1-844 421 0109
Call 1-844 421 0109

Ask a Question
hero-image

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!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Excellent
4K reviews on

Select a trip specific review:

45 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Reviews

Cycling coast to coast Southern India

A excellent trip that samples two very distinct states. You need to be fairly fit for this trip, there are some very long days of 100km in the saddle and some very stiff climbs in the middle of the tour which scale some 1200metres in the day. Initial impressions of India were the noise of the traffic horns, the anything goes rules of the road, there aren’t any but it seems to work, but you do need to be comfortable cycling in chaotic traffic. The rubbish everywhere and the cows, goats and dogs in the road and in the towns were an eye opener. Cow dung and holes on the pavements were part of the adventure that you needed to watch when walking around. Most people seemed to smile a lot and the kids always shouted welcome to these crazy white people cycling in the heat. Kerala was clearly very much more affluent than Tamil Nadu and the contrast was clear in that there was less rubbish and the drivers were a little more aggressive to everyone. You get used to the horns blasting all the time, it’s more I’m here, be aware of me. The food is an experience, interesting, very tasty and varied but always spicy. You need to like curries.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was an inspiration and if you’ve never been to India before it gives you an eye opening experience to the real India. In the saddle you get to sample the sights, sounds and smells you would miss on any other type of holiday. Everywhere we went there was agriculture, acres and acres of rice paddies and in the mountains the tea plantations and factories. The markets were full of produce some of which we don’t see in the UK, there didn’t seem to be any shortage of any kind. The people were friendly and full of smiles. The side excursions added to the experience, food markets, temples, palaces, tea plantations and factories, and the backwater houseboat stay and cruise near the end of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shakar was excellent as tour leader and his team made the trip memorable. They were so helpful and were always out to ensure our wellbeing. His knowledge and recommendations were invaluable and his and his teams enthusiasm second to none.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fairly fit, there are some long distances mostly flat initially for the 100km legs but also long steep climbs after the 5th day cycling. I clocked over 15,000 feet of climb over the whole trip on my gps. If you like adventure this is a great trip to experience Southern India. A great achievement once you’ve dipped your wheels in the Gulf of Bengal at the start at Pondicherry and at the end, the front wheels of your bike in the Arabian Sea just south of Cochin. It’s a tough trip but on reflection well worth it. If you enjoy cycling and adventure, go for it. If your Jabs are up to date you do not need any extra. No need for malaria tablets either. You will need lots of deet mosquito spray for day and evening. Even with it you will get bitten depending on whether the bugs like you or not. I only got 3 or 4 bites but some of our group got dozens. Don’t let that put you off though. Take plenty of sun cream, you will need it. We took UK pounds with us and changed some but mostly used ATMs for anything else. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels but not all but our tour leader was able to point us to the nearest ATM and advise on how to get the best cash exchange rates. As usual don’t change cash at hotels you get a poor rate. We only changed an initial £20 to give us a bit of cash till we knew the score.

Truly amazing

This was our first time in India and the first cycling trip we’ve ever done. We were a group of 12, plus Shakur our leader, Kurian our driver, Franklin our back-up man and Anil, driver, water-supplier and all-round cool guy. The group were of mixed ability which worked fine – we had loads of coffee stops, happy bushes breaks and although there were about 5 long days of cycling on the trip, from 8 till 4.30, it was all quite manageable. The route of this trip is superb. Using mainly backroads, then the odd venture onto main roads and into the busier towns, we saw such a diversity of scenery and got a great insight into the daily lives of the local people. All of it was so enjoyable, so fascinating. Weaving your way through full-on Indian traffic is exhilarating and hilarious but somehow or other it all works and we all got through the experience unscathed. The backroads do have quite bad potholes in places and can get a bit bone-shaking but they’re worth it, honestly. The accommodation is all of a really good standard I felt. I got the impression from more seasoned travellers in our group that this is one of the better trips in that respect. And the food! Oh my god! Fantastic & in abundance – only regret was I couldn’t eat all of it!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights it's difficult to choose. From the first morning when we did a circular route to Auroville, we were hooked. What a way to see a country and what a country! We were like wide-eyed kids with the biggest grins on our faces all through the journey - the sights, sounds and smells, the colours, the smiling friendly people, the beautiful children, the dogs, goats, cows - there was something amazing down every street, round every corner. It was a morning we will honestly never forget, just wonderful. And the people all smiling and waving, so friendly, cheering us on our way. And the food!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shakur and his team did a great job and looked after us so well on this trip. You could see that the more we enjoyed ourselves the happier they were. There were a couple of occasions when the route had to be changed or certain excursions cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, ie a strike on the day we were supposed to visit the tea plantation factory! But Shakur would get on his phone and next thing it was all organised and we still managed to visit the factory although it wasn't up and running. We left an ipad in one of the hotels - they rang Shakur, got on a motorbike and met us en route about 40k down the line. Every time we stopped Kurian or Anil would fill our water bottles, make sure we all got our coffees and teas just how we liked them. They didn't rest until they were sure we had everything we needed. Franklin cycled at the back all week, taking care of the slower members of the group and helping anyone with bike problems. We couldn't fault these guys, they were just great and helped make the holiday such an enjoyable experience. Thanks guys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bib shorts aren't practical for these trips - best would be a couple of pairs of thin liner shorts with some fast-drying over shorts. We had a couple of serious downpours en route and I wished I'd taken a second pair of shoes to cycle in - some people cycled in sandals. Gel seat - cheap one off Amazon - proved v useful. We did need to wash clothes now and again - take a decent travel wash or use the hotel laundry - quite cheap. American Express travel card was only accepted once, best off with Visa or Mastercard. Money exchange in airport offered us a much lower rate than anywhere else. ATM's sometimes run out of money so taking some pound notes out with you is quite handy, there are loads of "foreign exchange" places. Practice your camera face - many Indians we met wanted to have a photo taken with us - funny but true?! Our group ranged in age from 46 to 73, everyone coped well with the cycling, although there are so many photo opportunities that go whizzing by, a Go-Pro would have been quite handy.

Southern India coast to coast ride.

This was a lovely trip, taking in a lot of the sights and sounds of rural India which we could not have discovered for ourselves. We also visited many of southern India,s foremost sights. The cycling was as billed and very enjoyable, mostly on quiet back roads, although the chaotic traffic in the cities should not be underestimated.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the hill at Thekkady!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader didn't communicate plans very clearly and didn't always do what he said we would do. For example he promised a stop near a lake in three kilometres which I looked forward to as I'm a keen bird watcher, we didn't stop. He described a morning ride as undulating, it was a 12 kilometre climb. The deputy, Abi, was absolutely excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy! Take plenty of money, the costs add up, tipping kitty is a substantial sum.

Cycle India coast to coast

An excellent trip with good leaders, brilliant cycling, excellent food, amazing sights and a really friendly group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the local people who were incredibly friendly and welcoming Scary cycling in some towns/villages Cooking our own meal under guidance! Staying in a plantation owner's family house Exploring vegetable, flower and spice markets Cycling from door to door with only 1 transfer

Thoughts on Group Leader

Seaker was a really good, knowledgeable leader who adapted the schedule to allow for the particular interests of the group. He was able to give confidence to those of us slightly worried about the amount of traffic in a few of the places we cycled through although we were mainly on very quiet roads. He found us brilliant places to stop for tea breaks and lunches at small local restaurants and made us feel that we were truly seeing the "real" India

Advice for Potential Travellers

Respect local traditions, pack light, go with the flow, make sure you get your visa sorted and join the right queue at the airport in India!

India Coast to Coast

India Coast to Coast on a bike is the way to go. The people in the countryside were so lovely, friendly and their big smiles really made my day. This is a great way to see a country and meet the people. The best food was always the little hole in the wall places along the bike route. We stayed at some incredible places, especially in the countryside.

Most Inspirational Moment

The people! The people waving at me with a big smile, there is nothing like that!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

All of the staff were great! We had a leader in the front and another guide at the back of the bike riders and then two vans..one in the front, one in the back and they were there for us every step of the way making sure that we were having a good time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most days were 60 miles or 80 K, so be in shape for it.

from the Indian Ocean to the Arabian Sea

This was an amazing holiday and has completely converted me, before the holiday pretty much a non cyclist and very much a novice, to taking more cycling holidays. I love India and this was such a good way to get to see a lot of the real rural India. Cycling through villages, avoiding dogs, goats, cows, other cyclists and pedestrians, as well as the inevitable motorbikes, tuk tuks and buses and not a few potholes and speed bumps, was always fantastic, as the children all wave and shout hello, as do quite a lot of the adults. Its a complete joy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Realising that I can actually cycle the distances and get up those darned hills! Its difficult to single anything out. Cycling down hill for about 13 kilometres nonstop was entertaining, and the homestay at the end of that was absolutely spectacular. The hotels we stayed in were generally very good. Every day brought new things to enjoy. We also had a brilliant group, we all got on well and encouraged each other. The food, by the way was outstanding, mostly vegetarian. I think that no one was ill with the usual tummy problems, and we ate some amazing meals, especially lunches on banana leaves in little places we would never have found by ourselves.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Seeka ( I think my spelling is wrong, apologies) was excellent, very helpful and anxious to make the most of the trip for us all. As a result everything went very smoothly. He was very entertaining and knowledgeable which was great and had endless patience. The three other guides were also great, although I must admit that I had a soft spot for the wonderful Abi, who cycled at the back of the group ( my usual place) and gave me a helping hand when I needed it!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The March trip did get very hot , about 40 degrees on a few days, which is very hot to cycle in! It was also very very humid. The trip starts of on mostly flat roads, which is good to get used to before you get to the hills, which are challenging. I took my own comfortable saddle, which I was very glad to have, as the bikes were ok, but quite heavy. Clothes that are made of modern sports fabrics that dry quickly are best, as though the hotels will do laundry there often isn't much time as most days you move on. Take plenty of pens to donate to passing children, as the "Pen, Pen" cry is often heard and it will make you very popular.

Incredible India Indeed – a wonderfully memorable holiday

This was our first visit to India so we were excited yet apprehensive in equal measures. Our holiday could not have been better and we are already looking at a return trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the children, immaculately turned out in their school uniforms, waving and saying ‘hi’ and ‘bye’ as we cycled by. The crazy, noisy, chaotic traffic in the bustling towns. The constantly changing scenery, through small towns and villages, initially passing by rice paddy fields, endless banana and coconut trees then through tea and rubber plantations. Dipping our back wheels in The Bay of Bengal and ten days later our front wheels in the Arabian Sea thus marking the start and end of our coast to coast adventure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shaker, the leader, was smiley, knowledgable and well organised. He navigated the group safely across India organising great lunchtime stops along the way and introducing us to many culinary delights.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hot hilly days were fairy tough but nothing that the whole group couldn't handle. Our taste of Southern India has left us wanting to experience more of this incredible country and I don't hesitate in recommending this trip to any moderately fit cyclist.

Fun and Enjoyable

This was my fourth exodus cycling trip and the ‘routine’ was the same, across different countries. I’m impressed by the way Exodus find the excellent leaders and support staff. The bikes do the job, but don’t expect perfection – even so I wouldn’t contemplate bringing my own bike. The cycling is easyish for the fit and challenging (but doable) for others given the heat, especially. The main hill with all its bends I would equate to Alpe d’Huez. Some had to hop on the bus – but don’t let that put you off.

India and its traffic is unique and not for the nervous rider, but ride in a straight line and follow the cyclist in front and be aware and you will come to enjoy the manic experience. But there were lots of byways and some great views over the mountains at times.

We had some excellent food,much better than on the Rajistahn (don’t let me put you off) trip and in some ‘interesting’ local roadside eateries. Eat before inspecting the kitchens is my advice! I came to no harm.

Most Inspirational Moment

India (and Sri Lanka) is/are so different to the West and I can't believe that people wouldn't be inspired by this amazing country. Most of the people don't have what we have, yet they are charming, excited, genuinely pleased to see you. It is embarrassing to appear to have so much when compared to their simpler lives (I hope I'm not being patronising). Being able to cycle from coast to coast is amazing and to experience the contrast between east and west India. A real highlight was the overnight trip/stay on a boat in the Backwaters. A time to chill.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As always the guides, leader, assistants, mechanics, water bottle fillers and driver etc were magnificent (all 4 of them). How they cope with us daft europeans only they can say!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Things don't always runs smoothly. Chill out. Go with the flow. Enjoy. Previous reports had said you couldn't always get a beer at the end of the day dues to laws/culture. Our leader had it all sorted and clearly we had a few 'alcoholics' on this trip judging by all the bottles loaded on the bus. This trip could have been named the 'Kingfisher' tour due to the numbers of these birds we saw in kerela and the number of bottles of this wonderful Indian lager that were used to rehydrate!

An amazing cycling adventure coast to coast through the soul of India

You do need to be both a confident and competent cyclist not only to cope with the wonderful mayhem that is Indian town traffic but also the distances in the heat, however the rewards of this is getting to see and visit areas of India that most do not.
The sights,sounds and smells as you ride along are a delight and a photographers dream.
The accommodation was wide ranging from modern hotels, home-stays and magical old Indian hotels. All the food through out the journey exceeded our expectations with wonderful Tamil and Keralan cuisine.
We really had a great adventure – a highly recommended trip. Thank you Exodus!

Most Inspirational Moment

It seemed at times we were passing through the very soul of India with its very colourful local ceremonies and all the many school children high fiving us as we cycled through their life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Shaker and his support team were excellent throughout with their mindfulness of our needs both on the mechanical side and perhaps more importantly on the relaxation and refreshment front! To get us all safely across India on a bike was no easy task!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do need to be both a very competent and confident cyclist with stamina more important than speed to enjoy this trip to the full. Take a small pocket camera with a big memory card! Tamil food has taste attitude! Enjoy!!

Ruby Goehtz

If you are a keen cyclist than this trip is for you as its one of the most challenging ride in India. The distance covered most days are long and the terrain itself is formidable. The rating for this trip should be C/D because of the many stretches of the uphills !! Also the road and traffic conditions can be a nightmare but its doable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boat trip in Kerala is my highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The whole team we had was excellent. Shaker our leader is efficient, he is innovative,always cheerful and has very good knowledge of the region. He has proven himself to be a true gem for the company and because of his leadership, most of us have many happy memories to take home with us. Aby, his deputy is a young man with plenty of potential. He has been a great help to us all,always the encourager when we are about to give up. He works well with Shaker and they both work well togather. Franklin, our driver is a gem. He is very caring and never have to be told what to do. Always ahead in providing water, bananas and energy biscuits etc to make sure we have the energy to go on!!! His initiative is his plus point.Also he works quietly behind the scene everyday to provide us with enough to hydrate us in the hot weather. All in all a perfect team that works well togather.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the tough ride.