Reviews

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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196 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Andrew Watt

Reviewed August 2023

Most amazing experience of Sri Lanka

Our cycling trip in Sri Lanka far exceeded our already high expectations. From the incredible cycling (mixture of tough and relaxing), to the delicious food (most amazing local curries), to the lovely fellow guests and staff, to excellent accommodation, to varied and enjoyable non-cycling activites…it had it all! One of the main factors for the success of the trip was Suresh, the trip leader, who managed the itinerary superbly and added so many enjoyable local-flavoured extras.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyone completing the tough ascent up to Nuwara Eliya - it was long and challenging but everyone was so encouraging and motivated to get to the top!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was incredible and deserves major credit for the success of the trip. He mixed hard work and going beyond the call of duty, with being friendly and sociable. He was always there for us and gave us a local-perspective in so many ways e.g. taking us to family restaurants, introducing us to delicious food, arranging curry cooking lesson.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sit back and enjoy the ride!

Rob Wilkinson

Reviewed August 2023

July 23rd 2023 Sri Lanka

Cycling Back Roads of Sri Lanka, outstanding experience. The scenery is stunning, as you move from the irrigated rice fields of the lower elevations to the tea plantations in higher elevations and pristine beaches at the coast. Plenty of wildlife, including many different bird species, water buffalo, crocodiles, wild elephants and a leopard. The cycling was a good pace, with some hills to keep us challenged, especially the 18km climb to Nuwara Eliya. Plenty of opportunities to experience Sri Lankan style cuisine and culture of the country. The Exodus Trip Notes describe the tour accurately.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenic countryside, majestic wildlife and resilience of the Sri Lankan people really stood out.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our team leader, Suresh, did a phenomenal job with the help of his support team, all crew members went above and beyond to make our tour memorable. Suresh's attention detail is exceptional, he made sure the needs of all members were taken care at all times. The hotels were well organized, bikes were in good working order, meals were coordinated and none biking excursions were well thought out. Suresh is friendly with the customers, creating a good atmosphere between customers and support staff.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cycling in late July / early August it is hot and very humid.

Suggestions

Excellent experience, I would recommend this tour to anyone looking for a cycling vacation. There are hills so be prepared. I have cycled with Exodus in Cuba, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, all 3 trips were outstanding.

Vivienne Avery

Reviewed August 2023

Wonderful tour of Sri Lanka

Cycling is the perfect way to see this country – you get a much better sense of the physical beauty, the diversity of landscapes and culture of the country when cycling through the villages and meeting people, than with other forms of travel. There were loads of interesting visits and activities – there wasn’t much downtime but it was great to visit the temples, walk up hills, learn to cook Sri Lankan food, take a safari. The itinerary packs a lot into the fortnight – the rolling rural areas, the hill station/tea plantations, elephants, beach, and heritage sites like Galle. It might be a bit fast- paced for some people but personally I loved waking up each day knowing that there would be new and exciting experiences. I’m not a regular cyclist and as the trip rating says it was quite challenging at times with a lot of hills. If you haven’t done this sort of trip before you do need a good level of fitness and to be prepared to play catch-up with the more experienced cyclists in the group, but it was well worth the effort.

Most Inspirational Moment

A lot to mention - such a privilege to see elephants and a leopard in Yala; the beautiful train ride up to the hill station - a lot of fun in the chaos of 3rd class though everyone was very kind and made sure I got a good view; a hotel right on the Indian Ocean; all the children waving and shouting as we cycled through their villages; learning about the history - the ancient kingdoms/temples, and more recently the civil war and tsunami.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was fantastic. He is extremely organised, knowledgeable and caring. He went to endless efforts to make sure we had a great time, and any issue was dealt with promptly. He was good company over the fortnight and we had a lot of fun in the evenings. He and his team looked after us really well on the bike rides - with lots of water, food and any issues with the bicycles dealt with immediately.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is an energetic and full-on trip, but if you are only going to visit Sri Lanka once it's the best way I can think of to experience it. But if you like to relax and take your time when making your way around a country it might not be the best itinerary for you. It's probably best to book some time in advance and train for the cycling, unlike me, but I still loved it. Make sure you have spare room in your suitcase for all the tea, spices and other things you will want to bring home.

VASILIKI NTAVLOUROU

Reviewed April 2023

UNEXPECTED ABSOLUTE BREATHTAKING....MAXIMUM DAMAGE!

Because some people worked very hard to make me feel like this! SURESH: our guide to heaven. Keep the fire in your eyes and in your heart Suresh! You inspired us all SURANGA: my guardian angel as I was riding up that mountain! I wouldn’t have made it without you ! SAMAN: the man who kept us all hydrated and risked his life standing in the middle of busy roads to show as the way GAYAN : my ‘light” in the dark! Driving with patience and a smile on your face behind my slow bike! DHARME: thank you for getting us there and back safe! Thank you for the hours of waiting for us . Thank for the smiles! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole of the trip is an inspiration! Suresh's passion for his country, his enthusiasm for his job, his love for life is the absolute inspiration!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best!.............so far! :)

Advice for Potential Travellers

GO for it, only if you can handle HEAVEN!

Suggestions

THANK YOU!

David & Carolyne F

Reviewed March 2023

Maximum Damage

We had the most fantastic cycling trip around Sri Lanka recently. Everything went to plan from the meet at the airport to the departure 2 weeks later. Each days cycling offered new experiences & sights – the scenery & wildlife was as varied and stunning as you could wish for. The hotels were of a very good quality & the food throughout the trip was both plentiful and of a high quality. We ate at some fantastic local restaurants which offered a real insight into the fantastic Sri Lankan cuisine. Our group gelled from Day 1 and this really helped make the trip memorable. The cycling was incredibly enjoyable and whilst stretching on a couple of days most reasonably fit people would easily cope with each days cycling. Our group leader Suresh was the most inspirational guide a group could wish for – extremely organised, very funny and used his extensive local knowledge to make the trip highly enjoyable. His support team were excellent providing back up bikes, food/water, transport & guidance – real unsung heroes. This was our first cycling holiday – would we recommend this trip – undoubtedly & we are planning our next one for 2024. The phrase Maximum Damage was used extensively by our excellent guide Suresh when we sat down to a buffet !

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycle from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya was both physically testing but incredibly rewarding to see such stunning scenery en route. It was real group effort and some went on e bikes whilst others did the last leg in the support bus but we all made it - what a day. The other magical & unplanned sight was seeing elephants in the wild by the side of the road - amazing to see them in the natural habitat

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was inspirational. Nothing was to much trouble & he used his years of local knowledge & contacts to take us to places that were not on the beaten track. His choice of restaurants was fantastic, his knowledge of the area was impeccable and he lead the support team incredibly well. Health & safety was a high priority (without being OTT boring). I would highly recommend him as a group leader

Alex Neely

Reviewed March 2023

Excellent

The trip was excellently led from start to finish, everyday an adventure and a challenge. Expectations exceeded. Would recommend. The group I was with were very inclusive. As a single male one is always aware of being able to fit in. A good mix

Most Inspirational Moment

I didn't think of the trip like that, it was all very enlightening. Sri Lanka and it's people I suppose and the warmth that the group leader brought to it. After the years he'd done it, he still managed to Inspire that in us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really good, friendly and caring. He was never off duty, always available..

Advice for Potential Travellers

It will be good, don't worry about your ability. The bikes are hybrids and if the hills are too much, just get in the bus.

Keri Lewis

Reviewed March 2023

Simply amazing trip in beautiful Sri Lamka

Very hard to find anything to fault in this action packed, well organised cycling tour of Sri Lanka. Suresh and his team were amazing. We honestly couldn’t have been looked after better, with every meal more incredible than the last and some fabulous hotels on the itinerary. A great mix with some challenging cycling, sightseeing, tea plantations and the Indian Ocean. Plus more than a few mojitos.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the scenery was beautiful and coupled with some real cycling challenges, it was memorable in many ways. As a vegetarian the food was among the best experiences I’ve ever had - loved it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was simply outstanding, as were the rest of the crew. Everything was impeccably organised, and although we must have been hard work at times, we were made to feel very special. No notes!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go. Sri Lanka is stunning, felt very safe and has so much to offer. People were lovely, such a friendly place. We were barely bothered by mosquitoes although always be prepared, but not much else to add - if you need anything you can get it while you’re there. Although if you need them gals, bring tampons!

Suggestions

Thanks to Suresh and the exodus team for a holiday I won’t forget.

Catherine Southall

Reviewed March 2023

Cycling in stunning Sri Lanka, mountains, beaches and amazing cultural sites

A brilliant trip in a land full of World heritage sites, stunning scenery and friendly smiling people. A great mix of cycling and sight seeing, with time for relaxation on the coast and some challenging cycling. The food was amazing, especially if you are a vegetarian, as the curries are made from fresh local spices and vegetables. The accommodation was well chosen and of a high standard. Our guide, Ruwan and his team were five star and the snacks they provided every day were delicious.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling down from Ella in the pouring rain and stopping at Buduruwagala to see the amazing gigantic standing Buddhas

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Ruwan was brilliant. He was a very knowledgeable tour guide and was always pleased to answer our questions. His organisational skills during the whole trip were excellent and he was great fun to be with, always willing to go the extra mile for the group by organising a cricket match and a fantastic barbeque on the beach.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to go and go now, whilst there are fewer tourists visiting Sri Lanka. You will have a great time! The day climbing up to Nuwara Eliya is very challenging due to the heat and the ascent, but you can always get in the mini bus if it becomes too much.

Suggestions

One of the best trips I have done with Exodus and I have trekked and cycled with them for over 20 years.

Jackie Moses

Reviewed February 2023

Brilliant.......

Had a fantastic time in Sri Lanka, Ruwan our tour leader and his team were beyond excellent, couldn’t do enough for you and always with a smile. We were warmly welcomed everywhere we went; the food was lovely and the cycling fabulous. Although we had a couple of tough days everyone was able to go at their own pace and do as much as they felt they wanted to do. The trip was fully supported so when the cycling got too much you could always stop and get on the bus for a rest. The trip offers great variety from important cultural sights, wildlife, fabulous scenery, beaches and so much more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Personally completing the 100km cycle day..... further than I have cycled before.... and seeing blue whales :)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was fantastic, always smiling, very knowledgeable of his country's history, culture, and fauna. Exceptionally generous with his time and nothing was too much effort. He and his team worked exceptionally hard behind the scenes to ensure that everything ran smoothy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're thinking about it and unsure.... don't be, just do it.

Glen Clark

Reviewed January 2023

Maximum Damage Tour

We had an amazing time on this beautiful tour, it was incredibly varied visiting temples, tea plantations, a safari and swam in the Indian Ocean. The hotels ranged from good to fabulous, the food was great (the title of our review comes from the instructions of our tour leader in how to deal with a buffet – one must inflict maximum damage). The support team was excellent and worked really hard to ensure we had a great tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two of us, so we have two. One was reaching the top of the 20km climb to Nuwar Eliya, which is a really challenging climb on a bike and the other was our visit to Buddhuruwugala where there are several statues of Buddha carved into the rock. Climbing the Lion Rock was also an excellent experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was simply excellent - a hugely experienced tour guide and worked tirelessly to ensure we all had a great trip. He was incredibly knowledgeable about Sri Lanka and its history, and the challenges it currently faces. He dealt with all the issues and it was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip if you have the chance!

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