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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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

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Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Reviews

CYCLE KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

This was the best trip that we have taken! Great company in the group, the ‘A Team’ of guides, access to the real sights, sounds, food and people of an incredible country……and cold Kingfisher and non stop curry. What more could you want?

Most Inspirational Moment

This is impossible because there was something every day that trumped the day before. The National Park (we saw a tiger 30' away and wild elephants...the young bull charging the bus was great (no we don't refer to Safi!). The ride through the national park and arrival at Wild Haven (could have stayed for several months there!). Guruvayor and the temple. The boat trip through the backwaters! In all of this was the joy of being welcomed so warmly by everyone we came across.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was fantastic. Really good leadership skills, great english (made us laugh alot) he was intersting to talk to and really well informed. The trip was smoother than smooth (all that constant ringing ahead while cycling). Safi rode the front but constantly checked that the group were OK). Mention here to for Shebu (the best support driver in the sub continent and a nicer person would be difficult to meet). And last but not least Vipin who rode the rear (except for an attempt at the record for cycling Ooty!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother with water bottles as the endless supply of water was faultless. Take a travel washing line.

CYCLE KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

A trip which is impossible to summarise.  Ok – let’s try – GREAT SUPER FABULOUS.  Two months since I embarked on it and I am still thinking fondly of my experiences.

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.

CYCLE KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

There is nothing negative to say about this trip.  It delivers on all aspects.  The cycling is varied – at times a great challenge and other times an easy, pleasurable ride.  With the local guides you get to see the real India.  I couldn’t recommend this trip enough.

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!!!!

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

A wonderfully varied trip from a chilly start in the Western Ghats to the warm tropical beaches of Kerala.Cycling was varied too from challenging uphill to sedate coastal rides. Fabulous cheap food! 

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 

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

India is not a cycling friendly country. A decision to take this trip should be guided by a serious consideration of traffic and road conditions – both are adverse and the potential for serious injury is real and not to be underestimated.

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.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Loved it, particularly the 2nd week once we’d entered Kerala, which was as beautiful as I’d imagined. Lots of early starts, and some long cycling days, but always with the support vehicle for anyone in need, and friendly ‘hi’s’ from local children as we cycled passed, and a wonderful day on the house-boat and final day on the beach to round it all off.

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.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

The second week in Kerala was stunning – scenery, birdlife, food, backwater cycling, Varkala beach. Perfect.First week – not so good. Too much heavy traffic and pollution. I have asthma so it wasn’t a happy time as I struggled along 40KM of trucks, cars and motorbikes belching out goodness knows what. I would therefore recommend anyone with a similar condition to acquire a face mask.

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.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

India and this trip far exceeded my expectations. If I had to convert friends to do a cycling holiday, this would be the trip to convince them, as it is mostly door-to-door riding with so much to see and experience. Brilliant! This was my 7th cycling trip and was up there with the best. Don’t hesitate – book it!

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.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Wow! Kerala & Tropical India Cycling trip was all we expected and more.Excellent trip – great cycling, great scenery – with wonderful variety, great tour team & great group to be on holiday with.

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

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Terriffic holiday, great cycling, genuinly friendly locals even asking for pictures with us. Good hotels in interesting locations. Food fantastic.

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.