike tour. With all the major highlights of Sri Lanka.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The wildlife and the scenery are a definite highlight for me
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader has been living in Sri Lanka for the past 20 years. Most of this time he has been doing bike tours in Sri Lanka and India. This really shows in all the little details, every thing is nicely planned. But not to strict to be confining. Surpises are dealt with swift and decisive actions.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do some training before you leave. There are some real though climbs, but they are totally worth the effort. During this trip you will ride atleast 700-800 km and climb and desent atleast 7000m!
Christine Johnson

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written August 2011
Excellent trip. Well-paced, great routes, wonderful scenery and delicious food!!!
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Loved the long ride and climb to the top of Sri Lanka. A challenging but rewarding day.
What did you think of your group leader?
Well-organised and friendly. Good leader who was willing to cater for all abilities within the group, providing challenge for those wanting it, and leaving others to their own riding preference. Peter was always happy to talk about the country and its culture, which he is clearly passionate about. Peter mixed well with all members of the group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be fit enough to enjoy the mileage and ascents!!!!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I fully recommend this trip, as I do Peter's previous trip in Kerala.
I would like to see more of the same style of trip in the future, but clearly in another destination. Coast to coast India, Peter please!!!The point to point days, with only the odd transfer, makes these trips winners!!!