Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

- Seeing three tigers in Bandipur- The descent from Ooty- The friendly, smiling & accommodating people; we here in the UK really could learn so much - The South Asian drivers - on the whole surprisingly respectful to the two wheeler- Kerala Backwaters- Varkala chill out over New Year post tour end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Attentive, caring, courteous, GSOH, intelligent, flexible, informed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

One does require a good level of fitness to get the most out of this trip.  The climb up Ooty is, of course, character building and testicle breaks are obligatory even with the best cycle shorts.  There are other days too which say even on the flat are pretty full on due to the heat of the day very evident even in South Asia's winter and also, quite simply, the distances being covered.The application of sense on the roads is required but do not fear.  Cycle defensively, use your eyes to the max and above all watch out for pedestrians too who often just step into the road at will.  But also remiember, it is only for a minority of the time that highways are actually used. The accommodation is, on the whole, very good and I understand the first hotel I had the misfortune of staying at in Mysore with Exodus has now been changed due to consistently very bad reviews & experiences.If possible, as well as staying in Varkala at the end for a few extra days, perhaps also consider coming a day or two earlier to Mysore.  It is a lovely city to walk around in - how often can one say that about a large settlement in India?!  I can recommend the Hotel Metropole if you are prepared to pay a bit more.  Also you will be fresher for those early cycle days.

Suggestions

I have noted a few earlier entries and regret to read that some have experienced serious to less serious injuries.  I would kindly suggest that the combination of a two wheels, tigers, steep uphill gradients, elephants, cars, animals, very steep downhill gradients, king cobras, potholes and pedestrians may create some danger.  The notion that somebody can come on this kind of holiday in South Asia and not expect there to be an element of danger along with roads that do not match the French autoroute does baffle me.  India does not have an especially celebrated health & safety branch.I am also asthmatic.  It is surely obvious to ensure one has their medication to hand at all times and of course if the condition is severe then a mask may also assist.  It is India.  It is not Iceland.However, I do advise Exodus to reiterate some points again & again in its descriptions.  We live in a litigious world.Btw - the reference to king cobras, tigers and elephants are not likely to impact your trip.  More's the pity!

Most Inspirational Moment

I know everyone said this but it's really hard to pick out particular moments.  The trip is so varied that every night you go to bed thinking "wow what a great day!"  The mock charge by a bull elephant was memorable as was arriving at Wild Haven for a cold beer after a long ride.  The absolute highlight for me has to be the cycling - fantastic!  Even getting through the manic traffic in Mysore was fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Safi.  We couldn't have asked for more from him - friendly, attentive and informative.  He showed us what India is really all about rather than seeing the tourist side of things.  He had us all well trained jumping on our bikes ready to go as soon as he rang his bell!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

To really enjoy the trip I think you need a reasonable level of fitness.  Bring a hair dryer if you need one (there won't be one in your accommodation).  Ideally bring clothes that you can wash and won't need ironing i.e. sports clothes.  That way you can stay on top of your laundry by washing things out each night.  Be prepared to eat lots of lovely curries!!!!

Suggestions

If you are thinking of going on this trip just go ahead and book it.  I went with high expectations and it was even better than I thought. 

Most Inspirational Moment

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. 

Thoughts on 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.

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 

Suggestions

Would (and have already) recommend to our friends.

Thoughts on 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. 

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.

Suggestions

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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....

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.

Suggestions

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...). I am sorry that Al felt the need to be so angry in his comments regarding this holiday. Can I point out the following: indeed someone went over their handlebars on day 2 - entirely their own fault as they didn't see the road humps (this is my partner by the way so I am not being biased). Second: one of the group managed to fall over because he didn't get his feet out of his cleats in time (3 times) - this is not an accident but, frankly, a rather hilarious mishap! Al needs to realise that his (very lovely) wife had an accident and to stop blaming Exodus for the fact that this happened. It had nothing to do with local traffic, road surfaces etc. It was an accident.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.  

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.

Suggestions

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on 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.

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

Suggestions

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 usGot to try out lots of different foods all the way along the tirpKitty run by leader - great - allowed all to try lots more food - and there was such variety along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Find the time to do this trip.

Suggestions

Get as many photo's as possible, I have over 300 but have missed some sights.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are lots of highlights on this trip.  But I think the best bit was reaching the top of the hill at Ooty, after climbing up the 36 hairpin bends.  Down the hill the next day is also a great ride as there are 45 km of downhill. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leaders and driver (Vishnu, Joseph and Shibu) on the trip were great.  They're all really friendly and together they are a great feature of the holiday. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I really didn't have a bad moment on the whole trip.  Get stuck into the cycling, and into the curry and Kingfisher lagers too.

Suggestions

Use your horn - everyone else does.