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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.

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214 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Reviews

Sri Lanka cycling

We’ve done several moderate cycling trips with Exodus and I was working up to this one, as I loved the sound of the itinerary from first starting to research where we might like to travel. I’m glad I did some less challenging ones first, and I was definitely the weakest link on this trip in our group of fit and rapid (mostly) club cyclists. But I was (they said) never far behind, I completed every last inch of the trip and was extremely proud of myself for completing the Nuwara Eliya ascent, albeit slowly. All this was made possible by Suresh and his fabulous team and the support and encouragement of the group (especially the patient and long suffering Ken who stuck with me at the back and talked me up the hills). We loved Sri Lanka and the insight we gained from Suresh, and his determination to make sure we discovered his country to the fullest extent. He certainly deserves his title as Tour Guide of the Year. Guaranteed (his buzz word). The trip was well organised, we were lucky to be able to stay in some of the accommodation which we were told is not always possible.

All in all a varied, enjoyable and very rewarding trip. What on earth do we do next to follow that ? Thank you Exodus. Thankyou Suresh.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlights for me were the Hill Club hotel in Nuwara Eliya where they brought us almond tea as we limped in after 11hours out and about. And a hot water bottle for our beds. Climbing Sigiriya rock. And the multi faith temple visit. And the visit to a family home for dinner in Ella. The jeep safari was also very memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a round pin adaptor, and a double/triple extension lead to use with it. Most hotels have UK style plug sockets but some of the more rural hotels do not and we weren’t always able to borrow an adaptor.

Backroads of Sri Lanka - Fantastic!

We loved our trip to Sri Lanka and would not hesitate to recommend it. The itinerary is very well planned and there is a really good mix of cycling and sightseeing.  We visited temples, caves, a tea factory, a gem factory, a spice garden (complete with massage), several wildlife parks and walked up the famous Sigirya Rock as well as stopping at a number of very individual refreshment stops.  The accommodation was good throughout as was the food.

Most Inspirational Moment

It’s hard to pick one but all 16 of our group completing the hill climb to Nuwara Eliya, seeing the elephants at Yala national park, climbing Sigiriya Rock, meeting the local people at some of the tea stops were all highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What really made the trip special was the leader, Suresh.  He has led this trip over 70 times so much of the itinerary had been developed by him, including some really special stops at the houses of local people who Suresh – and successive groups of Exodus cyclists – have been able to support and help through difficult times.  Wherever we went it was clear that he was greatly respected and no problem was too big for him to sort – and we threw a few at him just test him out!  He is very proud of his country and passionate about telling you its history, its wildlife and its culture – his knowledge is amazing!  He really brought our various stops to life and they would have meant much less to us without his guidance.  He was also amazingly adept at spotting wildlife in the bushes while cycling along at speed!  And all combined with a very engaging personality and some enduring catch-phrases. The support crew of Sandy, Upali and Lasa were also excellent, making sure we always had plenty of water, guiding us at junctions and making sure our luggage was always ready and waiting for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is action-packed with some long days in the saddle so a reasonable level of fitness is advisable to make the most of it. I would advise taking some energy gels and electrolyte tablets to help with hydration. Be prepared for cycling in heavy traffic in some of the towns, particulary Kandy, however we had no problems and there’s always the option of hopping on the bus. There were a lot of dogs around but we didn’t find them aggressive.

Superb action packed trip

This was simply the best trip we have been on. We loved every element. Cycling through the back roads allows you to get under the skin of the country and the people – both were simply beautiful!
It was a triumph of organisation and was superbly led.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day had it's own highlight but spending 2 nights at a beach hotel on the Indian Ocean at the end of the holiday after many days of tough riding was particularly memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was simply superb. Knowledgable, organised, personable with a great sense of humour. The best we have ever experienced.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Worthwhile to come with a reasonable level of fitness.

Great cycling, beautiful scenery and good food

This is one of the best cycling trips I’ve done. There’s a good variety on cycling terrain (mountains, backroads, beach, towns, villages) and the scenery is great throughout the trip. And you see a lot of wildlife on and off the bike. Plus lots of temples to visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hill climb to Nuwara Eliya. Visiting local people on our tea breaks and learning more about their way of life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh and his team were excellent. Everything run smoothly throughout the trip. Suresh's local knowledge taught us a lot of the Sri Lanka life that you don't find in guide books. And he always had a surprise (a positive one) up his sleeve... And the best curry - guaranteed!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware of the local bus drivers... They drive very fast and rather close to you... When in doubt, wait and let them pass. The weather is very hot and humid - remember to stay well hydrated.

excelent trip

This was a very well organised trip. where the guide could not do more to help people.
it is good that from when you get the bikes to when you finish there are no transfers, you can cycle all the way. Plus the scenery is very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

cycling through the back roads and small villages

Thoughts on Group Leader

very helpful especially with my food restriction ( being a coeliac)

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can be very hot so drink a lot

Probably one of the best cycling holiday in the world!

Two weeks of full on great cycling and when we were not cycling we were climbing rocks, learning how to cook, going on safari, walking round a tea factory, having a massage, learning about the spices of Sri Lanka, swimming in sea, watching whales, elephants, coloured birds and wandering around a temple or two. No time to spare and always something to see or do.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hill climb to Nuwara Eliya, the birds and wildlife we saw when cycling, the incredible scenery and climbing the Sigirya Rock. But I particularly like the way this trip supports local families and businesses who provided some of the tea stops and the back stories provided by Suresh on how they came to do this.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh makes it his mission to ensure that everyone has a good time all the time. He had everything covered, making sure that your luggage gets to your room, that everyone gets the best room, the best view, the best bike, the best tea and the best curry - guaranteed!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get yourself fit so you can enjoy the cycling. There are lots of dogs as mentioned in other reviews but we did become expert at spotting the ones likley to give chase from those happy to lie perilously close to the edge of the road. Unfortunately Sri Lanka does not come out well in dog welfare. There is a good variety of food and not all of it is curry. A breathing mask would have been a help to deal with the vehicle pollution in Kandy.

The perfect way to see Sri Lanka...

A fabulous trip – cycling is the perfect way to experience Sri Lanka. The trip is varied, interesting, enjoyable and fun. Loved it all – the local tea stops, the wildlife, the scenery, the food, the people, the temples…. A wonderful experience in a beautiful country.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many highlights it's hard to choose.... Seeing wildlife as you pedalled along was incredible, peacocks, kingfishers, monitor lizards, monkeys and even an elephant and crocodile and just so many amazing birds I'd never seen before. The people... So warm, welcoming and friendly. I will remember the beautiful smiles, the greetings of good morning whilst pedalling through villages and the children excitedly running to wave and greet us. Visiting Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Rock Temple, the long scenic downhills, the beautiful hill country area and seeing a leopard at Yala national park.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb... Best guide I have ever had. Suresh gives 100% every single day. He is extremely organised and very aware of group and individual needs and works tirelessly to ensure everyone is having a good trip. Suresh has a good sense of humour and he goes the extra mile to give the group so many wonderful experiences. He is very knowledgable and passionate about his country - you learn so much about culture and wildlife. An outstanding guide - we were very grateful for his enthusiasm, endless energy and for making it such a fun, enjoyable and interesting trip. Also he gave us some great advice for our extended time in Sri Lanka. Thank you Suresh!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a lot of dogs around... Some just sleep on the road, others wander in front of you, some just bark as you pass by but you occasionally get one that will chase you. We didn't have any problems at all but if you are a person who is really scared of dogs this might be an issue.

A fantastic fortnight in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country. The people are friendly, the food is excellent, the scenery is fantastic and the history and culture are amazing. Cycling on the backroads gives you a chance to experience all of this first hand. A truly memorable trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was something positive every day but for me completing the hill climb followed by fantastic descents with stunning views was a highlight. The wildlife was amazing - and not just in the National Park! I have also been inspired to get creative in the kitchen!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exodus should consider itself lucky to have Suresh as a tour leader. He is the kind of guy who even though you may have only just met you feel like you've known him for ages. He looks after everybody and you know that he is putting his customers first. He has a great sense of humour and puts everyone at ease but behind the scenes you know he is working tirelessly to make sure everything is just right. He also has great knowledge of the history and culture of Sri Lanka which made the trip even more interesting. The rest of the team, Upali, Charmara and Tissa also did a fantastic job. Nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In some places there are dogs. The vast majority are asleep but occasionally one might bark and give a bit of a chase. They are not a big problem, just something to be aware of if they make you nervous. There is a lot of noisy traffic in Kandy. If you don't like cycling in heavy traffic with car horns blaring out then you might want to consider going in the support vehicle for the first couple of miles on that day. But we stick together and go slowly slowly and we all made it! It can get a bit chilly at 2000m altitude so you might want to consider packing a light fleece/sweatshirt.

Sri Lankan Highways and Byways

A well balanced programme of moderate and sometimes very challenging cycling with lots of cultural interest as well.
Our group of 16 like minded people were challenged by some rather unseasonable wet weather during the first week but in many respects this made the trip even more memorable.
The cycling was a particular challenge due to the volume of traffic in towns ( lorries,vans,motorcycles and an abundance of tuk tuks ) as well as the notorious hill climb to Nuwara Eliya ( which we completed in very heavy rain ) ; however, I think we all went home feeling a great sense of achievement . Retrospective pleasure ?
I was pleased to see that Exodus are supporting small enterprises – our stops for tea, bananas,roti etc were a delight.
The hotels were mostly of exceptional standard and our meals at hotels and local restaurants were brilliant.Perhaps I’m biased being a big fan of spicy food.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the hill climb to Nuwara Eliya followed by our stay at the Hill Club hotel . The hill country ride to Ella and our subsequent walk to the stunning Ella Gap viewpoint. I also particularly enjoyed the day when we descended 1000 metres in altitude and on to Tissimaharama over a distance of 102 kms.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is a top guy. No wonder he's won the Exodus leaders award previously. He must be in line again. Everything was well organised with intelligent alterations to the itinerary to cater for the wet weather we encountered. Nothing was too much trouble. Unfortunately Suresh sustained an injury to his ankle which prevented him from cycling for a few days. I think that many leaders would have handed over to someone else but he carried on ( bandaged and using a crutch ) and still with a smile, despite the fact that he was in pain. Brilliant! Mention should also be made of the back up team to include Upali the driver and Sandy the mechanic. Hard working, helpful and friendly people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for traffic fumes in built up areas - particularly Kandy. I saw one motorcyclist using a face mask but that was it . If face masks for cycling work ( I'm certainly no expert on this ) it might be worth considering using one at times.

Backroads of Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka cycle ride was probably the most enjoyable of all my trips with Exodus of which I have completed 8

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several great moments therefore I am inclined not to nominate one

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh Bandara is possibly the most accomplished bike tour guide I have traveled with who was very instrumental in adding numerous special touches to the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sri Lanka is a great journey by bike however it is perhaps the most expensive I have traveled in Asia so far.