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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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Reviews

The Tropical South

Excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it

Fascinating exploration of Southern India

Southern India is less well known than the golden triangle – but that’s why this trip is so special. It shows you a new side to this amazing country. The Keralan backwaters showed us wonderful wildlife and opened our eyes to the culture and life of the local people. An excellent blend of nature and culture, we made new discoveries every day.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to choose from - the early morning walk around Madurai finishing with the Meenaskshi temple visit, walking and boating through the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, (loved the otters!) and the houseboat backwater cruise. Then there were the unexpected encounters - especially the Hindu festival in full swing as we drove past a temple. Our driver pulled in and we were welcomed in and shown where to stand to get a good view by the worshippers who greeted us with smiles.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Biju was an absolute star, anticipating our requirements, going the extra mile unasked, always cheerful, a terrific ambassador for the state of Kerala. Our driver Vinod, was great too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If, like us, you've only done the golden triangle and think you know India - you don't. Come and try Kerala - a different experience. Take the option al trip on the last day and travel down to the tip of India - it rounded off a really great holiday.

Superb varied experiences

Very varied experiences from city life, to tea plantations, to a Homestay and Houseboat overnight trips. Good optional excursions which majority took. Visits to Hindu temples with explanations of the culture and way of life, as well as other churches. Don’t hesitate book it. It was brilliant.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the tea plantations in the Western Ghats. Beautiful scenery. Loved sailing down the waters in the various boats, walking in the nature reserve with the unexpected way of getting across the water. Witnessing the various ways taken to travel and how many they get on a motorbike.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Biju was exceptional. One of the best I’ve experienced. An awareness of the group needs, willingness to help out in any way, including cooking lunch when the kitchen staff were short staffed. Very honest and open about his own way of life, and the culture of the country. Gave us lots of information often during the long journeys, so we learnt a lot about Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is hot and can be humid. Take binoculars, there are lots of opportunities for bird watching. Ladies, make sure you put a few sheets of toilet paper in your pocket from the hotels, as outside of them there isn’t any. Stick to the rules,” if you can’t peel it or cook it don’t eat it”, and no ice in drinks and you’ll be fine. We did and no one was ill on our trip. Take some sterling and a preloaded Visa card. Don’t use the money changers at the airport, there’s an ATM just before you go outside and anyway, you won’t need money until the first full day when you’ll be given opportunity to us an ATM. I paid for majority of optional excursions with the sterling. There are plenty of opportunities for ATMs throughout the trip.

Suggestions

I’m a meat eater, but I turned vegetarian plus fish by the end. Chicken may not always be cooked and lamb is dire. But vegetarian was fine. You can eat very cheaply, e.g. equivalent of £3.50 for a meal. The last night is the most expensive. Don’t hesitate, book it. This is a great trip.

Brilliant- highly recommended!

I’d always wanted to visit Kerala. This trip exceeded my expectations. The sheer variety and planning that went into this trip is mind boggling. I loved the people, the food, the countryside, the wildlife, the culture…I loved it all!

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountains and waterways are breathtaking. Travelling to see tea and spice and then plunging down the mountains (all well driven in a comfy coach) to see reservoirs, lakes and canals- I think we did four different types of boat trip! And just seeing everyday Kerala life going on around us- the traffic, the shops, the temples, the families, the school children, the animals. Being able to see ambitious cities, bubbling towns and quiet villages gave us a unique and valuable perspective. I felt more like a traveller than a tourist.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Biju Kumar is a great Amassador for India, for Kerala and for Exodus. He deserves a pay rise and a trip to the UK at the least! He MADE this trip- his professionalism, knowledge, humour, patience and humanity- he was the beating heart that pushed this trip from great to out of this world.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax! If you can just relax into Kerala- it will love you back. India and Kerala have a proud and noble history and a bright future. Particularly as a British person, it’s wise to bring your humility and gratitude to this great nation.

Suggestions

Personally, I like to read to prepare for a trip. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy is a funny, tragic, tear jerker that will fall into place on the journey- it’s set in Kerala where Roy grew up. Next, Inglorious Empire- What the British did to India by Shashi Tharoor is a devastating critique of colonial legacy. The kind and welcoming nature of the Keralans you meet will seem even more remarkable after reading this book, and might make you think twice before complaining that “the service is a bit slow” or “the shower isn’t hot enough”. To travel is surely to learn. Enjoy!

Kerala and The Western Ghats were fantastic - with a few changes, this trip could be a 5-Star trip

For us the highlights of the trip were very clear – the Western Ghats (Munnar, Thekkady, Periyar), the Backwaters of Alleppey, the beaches of Kovalam at the end of the trip and, of course, Biju and Vinod looking after us!
The “areas for improvement” were also clearcut –
a) the choice of hotel in Kochi – while the Abad Atrium is ok, it’s in completely the wrong place! We all wanted to be located actually in Fort Kochi, to avoid the several hours in the bus and the heavy traffic, getting to and from Fort Kochi
b) we felt that the Homestay in Erattupetta was a wasted night – the welcome felt begrudging and the rooms are tatty; we would have much preferred an extra night up in the hills (Munnar or Thekkady) or on the Houseboat in Alleppey (SO relaxing!)
c) the conclusion to a tiring fortnight turned out to be staying up until half-past midnight, for a transfer to the airport and then a flight at 04.30 – ghastly; this ensured we had an exhausting day of travel home. We would have liked to at least been offered the option of the Etihad flight out the next morning (at about 10.00 am)

Most Inspirational Moment

The early-morning nature walk in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Thoughts on Group Leader

Biju was an outstanding leader and guide for the group; he worked really hard to maximise our enjoyment, understanding and pleasure; whatever you pay him is not enough! And don’t forget the driver, who so often is the “unsung hero” of such trips; Vinod navigated the long and often “challenging” drives with great skill and composure; he managed the luggage without a hitch and kept the bus spotlessly clean.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Consider other options for flying home; the Emirates flight at 04.30 almost guarantees that you get NO sleep that night 2. You don’t need a mosquito net (at least not in January) at the Homestay or on the Houseboat 3. There’s no need to take US dollars - we exchanged sterling at a good rate and used those rupees for all our costs, including the excursions 4. Don’t worry about some reviews of the final hotel (Soma Palmshore) -it’s not luxury, for sure, but the staff were great and the location is perfect; as well as a pool, it effectively has a private beach below it!

Suggestions

Would it be worth asking group members to bring a mask, which they could wear if they arrive from the UK, in January, with a cough or cold, so as to protect the other travellers?

The Tropical South of India

A wonderfully varied and well paced two weeks in beautiful, vibrant Kerala and Madurai. Something for everyone: hustle and bustle in Kochi and Madurai; temples and palaces; local cuisine; boat trips; tea plantations; bird life; walk in national park; beaches; and insight into Indian culture, religion, history and day to day life. Plenty of optional excursions to enjoy, but no pressure to take part if in need of some r&r. The people of Kerala are amazingly friendly and engaging. Would wholeheartedly recommend this trip – you will not regret a minute.

Most Inspirational Moment

As the trip covers distinctly different experiences, it is impossible to name one highlight. For me there were many - a walk in the tea plantations in Munnar (such beautiful scenery); kathakali dance performance; early morning stroll through Madurai seeing the city waking up; jungle trek in Periyar on the trail of an elusive elephant; peaceful overnight stay on a beautiful houseboat on the backwaters ; many convivial meals with other members of group; tasting exotic fruits, sampling spices - the list could go on forever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Biju Kumar is an exceptional group leader. The superlatives could go on for ever. Excellent communicator. Perfect English. Nothing was too much trouble. He looked after us all in a very inclusive way, making sure there were suitable options for meal venues, helping with ordering food and making menu choices. His enthusiasm for his country was inspiring and infectious and we learnt so much from him regarding local customs, religion, history, geography and current affairs, etc. His explanations and instructions were always clear - very important when organising a large group. He was always cheerful, polite and patient. From my experience of 15 Exodus trips and their group leaders, Biju is definitely A***. Thanks and commendation should also be made to Vinod - our fabulous (safe) driver for the whole of the trip. He too went beyond expectation. For example, during our stay in Madurai a festival was taking place which wasn’t part of the itinerary. So we could witness the celebration, Vinod dropped us off and miraculously picked us up. No mean feat in the total madness of crowds and traffic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend taking advantage of the optional excursion on the last day of trip to the tip of India. We stopped at a beautiful and peaceful palace (very different from anything else we’d seen previously) and a temple where we were able to feel part of the pomp and ceremony and saw an amazingly huge monkey god. Paddling at the meeting point of Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea will be an everlasting memory. Do take at least one fleece/jumper/pashmina - the air con on coach was welcome but sometimes a bit fierce. Generally away from air con, it is very hot and humid - especially on the coast. Sun screen essential. Mosquito repellent recommended. I didn’t get bitten but I did take precautions. The walk in tea plantation does end in a bit of a scramble up a steep slope. There are opportunities to turn round a couple of times before then if unsure of capability. Don’t be put off going. No need for walking boots - trainers ok. Good internet connection in most hotels. We took sterling with us which was easy to change with Biju’s guidance. Eating out is incredibly cheap so don’t overestimate the amount of rupees you’ll need. Nice shops in Thekaddy for souvenirs. Lovely men’s cotton shirts for sale at Srishti.

Suggestions

Overall a wonderful trip. The only negative experience was the optional boat trip in Periyar. It was a large boat and very crowded with poor viewing. No standing allowed.

Kerala

Southern Indian trip. Tea Plantations, Temples, Backwaters cruise.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hike in the Munnar Tea Plantations was breathtakingly beautiful. Temple in Madurai, interesting. Shikara boat trip was fun & interesting. Backwater cruise was the best experience and very relaxing. Exta excursion Hindu temple Suchindran worth a visit!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Biju as highlighted in previous reviews was excellent, went the extra mile to ensure our holiday was a perfect and memorable experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Very leisurely, lots of free time. Hike in the Tea plantations is not for the unfit or those with limited walking ability.

Suggestions

Though the Homestay was disappointing, run more like an air b&b than a ‘Home’. The optional boat trip Periyar lake (day 8) was a waste of time. Overcrowded, 100+ people pack in. Restricting, not standing or moving around, limited views.

Southern India- full of colour and surprises

This was a really great trip. I had no specific expectations and so it was all a wonderful surprise. The trip is quite full on and covers a wide variety of places and activities, from mad hectic cities, tea plantations, temples, backwater cruising to beaches and everything in between. We had a great bunch of very friendly people in our group , which was full at 16. This wasn’t a problem as the bus was spacious and with AC .. a must… if sometimes a bit too ferocious! Our guide Sathish was an absolute star , very knowledgeable, very helpful and seemed genuinely happy to be with the group .He went out of his way to arrange alternatives when we couldn’t do the original plan… it was festival season so pretty busy in places. The only downside was some of the hotels were really a bit shabby and in some cases needed a good clean. I did not expect luxury but I think Exodus need to review their choice of hotels .

Most Inspirational Moment

The colours and the smells if Kerala and Tamil Nadu for me were the highlight. The vibrant colours of the ladies' beautiful clothes and the open friendliness of the locals left a lasting impression, as did the fantastic food. From an activity point of view the best bit of the trip for me was the tea plantation walk with spectacular views and the rikshaw ride ( which was a replacement for a temple visit we couldn't do because of the crowds). Although I did feel a bit guilty as I think I was younger and fitter than the cyclist.... I did get off to push on a hill! :-) The calm of the backwaters was also great, just what was needed after some pretty active days and long drives.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was an absolute star! Knowledgeable, fun, helpful, attentive and very well organised... he was was a huge asset to this trip , gave lots of information and insight on the local culture, religion and day to day life in Southern India. Nothing was a bother and when some members of the group were interested in going to an India cinema he organised it, he listened to the group and was flexible to ensure we all had a great experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Smile, and people will instantaneously smile back. ..I found the locals to be incredibly warm and friendly. The level of service is very high, the food is delicious ( and doesn't have to be too spicy) Be prepared for a few long drives... its a big country. Mostly these are through beautiful winding countryside ( you may need travel pills) with views to be appreciated , but a couple are just long and dull... just because of the distance to cover. Leave enough space in your case to buy spices, beautiful scarves and clothes at reasonable prices. If you use hotel laundry service... make sure you have plenty of time as they don't always deliver as promised.... its a pretty laid back place. The south is a 'sanitised' India with little visible poverty , a bit like Sri Lanka, and few beggars, beautiful country side and coasts definitely worth a visit

Suggestions

I would just re-iterate that some of the hotels are really quite shabby. The receptions look okay but the rooms to so. It didn't by any means ruin the trip, but its the only real downside I could find. I would fully recommend this trip , and hope you have as good a group and guide as I had!

Excellent guide

Great trip.
Decent hotels except the last one in Kovalam- short of disaster. In a 20 year old guide book was already described as outdated, no words how it is now.
Excellent guide. Out of my 7 trips with Exodus I think he was the best one. Impeccable English, as opposed to some other guides on my other trips. Makes a difference when you understand what the guide is saying.

Most Inspirational Moment

Food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As above. Excellent. Went above and beyond to accommodate everyone, share his knowledge and make the trip a real experience. Took time even when he didn’t have to to show us around and organized extra activities. I’m impressed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book your own transportation if you’re not on a group flight. I had drivers not show up even when it was booked and Exodus charges 5x as much as a taxi. (Kovalam: taxi 10 British pounds, Exodus offered me a ride for 55).

Great trip

A very different experience from the trips to northern India I had taken over the years. Made extra special as it was over Christmas and New Year.
A great variety of landscapes, experiences and people.

Most Inspirational Moment

The homestay and the Kerala houseboat cruise, as well as the cookery demonstrations. The best part, as always, was the people we met and who welcomed us so warmly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Out group leader Sashith, was amazing!!! Kind, funny, knowledgeable and efficient. He has kept in touch and sent us some great recipes for us to try at homehe really did go the extra mile to make it a great holiday. Special mention for our driver who was very polite, efficient and careful!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is very hot!!!! Take comfortable clothes, sunscreen and mosquito spray!

Suggestions

Some of our hotels were, quite frankly, shabby. At least one was quite grubby. I would have paid a bit more for slightly better accommodation in a couple of places. Not your usual standard Exodus.