Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling blissfully along the Shimanami Kaido, we had stunningly sunny weather which definitely helped but the route, although along some roads (can't be helped sometimes) was a lovely change of scenary! The hotel we stayed at the previous night was also a highlight for me, the Hotel Cycle which was a great introduction for what was to come.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayako was amazing, she was very informative, went out of her way to ensure we had restaurant options every night and that all our needs were catered for. She was proud to show us her country and also curious to learn about ours along the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a level 3 trip, so it's busy and the cycling and hiking days can be tough, depending on your fitness level. You mostly pack up a little bag and send your larger bag on to the next hotel so pack light, and be prepared to unpack a big bag and re-pack the bags. Sending the big bags along takes some time so even though you might be at a hotel for two nights, you could only have your big bag for one of those nights before you have to send it to the next hotel - Be prepared, I took so many clothes I didn't need so less if definitely more on this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Quetzal sighting and Esquinas lodge .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Overall good. very personable, good information and history. Only not so good was the forest walks with 16 people were not conducted as well as they might have been - as it caused some some discontent with the people at the back etc . Some extra excursions- over priced and not worth it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

dont bother with the night walk at Monteverde. Some walks are hilly and uneven terrain - so not suitable for people with any sort of mobility issues.

Most Inspirational Moment

Rather than one defining highlight, it was the contrast throughout the journey that made the biggest impression. The shift from busy cities and cultural sites to the calm, green hill country felt particularly striking, especially with the cooler air and sweeping views over the tea plantations. Climbing Sigiriya stands out as a real sense of achievement, while the safari brought a completely different kind of excitement. That said, some of the most memorable moments were the simplest: watching daily life unfold, enjoying the scenery, eating lunch cooked by a local family, waving to children as we cycled or walked through villages, and the unexpected interactions along the way that gave a real sense of the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was an excellent guide. His organisation was spot on, keeping everything running smoothly without it ever feeling overly structured. His bus talks were engaging, full of insight into Sri Lankan culture, history and everyday life. He created a relaxed, friendly atmosphere within the group while remaining highly professional throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and be ready for a varied pace, some days are busy with activities and places to explore, but these are balanced by a few relaxed moments. Pack more T-shirts than you think you’ll need - you’ll definitely go through them quickly in the heat and humidity. Also, don’t underestimate how much the group dynamic adds to the experience. Spending time getting to know your fellow travellers really enhances the journey. Most importantly, take time to appreciate the smaller moments - interactions with people, the changing scenery, and the little details that make Sri Lanka such a rewarding place to visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

We travelled during Easter and it was very interesting to see how locals celebrate in Malta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Most Inspirational Moment

Orangutans

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great couldn’t do anything about the boat accommodations

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hopefully you aren’t young enough to made/pressured to sleep on deck

Most Inspirational Moment

Half way through the trip we did a 24 hour boat trip and it was the most relaxing thing we had done for a long time. Also we were lucky enough to experience a Hindu ceremony that made me emotionl

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi, what can I say you were wonderful as well as Shabu - what lovely guys who made it fun and interesting. It felt like we were a real team and they made it so much more enjoyable - Shabu was my life saver on the trip as I wasn't the fastest

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be open to everything, put your phone down and see Kerala for the amazing place it is

Most Inspirational Moment

The final morning of the trek was truly unforgettable. Waking up in Dhampus to clear skies and spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna range — including Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal — felt like a perfect culmination of the walking portion of the trip. Equally memorable were the wildlife moments in Chitwan National Park, particularly spotting one-horned rhinoceroses in their natural habitat and even catching a brief glimpse of a elusive leopard. These experiences alone made the journey incredibly special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Lakpa (Tscheten), was great. He consistently shared his passion and deep knowledge of Nepal, its people, and the mountains, which really enriched the entire experience. When a few group members became unwell during the trip, Lakpa was attentive, calm, and proactive in ensuring everyone was looked after. The wider local team was equally impressive. Our trekking guide, Buddha, and the porters were fantastic throughout the hike, always supportive and encouraging. In Chitwan, our naturalist guide, Kanan, brought the wildlife experiences to life with his expertise and enthusiasm. The professionalism and warmth of the entire team made a huge difference.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hiking on Days 3 and 4 is the most challenging part of the trip. Day 3 involves sustained ascents through villages and many stone steps, while Day 4 includes a long descent from Ghandruk followed by another ascent to Landruk all on the same stone steps. A reasonable level of fitness is important. The local team provides one trekking pole, but I strongly recommend bringing or hiring a second one. Having two poles is particularly helpful on the stone-step descents and will make the walking much more comfortable. Load shedding (power outages) is common in Nepal and can occur at various times, so something to be mindful of. If possible, arrive one day early before the tour begins. This gives you time to rest after your journey, recover from jet lag, and acclimatize, helping you start the trip feeling refreshed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the Temples and waterways on small boats giving moments of calm and peace amidst the Choas. The work ethic of the people and the long hours they put in just to survive whilst maintaining a sense of humour and an incredible sense of family.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manh Nguyen who was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, kind and who wanted us to have the best time possible. He was caring and looked after group members who were ill or just having an off day. It was also clear that he loved his country and instilled that generous spirit in ourselves. We could not have had a better guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat and humidity , it can be incredibly draining. Drink a lot of water

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many unexpected moments that enriched the trip, many of which weren’t even on the original itinerary. Our lead guide, Safi, often added or adapted elements along the way, creating a mix of planned and completely impromptu immersive experiences that made the journey feel truly special and memorable. I was also genuinely touched by the people of Kerala: everywhere we went, we were met with such warmth and friendliness, which will stay with me long after the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was absolutely amazing. He made sure everyone in the group felt cared for, catered for and happy throughout the entire trip. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and he went out of his way to check in with each of us and adapt plans where needed so that everyone could get the most out of the experience. A huge thank you as well to Shibu and Vinni, who worked tirelessly alongside Safi to ensure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Their hard work, humour, support and friendly presence really added to the enjoyment of the tour, and together they created such a positive, relaxed atmosphere. As a team, they genuinely made the trip, and I’m incredibly grateful for all they did to give us such a fantastic experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t be put off if you’re not an experienced cyclist. The routes are mostly flat and the road surfaces are generally good, with just the occasional pothole to navigate. The daily distances are very manageable and, importantly, most of the cycling is done in the mornings, before the heat and humidity really build, which makes it much more comfortable. I’d recommend bringing padded cycling shorts (or gel seat) and gloves if you have them, and making sure you stay well hydrated (with electrolytes), but you certainly don’t need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy this trip. It is a fantastic way to see and feel the “real” Kerala at a gentle pace, travelling through villages and countryside you might not otherwise experience, while also getting or keeping fit at the same time. Overall, if you are happy to be a little active and open to new experiences, this tour is incredibly rewarding and very achievable for most people with a basic level of fitness.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the elephant walking in the festival parade. I never thought for a minute I would see that in Kerala. But also meeting so many lovely locals along the route

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was a great leader. He made sure we always knew where we were going and when and checked that everyone in the group was ok with that. He left some flexibility so that we could add in some interesting excursions when the opportunities arose. A great combination of leadership and teamwork.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Kerala is so beautiful and cycling at grass roots level lets you see and hear everything going on around. You can stop whenever there is something interesting to see (every 5 minutes!) If you are interested in this type of immersive trip but don’t fancy cycling, hire an e-bike. Best of both worlds.