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Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers  

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.

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14713 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviews

Stunning countryside and beautiful wildlife

This was an excellent trip and not too hectic with a bit of downtime in some lovely hotels. Group worked well together.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Sigiriya rock, glamping in Gal Oya, cookery class in Ella. Dambulla cave temples. Boat trip to seen elephants on islands.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Richard was lovely: very kind with lots of thoughtful touches: fresh pineapple and watermelon after long days. A ready supply of toilet paper and hand sanitizer! Temple socks and sarongs provided. Very knowledgeable. about his beautiful country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Socks for temples: it is not like a mosque where you walk on carpet. You walk on gravel, hot rocks, wet paths. Scarf for dusty Yala. The walk with the chief involves wading so consider waterproof shoes. Food: it is very spicey so be careful. The home cooking and restaurants outside hotels were happy to reduce spice but not hotel buffets. Be careful with the rice. Recommend Lords in Negombo and Chill in Ella. Jetwing Lighthouse al la carte excellent

Two unforgettable national parks!!

From the very start, the trip felt immersive and beautifully balanced. The wildlife in Kruger National Park was unforgettable, spotting elephants, lions, and giraffes in their natural habitat was a real highlight. We were very lucky spotting the ‘Top 5’ and most exciting was seeing 2 leopards to complete the set! I was equally captivated by the more rural, untouched areas, which showcased a quieter, more authentic side of South Africa. The Drakensberg Mountains were simply stunning, with dramatic scenery that felt almost prehistoric, it was a joy to hike around, with next to no one else there. Visiting the historic site of Rorke’s Drift added real depth to the journey. It was a rich, rewarding, and truly memorable experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the view at the top of Tugela Falls. We spent the day hiking to the summit and seeing the mountains from the top down takes your breath away. The mountains roll on for miles and you truly feel like you are on top of the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Clifford was very knowledgeable and passionate about the history, culture and wildlife of South Africa and Eswatini. He was a fountain of knowledge who could answer any questions we had, as well as telling many stories to bring the place to life!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a very adventurous trip but also a busy one. We stayed in over 10 hotels (to see as much of the area as possible) and there were a lot of early starts. If you are going for comfort then this may not be for you, but if you are going for hikes, beautiful views and amazing wildlife, then you'll have a great time!

Incredible Tour

This itinerary was fantastic! Loved the fun activities, knowledgeable and passionate guide, great hotels & vehicles. Saw loads of wildlife in such a small amount of time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The night walk - amazing to see so much wildlife in the rainforest at night

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alejandro was very considerate of everyone's needs in the group. He was so knowledgeable - It was fascinating learning about Costa Rican culture and history. Also great at spotting wildlife on drives so there were plenty of photo stops.

Potentially great trip let down by unroadworthy bike

Bike: Rear caliper loose, rear tyre coming off rim, excessive play in headset, poor brakes as calipers not aligned with discs. Bike replaced after a couple of days but they sent the wrong size. Leader was at best average. I cycled in Kerala two years age with different company, good Bike, brilliant leader. Hence 2 stars.

Most Inspirational Moment

Homestay and Backwater trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Average, made poor decisions about eating places. Communication poor, not using WhatsApp to remind us of important timings , like diner, breakfast and departure. Didn't even set up a WhatsApp group, so I did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check your bike thoroughly or get someone with bike knowledge and refuse to get on it until all faults are rectified to your satisfaction. Pot luck with leaders. I walked out of our first night dinner in Varkala without sitting down. Next daythe others said they should have followed me.

Review Centre
Reply from Exodus

How’s this:

 

We’re sorry to read that Charles felt this way about his Cycle the Coast of Kerala trip, and we appreciate him taking the time to share such detailed feedback. Exodus places great importance on the condition and safety of all bicycles used on our cycling itineraries, and we have stringent checks in place before every departure. Feedback from other members of this group indicates that the majority of bikes were generally in good condition overall; however, the comments Charles raises about his bike are not acceptable and this is being followed up with our local team. We fully understand how frustrating it must have been for Charles to begin his holiday with an unroadworthy bike, and we’re glad a replacement was provided, even if the sizing wasn’t perfect. One of our UK team was in touch with Charles during the trip and we would have been happy to organise a different replacement bike if he had requested at the time.

 

We were also sorry to learn that Charles was disappointed with his tour leader. We’re proud to have a strong team in Kerala who usually receive excellent feedback for their organisation, communication, and local knowledge, so it’s disappointing to hear this wasn’t reflected on this occasion. His comments regarding communication, restaurant decisions, and group coordination have been noted and will be shared our local manager.

 

It’s encouraging that Charles still enjoyed aspects of the trip, particularly the homestay and backwater experience, which are often highlights for many travellers. We appreciate him offering advice to future customers, though we feel that our ongoing equipment checks and leader development mean guests can join this trip with confidence.

 

We’re grateful for Charles’s honest reflections and will use them to ensure we continue strengthening the experience for those travelling with us in the future.

 

-Oliver O’Boyle, Exodus Product Manager

Unforgettable Experience in Southern India

This was my first time to India and I decided I wanted to start in the south because I heard it was a bit more beginner friendly and I was traveling with my daughter in her late teens for our first time just the two of us. I was blown away by the warm hospitality, the scenery, the food and how well organized this trip was. The itinerary is varied and really includes a bit of everything you need to see in Kerala and Tamil Nadu: verdant tea plantations, historical architecture and incredible access to temples, welcoming and warm connection with local people and guides, spice gardens, wildlife preserves, drifting down the backwaters in a houseboat with your own cook and captain, I still can’t believe we did and saw so much. We ate a huge meal one night with a local family and then toured a village and learned about traditional crafts with another family, we got beach and pool time and watched thunderstorms out over the Arabian Sea as we enjoyed dinner as a group. Just truly an unforgettable experience every step of the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's so hard to name just one inspiring moment, but I will say one of the top experiences in mine and my daughter's life is going to the closing ceremony at the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai. You cannot bring your phone into the temple, you must remove your shoes, there are many people going there to get blessings and pray, you're just forced to be there present in the moment and take it all in. When the ceremony starts, the air fills with incense and music, the oil lights are burning, the flowers are laid and everyone is so focused on the ritual unfolding before their eyes. Truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Then, the next day, the group goes back to see the temple during the day time and when we were there an actual elephant came walking through!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Biju, is truly one of the best guides in the world, if not one of the best human beings in the world. He was warm and genuinely welcoming to everyone in our group and all the local people we came in contact with really loved him too. He was knowledgeable on every subject that we discussed and I watched him tend to everyone, whether they had dietary requirements or other needs. Biju is what made this trip go from excellent to unforgettable in every way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would really recommend that you try to do as many of the optional excursions as you can as they each offer a unique way of experiencing southern India and Kerala or Tamil Nadu and they are all so varied. I would also recommend that if your guide offers to take you to a local place to eat, go there and try all the things they suggest, you cannot go wrong with the food in Kerala, it is sooo good!

Amazing Amalfi

Walking the Amalfi Coast was my second trip with Exodus. What an amazing part of Italy. Lots of stairs on first few days. Thankfully we had good weather despite the time of year. Beautiful hikes and great scenery on most of our days.
Food was meant to be a highlight of the trip but we were told on arrival that the kitchen was closed in the hotel so we had to eat dinner at a local restaurant. The food was reasonable at the restaurant but very few vegetables or greens served.
However one evening we had a barbecue at the hotel that was very good. It was an additional cost though.
The company was great and lots of friends were made.
Our guide accompanied us on most dinners

Most Inspirational Moment

Pompei and Vesuvius!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was very charming in his own way but did not re assure us well on what to expect or how to be prepared better. The climb to Vesuvius was extremely cold and we were not guided on what to bring to stay warm. I think a few us caught a cold from this. Also he would always stay with the front walkers on the hike rather then the slower more cautious ones who may have needed more support. Overall a good leader but not brilliant. More attention to detail needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great location but be ready for steep hikes so be prepared. Strongly recommend this trip but make sure you read trip notes well

Fabulous adventure.

I recently returned from the trip- December 2025. Everything about the trip was terrific. Wonderful scenery, great places to stay, interesting towns and cities to visit and a terrific guide. I enjoyed every minute.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a tiger print on the path!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Santos was excellent. He attended to our every need. Adjusted the walks to suit the different levels in our group. He took us to some great places such as a local person's house for tea or the brick making on the side of the road. Nothing was too much for him. And he is fun!

Advice for Potential Travellers

A good idea to take your own leech socks as we encountered leeches on a couple of days- yuck! Also a bottle of gin or whisky if you like sitting round the fire in the evening having a drink with others. You can't get it easily in India though Santos will get beer for you.

MOV251127

First and foremost the success of this cycling holiday was down to the Leader LAM NGUYEN and his support , the back marker doubling up as mechanic and the bus support driver . We were without doubt in safe hands .
We were kept fully informed as to what was happening during the day and the following day . Lam gave us written details each day in the format “Daily Ride Plans”
This was so useful as there was a lot to take in , could refer to these when saving our ride on Strava and even now , a month after , I use when describing our holiday to friends.
The hotels were all of a good and high standard
The trip notes were very thorough giving lots of information
The daily rides were planned well visiting many interesting places , giving us a good appreciation of the areas we were cycling and the distances cycled were good and achievable
The bike that I had was good , just right for the roads we were travelling on ( I normally use a road bike but the mountain bike worked well)
The stops during the ride were well thought out and worked well
The snacks that were provided during the ride were excellent and plentiful
During the rides Lam , the tour leader , stopped where necessary to give us more information at the right locations
Also , importantly , many happy bushes were found !!!
All in all a fantastic holiday in a fantastic Country

Most Inspirational Moment

Four really …. Ha Long Bay - An amazing and beautiful place with the limestone peaks. We were fortunate that the weather for both days was beautiful and blue skies and calm seas . We were able to see this in all its glory and also to Kayak in the waters The Cu Chi Tunnels- again an amazing place and experience and to hear the stories Boat cruise from Whale Island and snorkelling and swimming in the beautiful clear seas Finally , inspired by all the Vietnamese people in Ho Chi Minh City on scooters. It was amazing !!! . I never tired of watching the people on the scooters. Many carrying all description of things and / or with two or three passengers , including children !!!! An amazing sight . No picture adequately show how it truly is !!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Group Leader , LAM NGUYEN , was excellent He led the group really well . He got to know all the members of the group quickly and helped everyone when necessary His instructions for the days were clear and it was good when they backed up with the Daily Ride Plans . He described the routes , during the days , clearly paying particular attention to safety when necessary…. “No Dominos” being his description and perfectly described what he didn’t want to happen. There were no accidents throughout the trip …. when you consider there was 17 in the group this shows he ran it perfectly His knowledge of Vietnam of the places we cycled and visited and of the history was very extensive . This made for the trip to Vietnam to be really interesting and memorable. Yes … Lam was an excellent Group Leader , and as said ably supported by the mechanic and bus support driver

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it !!!! Do not be put off by the trip notes where reference is made to the times spent on the bus . Whilst it can be a few hours there is always plenty to see thereby giving you a full appreciation of Vietnam

Excellent trip

Excellent tour, guide Lina and local city guides. Thoroughly enjoyed

Most Inspirational Moment

Abba Museum visit

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy the trip

Enjoyable introduction to India

This was my first trip to India, and Kerala was the ideal place to start – relatively compact, affluent, clean, and accessible, with incredibly friendly, helpful locals, and a wide variety of sights to see.
The pace of the trip was perfect, moving on to a new destination every other day, normally on the road for 3-4 hours, with plenty of comfort breaks and additional sights along the way. I feel like we saw as much as was comfortably possible in 12 days.
The one area for improvement would be a little more free time to explore independently. In Cochin, in particular, we had a very busy morning visiting several churches, a palace and a synagogue, only stopping for a late lunch, and it seemed a missed opportunity to spend some time wandering through the narrow streets of the old quarter for tea, chats with locals, and a bit of shopping. This would have helped with orientation too, as it was our first full day after the long journey from the UK.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day spent exploring the backwaters stands out. In a small boat, visiting local households in the morning, and on a houseboat from lunchtime for the night. I found the insight into the local way of life fascinating, and the slower pace very relaxing. The accommodation and food on the houseboat was the highest standard of the whole trip, and as our group was divided between 4 boats, it felt luxuriously peaceful. I loved it ❤️

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shine was a history lecturer, so very knowledgeable about the monuments visited. He could answer any question, which was great, however, sometimes there was an overload of information, impossible to focus on when standing in the heat. Shine was also excellent at spotting wildlife, and often stopped the bus to point out monkeys, bats, or birds in the trees. He also seemed to be able to identify every tree, plant and flower. We learned a lot about nature from him. He was also extremely caring, and showed genuine concern for anyone feeling unwell, or falling behind on treks. Our driver, Vinod, deserves a mention too. He was very skilled at navigating packed cities, hairpin bends on mountain roads, and pot-holed highways, and the bus was always spotlessly clean and fresh-smelling. He showed constant concern for our wellbeing, and was always pleasant and smiley. Lovely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some things I wish I'd done: - Packed lighter. It's very warm and humid, so loose cotton/linen dresses are best + a straw hat or umbrella to keep the sun off. - Packed older/cheaper clothes. India is very dusty & dirty, and the food stains, so good quality/expensive items get ruined. - Taken binoculars, to better see the incredible birds and wildlife. - Bought more! Clothing, pyjamas, robes, throws, rugs, fabrics, oil-based perfumes, incense cones/sticks & beautiful holders, brass, silver, gold, gems, spices, and art, are all good quality and cheap to buy. It's an excellent way to support artisans and independent traders, and give something back. The experience can be a bit hassly, as traders keep showing you ever more items, but if you can persuade them to let you browse, it's a hugely rewarding experience. - Spoken to more locals. Most speak English, and are happy to chat...about anything!