Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Tea plantations, temples and diversity of the trip all extremely well organized and informative thanks to Biju tour guide

Thoughts on Group Leader

A fantastic tour guide. Biju went above and beyond in his attentiveness and thought to detail. He was extremely well organized and clearly wanted everyone to have the best possible experience. I can't praise him high enough and will recommend him to friends if they are planning an Indian exodus holiday, and to book a tour where Biju is the guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

Early morning walk in Periyar wildlife reserve and sunrise walk along the backwaters

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vinod was excellent, very knowledgeable and responsible making sure each of us had all we needed every day and often going the extra mile eg. Providing a helper as well as a driver to take us to the airport to ensure we could access the airport with their strict requirements. He could answer every question we asked about any topic.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our guide, Biju, was exceptional and really made the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Biju went over and above his duties as leader to ensure we enjoyed the trip. He was very calm, patient and supportive at all times.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tea plantation day and the backwaters but it was all lovely, without the wow factor of northern India

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vinod was probably the best guide we have travelled with. I can't fault anything, he had a great sense of humour and we really enjoyed his company as well as learned so much from him. Nothing was too much bother. He gave us a real insight into southern India.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hill climb in Munnar Martial arts & dancing in Thekkady Houseboat cruise

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nothing was too much trouble. Very knowledgeable, patient and willing to help always with a smile

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the tea plantation.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Biju is an excellent ambassador for Exodus and his country. He is very passionate sharing his culture. He was also great at dealing with guests who fallen ill and needed hospital treatment. He was always polite. He also made sure the trips ran as smoothly as possible. He's a real credit.

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!

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!

Most Inspirational Moment

Tea plantation; visiting the synagogue in Kochi,; the family home cooking evening; the house boat trip through the backwaters

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been in more than10 Exodus trips since the 1990s; I have always been happy with the tour leader but Biju was truly exceptional, the best I have known. Knowledgeable, helpful, great attention to details and the welfare of all group members as well as being a thoroughly nice man, he really made this trip a 10/10 experience.