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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11 Reviews

4.6 out of 5

Hannah Devine

Reviewed April 2025

Not The Exodus I Remember

Sri Lanka is beautiful and worth traveling too. Would I recommend doing it with Exodus? Not for me – their tour was too overly structured, and the local tour operator doesn’t follow the ethos of traveling small and local. Our group was only 15 but our experience was no different than if we had been on a motorcoach with 50 tourists. We were always one of dozens of other coaches packing lunch and coffee stops, nothing unique about it. We thought we’d be able to have lunches and dinners on our own, as they are not included in the tour, but actually there was never another option besides the big-tour stops chosen by our guide, and the hotels were too remote to walk to anyplace else. The tour included a number of “cultural” stops that were really just high-pressure shopping opportunities, again filled with other tour buses, as if they were all in on it. We saw and did a lot in Sri Lanka but it could have been a more authentic experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in Dumballa cave temples

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dulip - He was endearing but there were many instances of troubling, unprofessional behavior. He gossiped about us to other guests, took guests to massage at a notoriously bad spa that was reputed to pay kickbacks to guides, made up stories about his family to boost sympathy at tip time, was a bit too "handsy" with the females, and had generally poor delivery of information about Sri Lanka and the sights we were seeing. I do not recommend him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel with a private guide or a smaller group that is truly dedicated to local travel.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Hannah for her review, although we are regretful to learn that her tour in Sri Lanka missed the mark for her in several areas. We always endeavour to deliver authentic experiences in all the countries we visit and we were saddened to hear that Sri Lankan Highlights felt overly structured and not particularly “Exodus”. We were most concerned to read Hannah’s comments about her tour leader’s behaviour and are in direct contact with her to discuss this.

Elizabeth Lash

Reviewed March 2025

Action-packed tour in beautiful Sri Lanka

This tour is the perfect introduction to Sri Lanka – a great balance of historical landmarks, cultural insights, stunning scenery and amazing wildlife (with a few opportunities for retail therapy thrown in). Our days were pretty full and varied, with something for everyone – no drive was longer than two hours, other than on our last day (going back to Colombo). The bus was comfortable and big enough for everyone to have a window seat if they wanted.
Our hotels were pleasant and well situated but some were a little tired around the edges, but I felt that was fair, given the reasonable price of the tour. The food was delicious throughout – we ate mainly in our hotels, with a few meals in local restaurants recommended by our guide, Mahen.

Most Inspirational Moment

I feel that I should say the elephant safari or the white-water rafting (which were both thrilling), or the iconic train ride through the tea plantations, but my favourite experiences were when we seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, with hardly any other tourists around, enjoying the birdsong and the beauty of the landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mahen was great - he was always smiling and doing his best to make the tour as enjoyable as possible (even if that meant moving the schedule around in view of weather conditions and people's personal preferences). He clearly loves his country and wanted us to love it too - his enthusiasm was infectious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack a decent breathable waterproof and sliders/crocs, whatever the season! We went in what should have been dry season but got thoroughly soaked on more than one occasion. Most people on our tour wore trainers, which were fine but sometimes took over a day to dry out and weren't easy to take on and off when entering temples (especially when wet). Although it is not a physically demanding tour, it is busy and we were glad to have extended our trip by three days on the coast (near Galle). With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had tacked on an extra day before the tour to rest (having not got much sleep on our overnight flight from London) and acclimatise to the heat.

Carmen Geyer

Reviewed December 2024

Love love love Sri Lanka!

Definitely an incredible experience! This trip is a fantastic introduction to Sri Lanka, covering all the must-sees in the regions visited, but at a good pace with some down time to explore in between.
Accommodation is good, staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. Local food is absolutely delicious, with loads of vegetarian and vegan options.
Can’t wait to visit again!

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to the Dambulla Cave Temples and close the encounters with wild elephants.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and in his words, he loved 'adding colour' with little stops and extras along the way

Leslie Polidoro

Reviewed June 2019

Love Sri Lanka!

Hotels, meals all very good. You can tell the country is still developing their tourism business, but they are doing a great job. Unfortunately the bombings will have put a stop on travel there, however I have fallen in love with this country and will be quick to recommend it.
Excursions and tours were excellent, I felt like I had a good overall visit to Sri Lanka, yet not enough so I am keen to return.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lion Rock Fortress

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very knowledgeable, however I found that he tended to poke "fun" at certain people a little more than was necessary. I felt a bit more history and explanations of sites could have been provided "on-site". Most tours were a bit rushed, fine for those in excellent physical condition, difficult for those who were not. I would have rather it was a bit more leisurely when out on site.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a battery pack/charger -- you will want to take alot of pictures and sometimes your camera/phone will not make it through the day. Tip well to all those that help with your journey.

Condon Corbett

Reviewed May 2019

Amazing Sri Lanka!

From the private pick up at the airport in Colombo to drop off at the airport things could not have gone more smoothly. The pace of the tour was excellent given its short duration. Accommodations were very good-clean, comfortable and well located. Sri Lanka is a stunning country with friendly people, beautiful scenery and an abundance of wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing to the top of Lion Rock (Sigiriya) to view the remnants of the ruined palace and the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from 200 metres above. Magical!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Suresh was excellent. Very well organised, knowledgeable of his home country, it's history and different cultures which he imparted to us in an interesting and fun manner. I appreciated his somewhat sarcastic sense of humor as well. Schedules were well kept and adjusted as necessary based on the group consensus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take part in all of the included sightseeing and activities, especially the bike tour through the villages where you will be warmly greeted by the local children as you cycle by.

Penelope Hansen

Reviewed May 2019

Sri Lanka fam

The trip was great. Short, but a good introduction to the country. I look forward to going back and seeing more.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the day we spent cycling through local villages and meeting locals.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was great. He was diligent in assisting passengers whatever hour of the day/night and adjusted our itinerary to adapt to changing circumstances like weather and traffic. Taking hundreds of photos and sharing them with the group (even if some were shockingly unflattering) was a nice touch.

ANITA MICHALCZEWSKI

Reviewed May 2019

SRI LANKA - A SMALL COUNTRY THAT HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER.

GREAT HOTELS, SIGHTSEEING, FOOD, PEOPLE. SRI LANKA HAS ALL OF THIS.
OUR TRIP WITH EXODUS TRAVELS WAS GREAT. WE HAVE SEEN SO MANY GREAT TEMPLES, CLIMBED THAT AMAZING SIGURIYA ROCK, OBSERVED MONKEYS AND ELEPHANTS IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS, TASTED SO MANY YUMMY DISHES. OUR BUS DRIVER DARMAN WAS A VERY SKILLED DRIVER (THAT YOU NEED SO MUCH IN SRI LANKA). HIS HELPER SAMAN WAS ALWAYS READY TO GREAT US WITH A SMILE AND ALWAYS MADE SURE THAT WE WERE WELL HYDRATED, AS HE SUPPLIED US WITH WATER THRUOUT OUR JOURNEY. THE HOTELS WERE ALL OF A VERY GOOD STANDARD AND SOME OF THEM DID OFFER A BREATHTAKING VISTAS. MY FAV. WAS THE HOTEL GIRITALE IN GIRITALE AND ALSO THE HOTEL TILANKA IN KANDY, AS THEY HAVE OFFERED MOST AMAZING VIEWS.

Most Inspirational Moment

VISITIG A BUDDHIST TEMPLE ON THE BUDDHIST NEW YEAR AND GETTING A SPECIAL BLESSING FROM A MONK WITH A THREAD TIED ONTO MY WRIST. AND ALSO STANDING ON TOP OF THE MIGHTY SIGURIYA ROCK AND FEELING PROUD THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET THERE, AS NOT EVERYONE WAS ABLE TO CLIMB IT.

Thoughts on Group Leader

SURESH WAS OUR AMAZING WISH MASTER! NOTHING WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO DO FOR US. I WISH EVERYONE TO ENCOUNTER SUCH A GREAT TOUR GUIDE. HE WAS VERY PASSIONATE AND PROUD OF HIS COUNTRY. HE MADE OUR JOURNEY A VERY PLEASANT ONE. HE ALSO SHOWED US HOW ONE SHOULD STAY IN SHAPE, AS HE WOULD TAKE US FOR MORNING WALKS AND WE COULD SEE HIM EXERCISING EVERY MORNING. HE ALSO HAS GIVEN US A HONEST ADVICE WHEN IT CAME TO SOME GREAT SHOPPING PLACES. I HOPE TO STAY FRIENDS WITH SURESH IN THE FUTURE AND ALSO HOPE THAT HE CAN VISIT US IN CANADA, NEXT YEAR, AS HE LOVES TO TRAVEL.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I WOULD SAY: LIVE YOU LIFE AND DO NOT GET SCARED OF SOME POTENTIAL TROUBLE IN ONE COUNTRY, OR THE OTHER. UNFORTUNATELY BAD PEOPLE ARE EVERYWHERE AND I REFUSE TO STOP TRAVELING, BECAUSE OF THEM. SRI LANK IS STILL A RELATIVELY SAFE DESTINATION AND IF YOU FEEL NERVOUS - JUST STICK TO THE SMALLER PLACES AND AWAY FROM THE BIG CITIES - AND YOU WILL BE OK. THERE ARE PLENTY OF THEM IN SRI LANKA.

Kathryn Walker

Reviewed May 2019

Fantastic way to get a taste!

This 8 Day journey gives you a very quick taste of Sri Lanka. There is so much more you will want to explore. Definitely an experience to remember. There is a reason that Sri Lanka is called ‘ The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ Full of Biodiversity! Breathtaking truly! The people are amazing, kind & full of pride for their country! I can not wait to go back and explore what else this hidden gem has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temples... Really any temple in general. But the Cave temples were so beautiful and the detail was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was great! He had the information everyone needed and he took care of us. he always made sure everyone was happy.

Rhonda Struthers

Reviewed May 2019

Sri Lankan Highlights April 2019

Exodus does an excellent job in showcasing this jewel off the tip of India. This tour gives you the highlights of Sri Lanka in a short amount of time. The itinerary is varied with sightseeing, hiking, biking with a little down time thrown in. You do need a basic level of fitness even though this trip is rated 1.
Accomodations are mostly 3.5*. Super clean, friendly and unique accomodations.
The food at the hotels were plentiful and very good. Focus is on Curry and Rice dishes with many vegetarian options. Our guide Suresh directed.

The Elephant Safari, Lion Rock and biking were some of my favourite activities.
Sri Lanka is suited for all including families.

Most Inspirational Moment

I am not sure there was a moment. But the people of Sri Lanka are beautiful people. They are a kind and gentle people. It was lovely seeing the families including several babies at the temple. Families enjoying the beach together. The children running out to say hello to us when biking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Suresh was A-One! He was well organized but laid back. He imparted much information. A lovely man who is approachable, kind and funny. He truly made our trip wonderful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a great stepping stone before visiting India. You will have some of the influences without the craziness. Some level of fitness is required if you would like to bike, hike etc.. January and February are peak seasons. The off season of April was a wonderful time to travel. Not as many people and weather still pleasant. Sri Lanka has it all: Beaches, Temples, Elephants, Monkeys, Lion Rock, beautiful Scenery.

Aggie Johansson Hartley

Reviewed March 2019

Sri Lanka a dream holiday

A fantastic holiday. Well organised our guide Roshan was informative, helpful and very calm and he together with his team looked after us exceptionally well. A busy holiday but still well paced, amazing sights and I can’t wait to go back.

Most Inspirational Moment

The manicured hills of the tea plantations and Horton plain.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As I said above Roshan was very good and exceptionally calm

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book a trip to Sri Lanka don’t wait!

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