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.

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195 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Louise Littlewood

Reviewed April 2024

Cycling trip

This was the best way to experience the country of Sri Lanka. The back roads on a bike gave access to the most amazing wildlife, natural beauty and glimpse into the culture and way of life. The cycling was challenging at times due to the heat, humidity and one day of tough climbing. The hotels and food were of a high standard and nothing was too much trouble for our support team.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the hill in Nuwara Elia was a relief but felt like a great achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was outstanding. He led our group with such vast experience, knowledge of the country and the itinerary was so carefully planned. I really enjoyed the whole experience, not just the cycling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is a must . It is not for the inexperienced cyclist however. This is due to the heat, humidity, one big climbing day and occasional busy traffic. The food is varied and delicious but can be spicy. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and seeing it from a bike is ideal. You don’t need too many clothes. Hotel laundry was very reasonable.

Suggestions

We had to have some early starts but it was much cooler in the early part of the day.

Angelika Ernst

Reviewed April 2024

Sri Lanka: best trip ever - eine wunderschöne Reise

Eine wundervolle Reise durch Sri Lanka! Die atemberaubende Landschaft, die freundlichen Menschen und die wunderbare srilankische Küche haben diese Reise zu etwas ganz Besonderem gemacht. Ich kann die Tour in Sri Lanka sehr empfehlen!

What a wonderful journey! this cycling trip in Sri Lanka was truly an unforgettable experience. The beautiful green landscapes, picturesque villages, very friendly locals and the excellent food made every moment of the journey special. Cycling through the tea plantations in the hill country was a highlight, as well as exploring the ancient ruins and riding along rice fields and tea or banana plantations. the Ayurveda massages, offered at the hotels, were great as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

too many to list... I really loved the peaceful atmosphere at the Buduruwagala temple, and the slower cycling on the backroads along small rivers, rice fields and tea plantations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

the team was great and super friendly. I always felt safe and the support during the cycling was excellent. Most remarkable was the group lead Suresh. He has great knowledge, a smile for everyone and exceptional organizational skills. He would always go the extra mile to show us something special on the way, where to find beautiful handmade souvenirs, offering an additional walk in the afternoon or get us to places with great food or drinks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

its hot and humid, therefore cycling on tarmac can get challenging. arriving a few days earlier is a good idea to adjust to time zone and climate.

Suggestions

I highly recommend this trip for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Sri Lanka

John Davidson

Reviewed April 2024

A wonderful trip.

This was a great trip. We had a lovely group of people who got on very well and a great team from Exodus well led by Suresh.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the hill at Nuwara Eliya on day6!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was wonderful. Very organised and knowledgeable. He kept us on the straight and narrow.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was hot a humid so be prepared for that. Take electrolytes and drink plenty of fluids but save the beer for the end of the day.

Suggestions

This tour was a good mix of cycling, seeing the local places of interest and a bit of relaxing. Although there were not many coach transfers I would prefer just to cycle from A to B. When we visit a city we very often do a cycle tour to orientate ourselves so it would be nice to do this in Colombo.

Michelle White

Reviewed April 2024

Best holiday ever

Back roads of Sri Lanka and more

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to list

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was marvellous from the moment we met him. His passion and knowledge of his home country was infectious. If I could ask for him on every future trip I take I would. He certainly made the holiday stress free.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not used to heat and humidity try and arrive in Sri Lanka a few days before the official start so your body acclimatises.

Suggestions

If I were to do this trip again I would definitely have a few days added on to completely relax. There were a few early starts to avoid the main heat of the day and to keep to the agenda of the trip all worthwhile.

Mick White

Reviewed April 2024

Absolutely amazing

The best holiday we have ever had. Seeing all the numerous cultural sights, and enjoying all aspects of Sri Lankan life.

Most Inspirational Moment

Stepping out onto the top of Lion Rock at Sigiriya.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh. What a man, absolutely first class. Attention to detail and knowledge of his country unbelievable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone. Having said that it is graded as moderate/challenging. The main challenge we experienced was the heat, but if sensible this can be easily managed.

Suggestions

A truly memorable trip, and left Sri Lanka with lifetime memories. Thanks to Suresh and his team.

Christine Norris

Reviewed March 2024

Beautiful Sri Lanka by bike

Probably our best ever holiday – beautiful country, welcoming people, interesting and varied cycle routes, lots of bird and wildlife sightings, lush colourful countryside, interesting visits and tours, delicious food, excellent hotels plus our brilliant leader, Ruwan, and his kind, thoughtful and hard-working team

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspiring moments every day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exceptionally good - Ruwan deserves to win the Exodus Leader of the Year award

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Trip Notes - all is as stated. If you like what you read, don't hesitate - book now!

Suggestions

If you can only do 1 trip and you love cycling, this is the one.

Sally Davies

Reviewed March 2024

Fantastic holiday and a great country

From the initial enquiry and booking process through to the trip itself the whole experience was easy, efficient and generally in line with the high standard I have experienced on my two previous Exodus trips. The hotels and eating places were generally of a good standard, clean and comfortable. Our guide/trip leader went above and beyond to ensure the trip went to plan and all arrangements worked as expected. He made sure we all had the best possible experience and was enthusiastic and keen to show us the best of his country. He dealt calmly and efficiently with any unforeseen events, kept us safe and was always available to help and support us all with anything we needed. The four support staff were also excellent, always smiling and ensured we never wanted for anything, including bike support, water and snacks at every stop. A slight black mark was that several of the ebikes seemed quite old and a bit unreliable and a few broke down a few times which made extra work for the leader and bike support guys, who were already working incredibly hard. They dealt with the problems well though and it didn’t really detract from the overall experience due to their efforts. I would highly recommend this trip (but if you intend to rely on an ebike be prepared for a few issues).

Most Inspirational Moment

There are a couple - Cycling past all the kids in the villages who clapped and waved at us and seemed genuinely happy to see us. Reaching the coast towards the end of a hot and sticky couple of weeks and getting into the wonderful Indian Ocean.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh worked very hard to make the trip a success, personally made sure the hotel staff delivered great service and ran the cycling and excursions in a very well organised manner. He was also knowledgeable and shared with us information about the country, its history and local insights. A very professional leader who made sure everyone in the group felt part of the team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the cycling is pretty challenging with some long climbs in the heat. You do need to make sure you have a good level of cycling fitness although there is the ebike option which I took just to make life a bit easier and meant I could enjoy the holiday a bit more without worrying about the climbs or having the odd gin & tonic of an evening! And a minibus follows us the whole way so there is always the option to hop in the bus for part of the journey if it does get too much.

Suggestions

In general how welcome the Sri Lankan people made us feel and how beautiful the country itself is.

Shirley Bottom

Reviewed March 2024

Amazing trip

Fantastic trip start to finish. Excellent leader and good group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each day had memorable sights. Mini Adams peak was quite special. Cycling in the highlands was probably the highlight

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan Balasoriya was an excellent leader. Very professional, friendly and well organised. He kept the group and itinary in order which made for a good experience for all. Very knowledgable and passionate about his country . He made the trip for us. Good insight into current affairs and history was also helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We took far too much clothes. I’d pack first and then empty half of what you pack out. It’s possible to get washing done through the trip . Very cheap and helps local economy as well.

Suggestions

Hotels were mid range. Sri Lanka is getting back on its feet so what it lacks in western luxuries it makes up for in the warmth of the welcome. Only one hotel missed the mark for some of the group and that was because no kettle in the room and no buffet breakfast. Not an issue for me personally. I appreciate that this particular hotel would have been chosen for location. I’d rather hotels were local owned and ran so as to boost local economy. A great trip. I’d definitely recommend. Will go back to Sri Lanka again.

Ruth Jones

Reviewed March 2024

Happy memories of Sri Lanka

Cycling through a unique meze of colourful chaos and quiet country roads with a great mix of people all wanting a good time, with delicious food thrown in, by far the best way to see Sri Lanka! It’s an exciting country and Suresh brought it to life for us, providing great commentary, and passing on his knowledge on the way. I learned so much about the country in the best possible way! He cleverly orchestrated the tour giving information and leaving enough time the group to bond, also important .

Most Inspirational Moment

So many every day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is by far the best leader I have witnessed, his attention to detail in dealing with group members is over and above anything I have seen on other trips and this for two weeks, I have only done week long trips. He works with a pertinacious resistance to interruptions, sometimes failing and sometimes exasperated by our constant questions, I’m sure, but he is funny, caring and very professional. I have huge respect for anyone working so hard to give a great experience in tourism. He is an excellent ambassador for Sri Lanka. Exodus you are lucky to have him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with a good attitude, a sense of adventure and a quest for joy!! I did and had a fabulous time! I did go a couple of days early and therefore very chilled by start of tour, can be hard straight after long flight!

Suggestions

If you are a solo traveler like me and considering this trip, just book, you won’t regret it, I felt totally safe in the hands of Suresh and team and soo looked after! After a couple of days Suresh knew what I wanted before I did! Thanks Suresh!! X

Sandra Burns

Reviewed March 2024

Wonderful Sri Lanka !

A wonderful , full on trip with a mixture of culture and cycling, spent with a lovely group of people

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling past elephants, and seeing all the wildlife Visiting tea plantations / tea factories Beautiful scenery in Nuwarya Elyria and waving at all the children when cycling The additional extras such as walking up Lions rock, tea with a local family ( food was amazing) and visit to Galle to do some shopping

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was a brilliant leader and the crew were so helpful always smiling and happy to help Suresh was Very organised and nothing was too much trouble, he was Extremely knowledgeable on the history and culture of Sri Lanka and happy to answer questions whilst cycling and walking - he stopped many times to tell us about history or to point out a rare bird or crocodile! “Best leader so far”!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather was very hot and humid and made the cycling very challenging at times, we had to get in the bus a few times due to the heat, there are a couple of challenging days, and the train was an option for 1 day Which in hindsight I wish I had taken! A good level if fitness is needed Or consider an e- bike Half of the group were on e- bikes and I would consider for next cycling trip There was some busy roads at times but also cycling the back roads We didnt get the rabies vaccine as not mandatory- I would however recommend as there are lots of stray dogs and monkeys!

Suggestions

My husband and I loved the trip, it was a lovely group of people and suresh and the support crew made it run very smoothly Would highly recommended

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