Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many highlights to choose from, but as is often the case for me, it's the smaller, unplanned moments that stick out. So, whilst spotting both a leopard and a sloth bear in a torrential downpour, and dodging leeches in another downpour, were memorable, I think it will be turning up at the outdoor museum on Children's Day that I'll remember most. I don't think I've ever seen so many happy, well-behaved children in one place. All of them waving at us and practising their English. I lost track of how many times we said hello. It felt special, almost like royalty. Actually, I want to mention one more thing. Playing local games was an unexpected highlight and a real bonding moment for the family. It felt really, really authentic. It was particularly amusing when Roshan decided to show off his cricket skills, which we assumed was some form of light revenge for England's recent victory over Sri Lanka.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was amazing. I've since learned that he's award-winning and has helped shape elements of the adventure we went on, which doesn't surprise me at all. He felt less like a guide and more like a knowledgeable co-traveller sharing the journey with us. He has so much to offer and an ability to share his knowledge in a way that genuinely engages everyone. I can't speak highly enough of him. Thank you, Roshan!

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice? Embrace every moment. Look out of the windows when travelling. Opt in to the extra activities if you can. The white-water rafting was nowhere near as fast-flowing and dramatic as I'd feared. It was fun, felt perfectly safe, and was still exhilarating. Just book it. The country needs more tourists (it was quite quiet while we were there), and you won't regret coming here. And finally, heed your guide's advice on things like the weather. They really do know best. It's also slightly surprising just how many national holidays Sri Lanka has (40, I think), and that these tend to be dry days, as in no alcohol. My advice? Embrace that too.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. I had never seen anything like it in my life before - hundreds, if not thousands of people watching and queuing to walk past the room holding the tooth, each bearing gifts of flowers. The smell of these filled the place and it was just a fascinating experience. Also visiting the elephant transit home - watching the baby elephants being fed and their expressions and different characters. So cute!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was absolutely the best group leader I have ever had on an Exodus tour! As I landed in Colombo he had already set up a WhatsApp group for the trip and was in reception of the hotel when I arrived. When things didn't go to plan with the weather he kept us in the loop with a possible alternative and when plan B had to be put into action the day went so smoothly due to his organisation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Use the ATM at the airport to withdraw cash. As others have said - temple socks are a must to stop your feet from burning on the hot stones. It will probably rain at some stage during the trip but often this does not last long and the temperature is still high so rather than wearing a thick raincoat on the days when you are in towns or hopping on and off the bus, consider a thin plastic poncho - lighter to carry and will allow you to be a bit cooler than a raincoat. If in two minds about the white water rafting, go for the harder one as it really wasn't that challenging!

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Sigiriya rock, hiking Hortons Plains, whitewater rafting, cycling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee was professional, well-organized, helpful, knowledgeable, and fun!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing elephants in the wild at Kaudulla NP and young elephants being fed at Udawalawe Transit Home.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee was a fantastic tour leader. I really appreciated his knowledge of and love for his country. I learned a lot. He always kept us informed about what was happening each day and the timetable. He was informative, helpful, well organised and kept us to the timetable. He was consistently pleasant to deal with.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Sigiriya. I’d been nervous about the final climb and had great support from members of our group and the sense of achievement I felt at the summit and the breathtaking scenery gave me such self confidence. This whole trip has opened my eyes to a whole new way of travel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Ruwan, has a vast knowledge of plants and trees and could identify and spot birds and wildlife. He engaged with the whole group and it was a pleasure to get to know him at mealtimes. He always made sure were fully prepped for our activities and shared the history, culture and traditions of Sri Lanka as we travelled around the country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it!! ….. and when you do embrace and enjoy every moment and experience …. and take lots of photos so you can remember and relive all those special moments!

Most Inspirational Moment

Rather than one defining highlight, it was the contrast throughout the journey that made the biggest impression. The shift from busy cities and cultural sites to the calm, green hill country felt particularly striking, especially with the cooler air and sweeping views over the tea plantations. Climbing Sigiriya stands out as a real sense of achievement, while the safari brought a completely different kind of excitement. That said, some of the most memorable moments were the simplest: watching daily life unfold, enjoying the scenery, eating lunch cooked by a local family, waving to children as we cycled or walked through villages, and the unexpected interactions along the way that gave a real sense of the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was an excellent guide. His organisation was spot on, keeping everything running smoothly without it ever feeling overly structured. His bus talks were engaging, full of insight into Sri Lankan culture, history and everyday life. He created a relaxed, friendly atmosphere within the group while remaining highly professional throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and be ready for a varied pace, some days are busy with activities and places to explore, but these are balanced by a few relaxed moments. Pack more T-shirts than you think you’ll need - you’ll definitely go through them quickly in the heat and humidity. Also, don’t underestimate how much the group dynamic adds to the experience. Spending time getting to know your fellow travellers really enhances the journey. Most importantly, take time to appreciate the smaller moments - interactions with people, the changing scenery, and the little details that make Sri Lanka such a rewarding place to visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many. All the wildlife - very lucky to be in the right place/time to release turtle hatchlings to the sea. The people of Sri Lanka are very kind and welcoming. The whole county with its different climate and scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It is impossible to give anything but great praise to Ruwan. He was so helpful, knowledgeable, approachable and organized. He made our trip. His enthusiasm and love of his country was plain to see. He has been the best guide we have encountered on our many trips abroad.

Most Inspirational Moment

The elephant safari, whale watching (didn’t see whales but saw so many dolphins up close), white water rafting, meeting local families, all the food!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Prathap was a great leader, very well organised as well as really friendly and engaging, and knowledgeable. He really made the trip a delight.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sigiriya - the climb to the fortress and Hotel Sigiriya was superb. Temple of the Tooth experience at Kandy. Dambulla temples were awesome. Birdsong and sightings of birds, from the balconies at The Covanro and Earls Regent Hotel. The walk at Horton Plains. Elephants at Minneriya and at Elephant Transit Home. Time at Ahangama on the beach and at Insight Hotel. Bike ride at Girithale and lunch in village. Food at all times was superb.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely, sociable and friendly. Calm organised manner, which meant everything ran smoothly. He seemed to know what we would like, so I felt very well catered for. Our travelling seemed to be all on time, there were no delays or surprises. Prathap used Whattsapp to give us our itinerary the night before, which was great.

Most Inspirational Moment

The elephant safari. Visit to the tooth temple. The beach, too many as the whole trip was a highlight

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was friendly, his knowledge was impeccable, he joined in, his social skills and helpfulness were second to none. Nothing was too much trouble