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!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

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.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

39 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Sarah Chesser

Reviewed November 2023

Southern India coast to coast

Fully immersive into the local culture, the trip takes in the ways of life across a hugely populated and relatively underdeveloped state of Tamil Nadu and the more prosperous and relatively developed state of Kerala. It is not for the faint heated as long cycling days end with relatively modest accommodation and throughout the local food is the only option, and toilet stops basic.

Most Inspirational Moment

The unspoilt beauty of the back roads through paddy fields and the scenery of Kerala

Thoughts on Group Leader

He had not done this trip since before covid. Therefore not as well versed on routes, culture, hotels etc as one would usually expect from exodus. That said he was always helpful, organised and keen to see everyone ok.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready for a full immersion into India - and happy with a lack of sophistication

Suggestions

3 / 4 long dats in a tie is tough - be physically fit to deal with this within the 10 days of cycling

Jon Gammage

Reviewed November 2023

Good and not so...

Week one: too much cycling on busy main roads, too much cycling on busy dual carriageways, hotel with rats and mould, rivers dead from raw sewage, endless piles of rubbish, bland countryside. Week two: Kerala, beautiful cycling, much quieter roads, great views.

Most Inspirational Moment

Very friendly locals, an aspirational country clearly highly motivated to embrace education.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent team, faultless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Skip the first week, find a trip spending more time in Kerala.

Suggestions

Surely quieter roads can be used in week one, I wouldn't head out to cycle 60 miles a day on the A1 during rush hour, so not happy having to do it on holiday.

Tracey Fitzgerald

Reviewed November 2023

Cycling though paradise

Loved this trip. Tamil Nadu was lush and the people very friendly. Lots of wildlife. Hindu temple in Madurai was really worth a visit. Food was fantastic. Tamil Nadu and Kerala very different places. Western Ghats forests and tea plantations stunning. Kerala was beautiful. Decent hotels. Good guide and back up team. They could not have been more patient and kind. The cycling at times was challenging. Some days the temperature was 38 with high humidity. The roads were generally very good apart from day 3 which was an awful road. There were a lot of punctures that day. It was for me the hardest day. More like mountain biking. There are some long flat days at the start and some hills in the middle which were actually ok( I did the recommended pre trip training). The days in the hills were the best. I wasn’t mad about the houseboat stay. I’d have been happy with a day boat trip and another night on dry land. I enjoyed every day though (even day 3).

Most Inspirational Moment

I liked the temple in Madurai, the birds, the days we cycled in the Ghats and the tea plantations best. And the food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shekkar was very knowledgable. All the team were very kind,friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I wouldn’t bother with taking clip in pedals, too many hazards on the roads to make it safe. Cows buses etc. Cycling in city traffic was scary at first but actually quickly worked out it’s not aggressive like the UK. Everyone gives way for you and no one drives too fast. I would take light weight bike lights. We had a couple of late finishes and really should have had lights. Take plenty of mosquito repellant, especially for long days when you might arrive at dusk. They bite through your cycle shorts. Some long days in the saddle. Worth investing in good cycle shorts. Take your own saddle maybe. Pack light as you can have washing done midway through at one of the 2 night hotel stays. Most places we stopped for lunch had hand washing facilities but wet wipes were handy. Take a water bottle with a mouth piece cover as roads very dusty. They give you plenty of snacks and have electrolytes for your water bottle.

Suggestions

I really enjoyed this trip and wanted to stay longer.

Adrian Smyly

Reviewed November 2023

The ideal India experience

This is not a trip for the faint-hearted : but if you are ok in temperatures of 30 degrees and over; you are a keen cyclist, can cycle 100km and cope with frenetic and unruly city traffic; you have an interest in foreign culture and religion ; and you have a strong tolerance of pungent smells this is the trip for you! I went prepared for this…..and thought it was great!

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the amazing Hindu temples in Thanjavur after dark, beautifully floodlit, and being fortunate enough to see a performance of traditional dance there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shekar was a very good leader, always thinking of ways to make our expedition more memorable and more enjoyable. Nothing was too much trouble and the things we did and the places we went to were very interesting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I found a rear mirror very useful..... partly to ensure that there was always somebody behind me which was good for my morale !...... And partly in navigating the city traffic and knowing when it was bad time to pull out !

Suggestions

I thought cycling in the cities, particularly Pondicherry on the first 3 days, was the scariest cycling I've ever done! But Shekar's confidence was inspiring ..... And I must admit Infectious! If you enjoy an adrenaline buzz, this is an unexpected bonus ! That said, I think it would have been better to 'transfer' out of Pondicherry on the third day and reduce the distance of that 100km ride, coming so early in the trip.

Michael Innes

Reviewed March 2020

A great holiday

This trip was pretty much exactly what it said on the label. A varied ride through contrasting states. Well organised and well run. No problems and a lot of fun. A good balance of riding and relaxation.

Most Inspirational Moment

Nothing particularly stands out. There were many interesting things to see but for me there was no one inspirational moment. This is not a negative comment - it was all good with no real highs and no lows.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shekar - Excellent. He was organised and always very considerate. He led well and although some minor incidents must have raised his stress levels he coped well. He loved to talk and would use two words when one would do but he was interested in improving his English (which was very good) so as to communicate more efficiently. Sometimes he made up the odd facts, particularly dates, but this was just an amusing characteristic and one would not treat his historical knowledge too seriously.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In our group everyone had done at least one cycling trip with Exodus before. There are some quite long days so I am not sure I would recommend the ride for first timers unless you were already keen cyclists. India is a mad place to cycle but quite safe once you get to grips with the techniques of getting through the crowds as one exits or enters a town or city. It is hot - low 30's C - but this is fine.

Suggestions

Hotels are varied from decent tourist establishments in towns to home-stays in rural areas. The latter are perfectly comfortable and interesting places. Many do not serve alcohol which is a bit of a bore because many, like myself, appreciate a cold beer after a hard hot ride. This is partially overcome by the guide organizing a supply which we could sneak in to our rooms (known as health drinks). This is Ok but arranging to meet in someone's bedroom for an end of day drink is not the same as having a social time in a bar. Some places you cannot be seen to drink in public so that includes no alcohol with meals.

Sarah Nicholas

Reviewed January 2020

A wonderful holiday

This was our third cycling trip in India and lived up to all expectations. There is a great sense of achievement in cycling Coast to Coast from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea. It is wonderful cycling through the countryside, villages and towns and seeing and meeting people going about their daily lives.

Most Inspirational Moment

I most enjoyed the friendliness of the people we met. I enjoyed seeing the cottage industries of the coir rope maker and coir mat maker. I love the chaos of India and the heightening of all your senses with all the sights, smells and noises.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Shakar was excellent. His love for his country was obvious. He introduced us to many 'everyday' people and showed us many places on route. He is friendly and fun and got to know and involve the whole group in the trip. He made sure we were safe throughout the cycle trip. He was ably supported by Bevan, Franklin and Jenni who made sure our water bottles were always full and any issues with our bikes were quickly sorted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cycling is a wonderful way to see India. Don't be put off by some of the long distances - the route is generally flat and there are frequent breaks for water, snacks and coffee. Cycling in the towns can be challenging but being in a group helps. Don't think you'll loose any weight as the food is delicious!

Suggestions

As other reviewers have said - this is a wonderful trip - go for it!

Paul Griffin

Reviewed November 2019

Bay of Bengal to Arabian Sea in about 500 smiles

This was such an excellent trip from start to finish. We experienced all types of weather from baking hot sun to cyclonic rain and along the way were constantly amazed by the friendliness and generosity of the local people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without a doubt the guided tour of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple where we witnessed Bullock and Elephant in ceremonial costumes in a procession.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shekar was great, organised everything and sorted out a visit to a chemist for me when things got a bit awkward.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will drink a lot of water whilst cycling so take something to put in it for flavour as it gets a bit dull after a while.

Tony Jenkins

Reviewed April 2019

What a fantastic trip!

Wow, what a great trip. I had a fantastic time and I am so glad that I did it. There were so many highlights. To start with the cycling was varied and interesting combining flat, uphill and undulating sections along the way as well as cycling by rivers, along country lanes, a bit of city cycling, cycling through tea plantations and many more. The food was delicious throughout and there was lots of choice. I particularly enjoyed the fresh fish and jumbo prawns in Cochin but there was also a wide variety of tasty curries to choose from along the way. All of the accommodation was relaxing, comfortable and air conditioned/had fans. The amount of different places visited was great too ranging from Hindu temples, Christian churches, tea plantation, spice plantation, bird sanctuary etc. The guides on the trip were exceptional. Abhi, the tour leader, always had a smile on his face and always had an answer for any question that you asked him. He was also very encouraging on the cycling side of things as well as pointing out lots of interesting things along the way. He also made you feel welcome and was very organised. He was great. Franklin, the driver, was also great. He was always there to help with your luggage, fill up your water bottle or offer some food for your trip. He was also encouraging too. I would just like to say a quick thank you to Virginia, Alan and Scott who were my travel companions. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to travel with. They were fun, good to talk to and helped make me feel comfortable while cycling. Thanks. Finally, I would like to say that if you are thinking about doing this trip then just do it as you will have a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was the day where we were cycling through the tea plantations. I really enjoyed the cycling (including 3000ft of climbing!) and the scenery was spectacular too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Abhi always had a smile on his face and always had an answer for any question that you asked him. He was also very encouraging on the cycling side of things as well as pointing out lots of interesting things along the way. He also made you feel welcome and was very organised. He was interesting to talk to and a great human being.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It got up to nearly 46 degrees when I went on my trip so I would highly recommend wearing a cap/buff or similar under your cycling helmet as it gets so hot on your head otherwise. I would also recommend cycling gloves and padded shorts/underwear as it can get very hot and sticky. Good quality sun cream is essential too.

Suggestions

I would highly recommend going on this trip as it is varied, fun and exceptionally well run.

Eamonn O Dulainn

Reviewed March 2019

Wonderful Trip

Just back from a wonderfully exciting ,fulfilling and enjoyable trip across India with a lovely group of people.
Accommodation and food of an exceptionally high standard.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting with and seeing how the people of Tamil Nadu get on with life in a manner that seemed to be so bereft of aggression and so gentle while welcoming visitors despite living in the most primitive of conditions. Seeing at close quarters the level of service provided at all of our overnight stays. The cycle through the tea and rubber plantations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shekar R. and his crew of Keryun, Bevan and were as attentive to our needs as any people could possibly be.Our water bottles were filled before we asked, our bikes were ready and we were minded and cosseted from start to finish. Shekar is very proud of his country and was keen to allow us to experience as much of its culture and people as time would allow. He took every opportunity to allow us to gain extra enjoyment from out trip by seizing opportunities which presented themselves en route such as arranging for us to join a wedding party for lunch...meeting a young schoolgirl to recite poetry and visiting houses benefits . He coped with requests and difficulties in a most efficient and caring manner and ensured that all were included in his plans.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The temperatures during March this year were exceptionally high (up to 45C) but I would advise people to travel for trips in Dec/Jan /Feb if possible. Drink as much water as possible...then some more.

Suggestions

Go for it ..you'll be delighted you did.

Hazel and Keith Sexton

Reviewed January 2019

AN UNFORGETABLE TRIP LIKE NO OTHER EXPERIENCED

When my husband suggested cycling in India, I was to say more than a bit apprehensive but having returned from this 2 week trip I have to say that I have had one of the best experiences of my life that I could possible ever have. The contrasts when cycling were incredible – from the quiet undulating roads through stunningly beautiful tea plantations in the Western Ghats to super busy streets with buses, tuk-tuks, motor cycles, bicycles and cows to navigate around! The cycling itself was of a reasonable challenge with a few ascents but the bikes provided were of a high standard with good gearing and suspension so absorbing some of the “bumpy roads” making the ride enjoyable and rewarding at the same time. The distances cycled on a daily basis varied and even on the longer days (100 km) these were broken up with food stops/rests so nothing felt overly difficult. The food was another highlight and stopping at local “cafes” which were most definitely not on the usual tourist route a great experience and we tried so many new and delicious delicacies cooked at times on open fires by the most friendly of cooks. The accommodation on the whole was a very pleasant surprise with the standard a lot higher than we expected. All the places provided excellent breakfasts and dinners so the main issue was of NOT putting on weight! Finally, whilst the main focus was to cycle from coast to coast, on each and every day there were different cultural sights / experiences to partake of and so allowed us to see and appreciate this beautiful part of India. If you are thinking of doing a cycle trip that allows you a wealth of new experiences and adventures then do NOT hesitate to do this trip as you will not be disappointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in Tamil Nadu and when we passed the schools, the children in their beautifully presented uniforms would come rushing to wave to us and smile as we rode past. They made us feel so welcome. Also when we stopped, people were again very welcoming and wanted to have photographs with us and know all about us. The friendliness of the people, who themselves have very little, were so smiley and happy that it made you feel very humble.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Shekar was outstanding! From the moment we met him in Pondicherry to waving us off at Cochin airport, he could not have done more to make this trip so special for our group. He was extremely organised, knowledgeable and listened to what our group wanted and adapted the trip accordingly as he genuinely cared about us having a memorable time in his country. We felt very safe under his direction and he took full control so that when we arrived/departed different places we only had to worry about riding our bikes. He was very friendly and sociable, and worked tirelessly to ensure we had a fantastic trip. In this, he was supported by Abi, Kurian and Franklin and as a team they worked extremely well together so that all of our wants and needs were catered for. Could not ask for any more from any member of this fantastic team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cycling in India is unlike any other cycling that I have ever done! However, the team looking after us ensured we were safe so listen to what the leader tells you to do and follow any such instructions from the team guiding. On the roads do not hesitate - ride with confidence and you will be fine. Accept that parts of India have real rubbish/pollution problems, but try to see beyond this and in areas like Kerala a real effort is being made to make the region a plastic free zone. Also, embrace every new experience - there are so many - and enjoy every moment of such a trip that will leave everlasting memories.

Suggestions

Indian driving in the towns is best described as "chaotic" with lots of horning beeping and everyone on the road trying to navigate the street at the same time but somehow it works and before long you get used to the horns warning you that another road user is in the vicinity. This trip certainly allowed me to experience sights, sounds, tastes and smells like no other trip and if you are like I was somewhat apprehensive, then I would say to you, "Do It!" and it is something you will remember for the rest of your life.

1 2 3 4 Next