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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207 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Carla Babichuk

Reviewed August 2014

A Must Do Trip

For the whole 650 km, I felt sorry for visitors in Sri Lanka stuck on tour busses. Yes, there were some challenging and tough days due to certain road conditions, weather, climbs, and distances but the beautiful people and the magnificent scenery made it easy to forget any discomfort.

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my first cycling trip and I feel privileged to have seen such an amazing country and its people so up close and personal. I had many overwhelming moments as the gracious and warm Sri Lankans smiled and cheered us on. EVERY ONE gives that adorable head bob and a huge smile. They are the warmest, most sincere hosts just happy to have you in their country. I particularly loved how the children would run up to the road waving, smiling and saying hello. The scenery is breathtaking, particularly in the mountain area tea plantations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

There isn't enough room to express how absolutely fantastic Suresh and his team (Uppali, Chamara and Lal). They literally think of everything. You truly just have to show up and pedal and they will do the rest from making sure your luggage gets to and from your room, to washing your bikes, to filling your water bottles, to organizing special meals and opportunities to take in the culture. Suresh LOVES what he does and it shows. His excitement of delivering the extra special touches (the personalized photo card, the gift, the decorated cake to celebrate the toughest ride) is sweet, endearing and appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring clip shoes and pedals if you usually use them. Bring your own seat or VERY padded shorts. Make sure you like the challenge of being on a bike for extended periods of time (though the frequent breaks certainly help).

Annette Jorgensen

Reviewed July 2014

A great country to visit on a bike

I had a really great holiday cycling the backroads of Sri Lanka. There was a lot of variety on the trip and some very interesting cycling through lots of small non touristy villages. The country is very beautiful and have lots to offer so I enjoy it all very much even though the cycling in the heat was very challenging at times. However we did have a bit of a heat way when I went so the temperature was way over average.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was many but I really loved Sigiriya in the beginning of the trip - was nice with a cycling in the morning, then a rest at the pool and finally climbing the big rock in the afternoon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was excellent and I cannot recommend Suresh enough. He has a real passion for his country and will happily share all his knowledge with you. He also gave us several small nice surprises on the trip - with gave the whole thing a very personal touch.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try and get fit before the trip, that will definitely make the cycling more enjoyable since there are a few challenging days.

Louise Southall

Reviewed March 2014

Cycle the back roads of Sri Lanka

This was our 3rd Exodus trip and it exceeded all of our expectations I really do not think that any other trip would ever top the two weeks that we had in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan people are friendly and smiley, the countryside breathtaking and the wildlife is amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was full of new experiences and challenges but we loved the elephant orphanage and Lions rock. Our guide Suresh took us to a temple one evening were we made an offering to the Gods and were blessed by the holy man (for a safe journey) Suresh also took us to Little Adams Peak in Ella as the sun was going down which was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh our tour leader- what can I say words do not do justice to this lovely gentle man. Everything was planned to perfection, Suresh and his team are a credit to Exodus, they all went above and beyond their duties to ensure we had the holiday of a lifetime. Suresh organised many activities not listed in the trip notes and was at hand 24 hours a day should any problems arise. He has a great local knowledge which maximised our experience of Sri Lanka.Thank you Suresh, Sandy,Chamara, Amila and Upali for a fabulous 2 weeks we will never forget you all, such lovely people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do not need to be a hard core cyclist but get bike fit there are two tough days.This is a group holiday and we had brilliant travel companions who all gelled from day one. Go with an open mind and try everything have faith in your leader.

Reviewed December 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

An interesting and varied trip with great leader & support crew. Friendly people, lots of Buddha’s, interesting flora and fauna and some spectacular scenery. Hot and humid initially but cooled a little as we hit the hills. Cycling was challenging for some but everyone cycled every day with a few personal firsts achieved.

Most Inspirational Moment

The "up hilly" day that EVERYONE cycled to Nuwara Eliya. The Hill Club at Nuwara Eliya is something special too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilip was very professional and efficient - lead a good team and the trip went very smoothly. Very knowledgeable especially about the local bird life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was hot - take light weight cycle shorts. There was free wifi in the all the Hotels. Take good (gel) cycling gloves - the tramac road surfaces are good but once on the dirt roads (which have a good but rough surface) you will appriecate some padding. Worth taking binoculars for the safari day if you have space.

Reviewed December 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

This has to be one of the most enjoyable Exodus cycle tours I have taken and I have taken a few! I love the Indian sub continent for its people, food, culture and colour and Sri Lanka did not disapoint. What made it stand out was the group of very special people that I enjoyed it with and the most caring and attentive staff you can imagine.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the second to last evening that we were all together as a group. The guitars of the resident band were hi-jacked and tributes,with lyrics writen by group members, were sung to the tunes of "O-bla-dee, O-blah-da", "Your Song" and "I'll tak the high road..." which express the feelings of comaraderie that had grown within the group, including the staff, and especially the leader.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Just think of all the appropriate flattering superlatives you can think of and you will have it about right

Advice for Potential Travellers

IT IS NOT ABOUT THE BIKE. OK I know it is a cycle tour but remember you are in a richly exotic part of the world with an interesting culture and a lively people. Take the time along the way to interact with and enjoy them. The following story is an example. Taking my time as usual I found that I had seen no one for a while and wondered if I had taken a wrong turn, so I stopped at a wayside fruit stall to ask. Two lovely ladies who spoke no English and I, who did not speak their language, managed to communicate that the villages I was asking about were "just round the corner" and " 5 klms away" respectively, that I should take their photo in front of their stall and that here was the address to which I should mail a copy!

Reviewed October 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Just returned from a fantastic trip around Sri Lanka. Exceeded expectations in every sense – the cycling, the people, the countryside, the food, the hotels, the organisations, the support – all amazing! Travelling around by bike was just the best way to see the country and all it has to offer – some beautiful scenery (much of it reached by climbing some serious hills!), very welcoming people and an interesting insight into how the country works and how people live. We were looked after exceptionally well from start to finish – I have no hesitation in highly recommending this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many...but a particular highlight has to be reaching the top of the highest point in the country after a 2000m climb. Unfortunately we couldn't see much at the time due to the clouds and rain, but knew it was quite an achievement to have got there on a bike, especially in that weather! Luckily the sun was shining the next day so could see the full extent of the countryside and the heights we had scaled to reach it.Rest day in Kandy made a welcome change of tourist activity (lake, temple of the tooth relic), not to mention the safari (and tusker sighting!) and visits to ruins, temples, tea plantations and ancient stone carvings along the way.So much to see and do - and getting there everyday by bike was just great.Also a great group of fellow travellers, so was fun to share the adventure with a lovely bunch of people too - some good laughs along the way!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was brilliant. So enthusiastic, happy, keen to ensure everyone was ok and willing to help - at all times! He was more than just a bike group leader, but rather a proper tour guide and trip supervisor all rolled into one. Made us feel most welcome in the country and was always going out of his way to make sure we saw everything Sri Lanka had to offer, experiencing the food/drink/culture to the full and continuously filling us in on the background and history of places we visited. The rest of the team were fab too - supporting us whist cycling, looking after the bikes and driving our luggage between hotels.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are looking for some varied bike riding, that is challenging at times but also rewards you with a real insight into life in Sri Lanka, then this could be the trip for you. The support vehicle and backup is always there in case of any problems or if you don't want to stay on the bike all day, plus the hotels are all of a pretty good standard so there is always a hot shower and sometimes even a pool to look forward to at the end of a day on the bike.A few tips - get a good quality gel saddle and be prepared for lots of rice & curry!

Reviewed October 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Best trip until now! Great country for riders, amazing people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Often when children came to say "bye!" with that amazing smile as we passed by their houses. People is comunicative although you may not share languages. Also the riding was great, the landscape is green and paradisiac and you feel the calm that we lack in cities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He couldn't be better. Always taking care of us, he planned very well the tea stops every 20km and as we arrived he always took care that everyone has the drink they want and something to eat before having something himself... and also he had personal details, and a great celebration cake when we arrived to the top of the Nuwara Eliya hill!!Also the other staff was very good, we always had water in the van to take and sometimes fresh fruit at the stops.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be fitted for the riding, as in summer it is really hot and humid. You can always jump to the van in front or the van behind, but you will savour the travel best from the bike, working out a bit before the travel is worth it!Don't be taken aback from having local food, is very interesting and you get used to spicy food. We had no problems with our bellies as far as I know.

Reviewed October 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

A great way to appreciate this wonderful country, whilst the emphasis is on cycling there are times when you explore the cultural aspects and view at close hand the fabulous wildlife.
For the reasonably fit cyclist then most days are manageable with a couple of challenging ones with climbs or miles in the heat/ humidity – the bus is always close at hand if needed
A fabulous trip, beautiful scenery, lovely people, great food, Suresh as an excellent guide and those back roads are quiet and better than the roads in my village – just do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through remote villages and hordes of smiling children waving and shouting "hello" or "good morning", the temples, the wildlife, the scenery, the hills and the wonderful food. - and the beer was pretty good too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is a star - incredibly knowledgeable, well organised and a great communicator. Nothing is too much trouble and he works incredibly hard to make sure all aspects of the trip are right.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Road surfaces vary between very very good and very very bad but the bikes can cope, the long miles day and the long hill climb day means some butt powder would be useful. With the heat/humidity drink plenty of water and consider gels/ salt supplements etc, personally don't think clip on pedals are necessary My best advice would be to book this trip - without doubt a truly memorable one

Reviewed September 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

An exhilerating and exciting adventure with breathtaking scenery and amazingly friendly people. The perfect way to see this beautiful country and become a part of it, taking on the challenge of cycling its roads and engaging with the locals.

Most Inspirational Moment

On the day of the long climb to Nuwara Eliya, we passed through such dramatically beautiful scenery that it was almost too much to handle! And then the long climb to the top was a real challenge but so worth it for the feeling once we got to the top. All the time we were cheered on and encouraged by the friendly locals smiling and waving. Such a rich experience encompassing awe, determination, pride, hilarity, exhaustion, camaraderie, satisfaction, relief and feeling overwhelmed and humble. There was a very special moment at Gal Vihara at Polonnaruwa where there were hundreds of pilgrims including many families laying offerings at the shrines of the massive Buddhas carved into the rock. The whole atmosphere was very special. Peaceful, respectful, relaxed and warm with a real sense of importance. A little girl was talking to me and we were having a conversation, practising her English. Her uncle gave me some flowers to lay at the shrine which I then did. It was a very moving experience to receive such warmth from a local family and to have the oportunity to be part of such a special place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was a great tour leader. He was very well organised and knowledgeable and always happy and smiling. He worked hard to ensure that everyone was happy and had everything that they needed. He took time to get to know everybody indiviually and as a group, helping to build a team spirit as we went. He explained every stage of the cycle route to us carefully so we knew what to expect and was very kind and patient when answering our many questions. He also added some very special and kind extra personal touches and surprises to the tour which demonstrated his warmth and his desire to make us feel welcome in his beautiful country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you would like an active holiday in a beautiful country with friendly people then this may well be the holiday for you. It is very busy and packed with amazing experiences that are different every day. If you decide to book, it would be a good idea to make sure you are reasonably cycle fit before you set off so you can really enjoy all the cycling. And make sure you smile and wave at the locals...!

Reviewed August 2013

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka is a stunning country and cycling along the backroads is a great way to see it and experience all there is to offer. Every day is different with a constantly changing landscape to keep you interested as you pedal along. It’s wonderful to get away from the busy roads and towns and onto the quiet backroads where children rush out of their homes to wave and call "Hi, Bye!" as you pass by. The people we met along the way were amongst the friendliest I’ve met anywhere.

Most Inspirational Moment

With each day bringing along new places to see and new experiences it's very difficult to choose any one most inspirational moment, but here are a few occasions which I really enjoyed:- Climbing the rock fortress at Sigiriya...when you first arrive and look up, you begin to wonder why would I climb up there when I've still several kms of cycling to go? But it really is worth the climb and is not at all as daunting as it might seem. The view from the top is spectacular.The cave temples in Dambulla are amazing, it's really worth starting at the furtherest away cave and working back as cave 2 is really superb. The monkeys will also keep you entertained!Kandy is really interesting.Making it up the long tough hill climb to Nurawa Eliya! A really tough day's cycling! But worth it when you make it!Festival in Kataragama Temple (we were lucky to time our visit with the festival).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is a fantastic guide. He couldn't have done any more to make our visit to Sri Lanka any better. Every need was catered for and he went out of his way to ensure that everyone was having a good time. We were very fortunate to have a fantastic group who really gelled together well and Suresh was always on hand to answer questions and fill us in on interesting facts and stories...though he could do with a few new elephant jokes! We also had a great support team, Dasun who rode along with us, Upali, the bus driver and Chamara who had the difficult job of following along behind the group. Together they make a great team!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're thinking of this trip to Sri Lanka, go ahead and book it. Do get some cycling practice in as cycling in the heat can be quite demanding and some of the days are quite challenging. But as with other Exodus cycling trips I've been on you can do as much or as little cycling as you choose.

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