Reviews

Maximum Damage in Sri Lanka

Gosh where to start… we have been on 3 trips now with Exodus and each time l think the guide is good, but Suresh was a true Ambassador not only for Exodus but most importantly Sri Lanka. He was so proud of it, the people, its geography, wildlife, flora and fauna and of course its culture. That deep knowledge helps convey a strong level of confidence and insight whenever he was “guiding” or asked questions about Sri Lanka. So that’s him in a nutshell but there is so more to talk about what he and the supporting team delivered during our 2 weeks.
The team were excellent, they were well briefed understood exactly what was needed, nothing was ever too much trouble. Every morning the bikes were cleaned if dirty, chains were cleaned and oiled & of course checked to ensure our safety. Whenever we stopped the team would quickly remove our drinks bottles and refill to ensure we kept hydrated, it was after all hot! In addition to our guide we also had two other cyclists riding, both were excellent at either supporting riders at the back of the group or riding ahead at key junctions to point the way or many cases stop the traffic so we could just continue cycling. We also had 3 others in the support team who were equally as helpful and again just could not do enough for you. Nobody could fault the team.
I would say the group had a mixed level of experience, but at no point did any of them ever indicate that they always felt riding with them. They were always very encouraging. Many of the roads were as the trip notes state were just back roads quiet and full of life – local people, children shouting hello or goodbye, animals and birds. Traffic and driving in Sri Lanka can at times be described as a little chaotic, but even when we had to ride on main roads (A roads) they were never that busy. Whilst cycling Suresh’s knowledge of his environment was second to none, he ensured that we never missed anything – he even ensured that we had the right “lucky” Jeep driver to ensure we saw a Leopard in Yala National Park.

His “management” of us was very professional, courteous and exceptionally polite when asking for people’s attention, it is often difficult to get but he did through his knowledge, respect and of course good humour. His ability to laugh at himself is a great virtue!

When it came to the day to day logistics of riding, no stone was ever left unturned. Suresh ensured we received 100% service from not only him and his team but also those who provided us with Sri Lankan hospitality. Whether it was a simple & basic tea house, 4* hotel, or a dinner on the beach the relationship he had created with them meant service was second to none. It was evident that if any of these were not delivered to his exacting standards then he would tirelessly secure somewhere better. All these establishments knew that.
I could say more but where to stop my final example would be on our departure day from the group. We decided to stay an additional week near Galle, so we asked Suresh if he could book us train tickets, contact the HomeStay to see if we could hire bikes, etc. which he duly did. Come the day of our departure at 6am from the Hotel, Suresh organised a tuk tuk for all 3 of us to get to Colombo train station. He accompanied us on to the right platform and ensured we get on the train safely. Once we were on he then of course left us. We then saw him 10 minutes later back on the platform. He had sent some photos of us on the platform to the WhatsApp group but when asked did we have seats he then had to stop his journey back to the hotel and return to the station to take some photos of us in said seats as evidence. Why would you do that? Simple because he truly cared.
We absolutely loved every minute of our holiday to Sri Lanka, the people, its culture, the birds, wildlife, history and geography. All of this was fully exposed because of the insight and passion that Suresh and his team had. They truly bought it to life, guides can make or break a holiday, they made it for all of us. We will have no hesitation in returning and recommending this trip to other cyclists. It was ACE!!!!

Book it!

We have just returned from the most stunning 2 weeks in Sri Lanka. The trip is extremely well planned with interesting trips spaced between the cycling. The cycling is manageable – but be warned DAY 5! It is an extremely tough climb – and even the fittest amongst our fabulous group found it very tough.

If you are lucky enough to have Wasantha as your leader, you will be spoilt. He is so knowledgeable, helpful and organised and nothing was too much trouble. Our group was very lively and he never got annoyed at having to repeat himself!

We were blessed with perfect weather (be warned its v humid). Hotels mostly very good. Food is great and never ending. Many in our group had done quite a few Exodus cycling trips but voted this very highly.

Fantastic experience

This trip is fantastic! So well organised by the amazing guide, amazing wildlife and scenery and great cycling. Be prepared for the heat and the humidity, but the terrain is not too difficult. Accommodation was mostly very good or excellent, one not so good hotel. This is an experience to remember.

sri lanka

great cycling, diverse landscapes and a real flavour of the country. a well put together programme and full on with little time unoccupied. some challenging rides on generally good roads and plenty of time in the saddle. Good accommodation and food. don’t expect much time to relax

Excellent trip!

Great cycling, fab food, wonderful people, stunning scenery! Oh and the best guide ever! Guaranteed!!

Fabulous Sri Lanka!

Wonderful journey through the varied landscape of this friendly country- through paddy fields and tea plantations, taking in historic temples and monuments, and pausing at local cafes for delicious local fare. Some epic climbs and descents, on excellent and well maintained bikes, with a fantastic support team and superb tour guide (Suresh).
We felt that the trip gave us a good insight into the culture/scenery/history/flora/fauna of Sri Lanka, the accommodation was generally excellent, and where more basic it was characterful and adequate.
Overall, this trip was an epic, and highly recommend it!

A totally amazing trip!

This was my first cycling tour with Exodus and it was absolutely excellent. Sri Lanka is a fascinating country with lots to see. The cycling was great – some of it was pretty tough – especially the day to Nuwara Eliya but doable for anyone with a good level of fitness. The scenery across the country was beautiful and the food was fabulous.
The accommodation was generally of a very high standard. Two places were fairly basic but we only stayed in them for 1 night each so it was fine.
This is a great trip and if you’re considering booking it you should – you won’t regret it!

Review

Best Exodus tour yet

Review

Best Exodus tour yet

Fantastic - thoroughly recommended!

Really interesting trip. It has a great balance with plenty of cycling but still having time to explore our destinations and some time to relax too. It’s a beautiful country with friendly local people.
The hotels were generally of a good standard and although 2 were not great, they certainly weren’t awful. I appreciated that sometimes in getting from A to B you have to go through less developed areas.
I enjoyed the food immensely, especially when we went to smaller restaurants away from the hotels.