Reviews

Beautiful!

We travelled in February 2023 and there was no evidence of shortages of fuel or food and the people were very friendly and welcoming so please don’t hesitate to visit Sri Lanka in Comfort! The hotels we used were always clean and well-maintained with comfortable beds, air-conditioning (except for Bandarawela), and extensive buffets so there is plenty of choice for all palates. Aliya Hotel in Sigiriya was my favourite with a large infinity pool with views of Sigiriya Rock in the distance. The optional game drive on Day 3 was really worthwhile as we saw several groups of elephants feeding, as well as having a solitary male take a run at our jeep to add to the experience. We saw many bird species including plenty of peacocks. On the game drive in Yala we only saw a couple of solitary tuskers as the herds were at that time in areas of the park which were not open to the public. No leopards spotted in Yala but plenty of birds, a crocodile, water buffalo, a mongoose and wild boar. We could not do the optional white-water rafting as the hydro electric plant had scheduled maintenance so we did not visit Kitugala or do the jungle walk. There doesn’t currently seem to be a plan B for that day on the tripnotes. Also there were not enough people in our group who wanted to do the optional boat trip to do whale watching – it was very expensive -so that did not take place which was disappointing for those who were looking forward to the possibility of seeing whales. The walk on Horton Plains was excellent – a great day being out in the open with spectacular views from World’s End and Little Worlds End. Some of the terrain was bouldery so would recommend walking boots rather than trainers. We spotted some giant tree squirrels and monkeys in the trees as well as birds of prey. We did spend a long time waiting for the train to Bandarawela and it was very full so not easy to get a seat with a view of the spectacular descent. The visit to see the ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is not to be missed. There are crowds and crowds of pilgrims all jostling to get a glance of the inner chamber when the moment comes for the monks to open it – not for the claustrophobic! Interesting to witness the dedication of the Buddhist followers. Kandy is in a beautiful location surrounded by hills – the views from the hotel are stunning and there is a lovely rooftop pool. The Dutch Fort of Galle looked very interesting but would have been better to visit earlier in the morning as it was so hot when we arrived there and a number of the group were not inclined to walk around so we did not have much time to explore. I think if the Trip Notes specified a walking tour led by the guide then this might make it more of a scheduled activity. The beach resort wasn’t really safe for bathing – red flag was always up! The beach was small so you could not walk far. There are surely better options! I had some fabulous food – tried lots of different curries. Hoppers for breakfast are fab!

Excellent

Without going into the interesting detail of the trip notes, this tour was well lead by Sujan who was very funny and knowledgeable. Compared to other Exodus holidays it is quite laid back with more time off on most days and reflects the laid back feel of Sri Lanka. The elephant safaris were wonderful and we saw 60 elephants in all…..a bit of excitement!!! had when one rammed the jeep in front, whale watching was fabulous too with 17 sightings of Blue Whale and some mating turtles. The cycling was very relaxed seeing plenty of interesting village life along the river. The hotels were mostly luxurious, always a welcome drink, barely had to move a suitcase as porters dealt with them all, most with pools and a feast for breakfast. Although it was very often only an omelette and fries or club sandwich option for lunch. Most evenings the dinners were in the hotels so this meant you could eat and go to bed when you felt like it. In Late March with 38 degrees and great humidity it was boiling but the air conditioned coach helped tremendously and there were no mosquitos. Do take an umbrella for sightseeing to keep out the sun as a hat didn’t feel enough. Drives that were set to be three hours turned out to be interesting stop and start drives as things were pointed out along the way, A trip I can recommend.

Another great holiday by Exodus

Following Exodus’s usual formula of maximising a tour around a country to experience its cultural and history with the added benefit of premium hotels throughout (well one had and enchanting feel of colonial days but that was just one night) I experienced a fab time.

Brilliant holiday.

The trip was very well organised & the tour leader was efficient & knowledgeable. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, I would definitely return.

Although this was advertised as a ‘premium’ trip a few of the hotels we went to were nowhere near what I’d describe as premium. (Although the majority of the hotels were very good).

Discover Sri Lanka

An excellent trip, made by a wonderful leader. A really good variety of visits and activities. We gained a very good impression of Sri Lankan life, history, culture, natural history and politics.

Amazing trip - a real ‘Pearl’ in the Indian Ocean

2 weeks of ‘Heaven’ – a full on and busy trip with ‘free’ time if needed – the trip included a bit of everything – temples, Buddhist sculptures, tea plantations, ancient cities, history, religion, hiking, wildlife and amazing scenery etc.
I loved meeting the tsunami victims and the local farmers and I loved the variety of transport – coach, jeeps, tuk tuks, cycles, tractor, train and ferry.
The hotels were outstanding although the Bandarawela Hotel did not reach anywhere near the standard you would expect on a Premium trip – it was a very dated, tired hotel – luckily we only stayed there for one night.

Good Trip With Lots To See With A Good Guide

Great trip with a busy itinerary. But also a few hours free to do what you want also. Well balanced trip.
Weather was very hot some days and the 5 mile bike ride was too hot for some. Jungle walk was also very humid. Luckily Sigiri Rock was cool that am, but if it had been high 90s weather that am, then that would also be a tough climb for some. Whale watching was an optional extra but it was absolutely brilliant, we saw lots of whales. Being a bird watcher, I counted 83 different species throughout the holiday. Along with 100+ elephants in Kaudula National Park and the whales, the trip had lots of wildlife for people like me to see and enjoy. All in all, a great trip, but if you don’t like the heat, then be aware, that Sri Lanka is a hot country. There are a few early am wake up calls, but was always worth it.

Lastly, the guide Sujeeva, was absolutely brilliant. He took us to some amazing restaurants (and family homes) to eat every evening. The Red Snapper on the beach was absolutely stunning. I would recommend this holiday for anyone thinking of going to Sri Lanka.

Discover Sri Lanka

My overall experience of the holiday was fantastic and I was most impressed with Exodus as a company and will certainly be using them again. All members of the group of 16 were included in all activities and no-one was left out. It is a great way for singles to go on holiday and be assured of good company.

Discover Sri Lanka - just do it.

If you think India might be too much but really want to discover a different culture, this is the perfect trip to do.
Full on and busy every day but with “free time” just when you need it.
So many experiences in 2 short weeks, cultural, home based, incredible climbs, bike rides, white water rafting, incredible views, ancient cities, spice garden tour with an expert, turtle hatchery, visiting a tea factory, and that is just to mention a few of the things we did.
Our guide was so knowledgeable and soon became part of our group of 16, the bus driver was brilliant as was his support, we felt safe every time we went anywhere, Our Guide Nalaka was charming and always available to us and answered our numerous questions with charm and knowledge.
All the hotels were of a high standard, only two were not that good but for one night they were fine, but throughout the tour we were given 5* treatment and courtesy.

DIscover Sri Lanka

Two weeks of absolute bliss. A group of 15 gelled magnificently considering age range was between 28- 72! Starting in the capitol, Columbo we ventured north to Dambulla + Sigiriya taking in Cave temples and climbing the impressive Lion Rock- what views! Something we would get used to over the course of the fortnight, each different view offering us an awesome insight to the lush, green island before us. Game parks – herds of elephants- not the odd one or two – dozens. Along with multitudinal birds of all colours , shapes, sizes and other animals( although the Leopard did not make an appearance this time )- Sri Lanka is a nature lovers paradise. Temples, architecture, stupas, sculptures in abundance enough to satisfy the cultural aspect of the trip. Cycling through paddy fields, white water rafting , whale watching all achieved and even if you were not athletically inclined the majority of luxurious hotels had a pool to lounge by and an informal game of cricket on the beach caught the imagination of even the most non sporting amongst us. Trips to a gem factory , woodcarving store, spice garden were also on the itinerary. There was something for everyone. Food was delicious – curry and rice but other ‘western’ food available. Beer relatively cheap. shopping in Kandy was a must – this definitely the place to get any souvenir or just to treat yourself. Can’t believe we did so much and saw so much – the time flew by – even the ‘free days’. Thoroughly recommend.