Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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207 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Steven Elliot

Reviewed February 2025

Excellent but title is probably a misnomer

I’ll try not to be too gushing about my praise of this but it was a truly excellent trip; at the end we felt like starting again. Exodus at its best, it’s all about the bits in-between not the usual tourist sights, though you do see those. Most of the time you are staying in hotels used by other tour groups and you do feel sorry for them being shunted from temple to city to viewpoint in a coach, all looking bored. They do not pass through villages where locals wash themselves and their clothing in rivers or see the smiles which greeted us, gaudily clad aliens in Lyra.
Thought the accommodation was the best I’ve ever had on one of these expeditions.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to say but guess has to be the climb up to Newara Eliya - nearly 7000 feet of ascent not the 4921 listed in the trip notes. Close second was the descent from Ella; we were awestruck by the scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wajee is a great guy with a passion for his country and a strong sense of social justice. He was very informative, particularly about the socio-economic situation in the country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The name of the trip is misleading - we certainly cycled some lovely, quiet backwaters of roads but a lot of time is spent on fairly main ones and, at times, there is a considerable traffic. Beware the Tuctucs, whose movement is akin to random thermal motion but less predictable. It was very hot when we travelled which sapped energy a bit - think that was unusual for time of year. Take factor 50 sunscreen- for me, at least, avoiding skin cancer preferable to a nice tan. We loved the food but it was quite spicy - don't come if you are curry averse. The free lunches are usually buffets - very nice but a good way to pile on weight unless you are careful. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and one we hope to return to.

Sue Duncombe

Reviewed February 2025

Great scenery, brilliant guide and support staff

I’ve been on many Exodus trips and this ranks as one of the very best!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through rural communities in beautiful landscapes with the locals waving, smiling and shouting “hi”. I have never come across a more welcoming, friendly and smiling nation

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan is a brilliant leader. His passion and knowledge about Sri Lankan history, culture, flora and fauna is extensive. He’s imparts this in an interesting and understandable way. His organisational skills are excellent and he communicates clearly the plans. On top of this he gave us so many extras - visits to local businesses eg coconut coir producer, curd factory and we had a cookery lesson one evening from a local family. He really is the guide who keeps giving! On top of this he’s a really lovely person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you’re not a strong cyclist and not on an e-bike, think carefully about what you do on the challenging day to Nuwara Eliya. I opted for the train ride but if I was doing it again I’d cycle and get on the bus when the going got too tough for me. Seats aren’t guaranteed on the train and it’s a long journey. We had an adventurous, interesting day on the train and the views are stunning but I wouldn’t repeat it.

Kathy Kranzfelder

Reviewed February 2025

Warm Weather and Warm Welcomes

Children (and many adults) universally waved and hollered hellos as we pedaled past–one man giving a few of us a Tour-de-France running push when he saw us struggling up a hill. We had a jam-packed schedule of riding, hiking, visiting temples, photographing elephants on a safari, getting a cooking demonstration (and recipes!), going on an epic train ride, swimming in the Indian Ocean, visiting a tea plantation and processing plant, seeing coconut husks turned into rope; taking tea, stopping for fresh pineapple, eating delicious Sri Lankan curries….it was an amazing adventure with really lovely, fun, game people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably finishing the punishing climb (7,200 ft over 45 miles) and getting a teary, heartfelt congratulations from our teammates--atop the climb and at the hotel (for those who took the train). Also, reuniting with three fellow travelers from a December 2023 Exodus trip (Vietnam), where we all met for the first time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is an uncannily perceptive, creative, indefatigable guide. He picked up on our preferences and adjusted options to really optimize our experience. Great sense of humor, too. We had lots of laughs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're considering this trip but think it's too far to travel from the United States, just bite the bullet. It is far but doable. I arrived a day early, got a room close the airport to sleep, booked a taxi, and returned to the airport to the next day to meet with the group flight. The extra day added about $50 (room and transportation) to the trip for me and I was recovered from the voyage. Also, pack light! Only 1 suitcase. Bring some basics in a backpack you carry on so you can still bicycle and brush your teeth if your luggage gets lost or delayed (which has never happened to me, but just in case....). Consider a year-long membership for trip insurance instead of ad hoc coverage. That's what someone on our trip did--I'll check that option out for my next trip.

Alan Warne

Reviewed February 2025

Cycling Back roads of Sri lanka

2 weeks of breath taking scenery, superb quiet back roads , being guided round by a superb team , left wanting for nothing, Excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

The beauty of the landscape, and learning via our guide the history of Sri Lanka

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh organisation and knowledge was first class , it was a pleasure to spend time with him ,

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will want for nothing , hotels excellent, lunch’s superb , the cycling is controlled and safe , just have a great time

Louise Weller

Reviewed January 2025

Fantastic trip

Brilliant mix of activity, history, wildlife, religion and culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved I all

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing such a brilliant leader. I have nominated him for guide of the year. Out of my five exodus cycling holidays Wajee was head and shoulders above 3 of the others. Wajee was super informative about every aspect of the trip wildlife, history, religion, wildlife, culture, food, cycling. He went out of his way to secure me a train ticket from Kandy and also gave up his day off to take us to botanic gardens. Thank you Wajee.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do this holiday absolutely fantastic such a good mix and no boring down time! Don’t expect Ella to be nice but it’s worth going there for the ride the next day. If you don’t fancy a busy long hill ride do the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Due to physical Limitations I got the train and so glad I did, stunning views and i got the sense form the rest of the group the ride wasn’t super enjoyable. Although this trip says back roads it is actually on quite busy roads in places, doesn’t bother me but if you are a nervous rider it’s probably not for you. Food is excellent I’m vegetarian and only exodus’s holiday when I have actually enjoyed the food. Lots of buffets so something to choose for everyone. Also take some small Binoculars you ca. carry on bike as great wildlife to spot. Some other travellers arrived a few days early and did some safari days near Sigiriya. I wish we had so consider it. The safari at Yala was good but I was uncomfortable with the number of vehicles and the way they interacted with animals.

Sarah Nicholas

Reviewed January 2025

Great way to see Sri Lanka

This is a great holiday to see some key attractions of Sri Lanka and enjoy cycling through the landscapes and small villages.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit and climb up Sirgirya Rock is very memorable and a great introduction to Sri Lanka

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was excellent, and its quick to understand why he is an award winning leader and in the Hall of Fame. He is very friendly and fun. He kept us informed of the days activities and looked after us on the road. Some cycling was curtailed by bad weather but he organised alternative places to visit which was much appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check the weather before travelling and be prepared for rain. I hired the electric bike which as a weaker cyclist was great as I was able to keep up with everyone and enjoying the countryside.

Michael MacRae

Reviewed January 2025

A bit of everything.

This trip was on the whole a very balanced experience. There was plenty of cycling combined with a wide range of cultural activities and enough free time to explore on one’s own. Hotels were all very comfortable. The people were welcoming and friendly and we came away with an impression of a country with plenty to offer. However, to call this trips “back roads” cycling is rather generous. There were plenty of days where cycling was in high traffic conditions and inhaling diesel fumes and pollution was rather unpleasant. Some of the roads were bumpy and dangerous.The cycling on the country roads was delightful. The support team was always on hand to make sure every aspect of the trip went smoothly.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention, most of which involved having tea and snacks or meals with local residents, all of whom offered an insight into their daily life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was one of the most competent guides we've ever had. His knowledge of everything related to his country is second to none. He treated all group members as individuals. His organisation and attention to detail were faultless. He went beyond the call of duty on many occasions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think of bringing a bandanna to cover your mouth when cycling in high traffic conditions as the back roads are probably only about 40% of the trip. Think of taking the train from Kandy on the challenging cycling day as it is a really worthwhile and interesting experience. Be prepared to eat spicy foods every day and at every meal.

Keryn Vella

Reviewed December 2024

Beautiful country - highly recommend this trip.

A very diverse bunch of people came together to experience the classic ‘cultural triangle’ and much more – but in a more in-depth way. Apart from the lovely people we encountered on our travels, the wildlife was one of my favourite aspects. My absolute favourite moment was when a monkey dropped from a tree onto our ‘snacks’ table and made off with one of the spicy biscuits (good choice!) – chaos/hilarity ensued!

Some of the riding days were tough – I hadn’t got as much training in as I had planned – but the back-up crew were always there to help! A few of the rides (particularly the big one) are on busy roads so would recommend a ‘commuter mask’ if your lungs are sensitive. The fumes from the buses can get a bit much. Although the people travelling on them, hanging out the doors and windows shouting encouragement, almost made up for it!

Most Inspirational Moment

I'd have to agree with other reviews that it was the kids. So happy and engaging - so many high fives - which were sorely needed on the big climbs!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was fabulous - extremely knowledgeable and adaptable to the preferences of the group. Lovely, lovely person - as were the rest of the hardworking team!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the 'optional ride' on the last cycling day. We stopped to see a couple of local industries (making rope from coconut husks; cinnamon) cycled past some beautiful scenery on quiet back roads, and stopped for 'tea' (or coffee for some of us) in a historic home turned guest house - perfect way to end the cycling leg of our trip. We travelled up to Kappalady after the tour (3.5 hours in a taxi) for some kite surfing for a few days. We stayed at MoJo Stay - newly opened (we were their first paying guests!) and a little touch of paradise! Properly off the beaten track in a little village where we were treated to a coconut drink by a local farmer and bought some bracelets off the neighbours kids (very enterprising!). If staying in Negombo before/after your flight - highly recommend Swanee Grand - another absolutely stunning historic home turned hotel!

Douglas Williamson

Reviewed December 2024

Bucket List Experience

This trip is utterly amazing on every level and most importantly, it provides an immersive experience in the very best Sri Lanka has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

The thrill of climbing and descending through the tea plantation highlands was extraordinary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was THE most professional, personable and attentive guide we have ever had on a dozen previous adventures.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to be exposed to everything this country has to offer then - book it and go.

Tim Laughton-Scott

Reviewed August 2024

Once in a lifetime experience with the best guides and people!

I found Sri Lanka to be an incredibly stunning country. We all felt we got to see so much of it whilst getting an authentic feel to the local way of life through seeing it on a saddle. The itinerary is very well designed, as well as all the cycling we got to climb Lions Rock in Sigiriya, visit spice gardens and ancient ruins in the lowlands, walk through botanical gardens in Kandy, see some of the most beautiful views in Ella and got to relax on the beach, swimming in the Indian Ocean after 9 days of cycling. Being a relatively inexperienced cyclist, I did find some of the cycles challenging yet incredibly rewarding. With the cycling, culture, wildlife, food, lovely accommodation and group you’ll share the trip with, this was an incredible way to experience the best of Sri Lanka!

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose just one but have to say ascending the final 20km to Nuwara Eliya! This was the final leg of the day and was a long ascent up the mountain. We were made very aware this would be a challenge and although you are surrounded my spectacular mountain scenery, you'll mostly be looking at the road in front of you that you're trying to summit! The guide and his support team were a fantastic help and if you couldn't make it to the top, the option was there to jump in the van if needed. Reaching the top though felt like an incredible achievement, there were lots of high fives between the group and everybody felt very proud of what they'd just managed to complete. It really brought us together as a group!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh as a leader was outstanding. He's been running this trip for 16 years and you can really tell! Working with his support team (Bus driver, bus assistant, support van driver, cycle assistant) you really feel like you're in good hands. They were driving ahead of us, ready with snacks and cut fresh fruit for our cycle breaks. They would also be stopping traffic whenever we came up to a T junction to make sure we crossed the road safely. One guest got a puncture and the support driver and cycle assistant changed her tyre and had her back on the road within two minutes! Suresh himself was totally in control of the whole trip and had a great sense of humour. Every meal we had he would say, 'we now go to the buffet, we make maximum damage!' With Suresh and his team, they made the difficult look easy, making the trip run like clockwork and we felt as if we didn't have a minute wasted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would get some time in the saddle before you go and practice ascending steeper hills where possible. The cycle support team on the trip do a great job but some of the ascents and distances can be challenging, especially if its hot. E-bikes are available if you want to make the cycling easier, and we did have the support bus there at all times that you can jump into if it becomes too challenging.

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