Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The two seemingly endless descents from Ooty, it made all the hard work the day before worth it 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vishnu  Joseph and Abbey were so helpful nothing was too much trouble couldn’t have been looked after better 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch out for the tax they add on the beer in the Hotel in Ooty the only place it happened. Arriving in Ooty after checking in you have time to get a taxi down to  Coonoor and then the toy train back to (Ooty) Udhagamandalam. Wonderful views as the train climbs and winds its way through the tea plantations. 

Most Inspirational Moment

As always these trips are so well organised, the tour leader and back up staff go out of their way to help and assist you, nothing is ever too much trouble.  I just loved all the cycling through the back roads off the beaten tracks, stunning scenery with the ocean on one side.  The climb up Ooty was probably the most talked about subject on the trip - probably the hardest thing a few of us had done but at the same time manageable even if you have to walk part of the climb.  I have to say the accommodation on this trip was outstanding especially the houseboat!  And of course the food - just way too much!  Don't expect to lose weight on this trip!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was brilliant, always willing to assist and part with information.  The 2 support guys were amazing too.  Such nice guys.  Always a smile on their faces. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I do think you need to have some bike skills for this trip, cycling in the traffic can be a little daunting at times, luckily not too much of it.  If you feeling insecure rather pull over and wait for the large vehicle to overtake you - the pecking order is alive and well in India.  A level of fitness is obviously necessary, the first week is probably the hardest week, the 2nd week is mostly dead flat.  If you plan on waiting at the top of the Ooty climb for all the party to arrive perhaps put a space blanket or light jacket in your pocket, we had more than 2 hours to wait at the rest stop and were quite cold waiting for the others to arrive.  Cold in India, yes we did feel cold!  Apart from Ooty is is HOT HOT HOT and HUMID!The kitty works well - covers all the extras apart from alcohol, for 2 weeks you dont even have to think, everything is taken care of for you.  Outstanding. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to top of Ooty Hill. The amazing descent, back streets of Kerala, the many smiling faces along the way. The houseboat. Just too many to mention

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nice relaxed well organized, loved the driver he was very warm friendly and helpful. Also the guy sweeping at the back was very informative

Advice for Potential Travellers

I took my own pedals and saddle was maybe more comfy

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to the top of Ooty hill!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Relaxed and easy going while still getting everything done that needed to get done.Made the trip stress-free. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own bike seat - it's just more comfortable. And leave plenty of room in your suitcase for shopping!

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the 2 days of the hill climb then the descent next day. The hill climb was a challenge but very achievable and the descent was amazing through lots of different scenery

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vishnu, Joseph and Sheba were all great, very helpful and friendly

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it! Aviod massage in Ooty wait til Cochin

Most Inspirational Moment

This is impossible because there was something every day that trumped the day before. The National Park (we saw a tiger 30' away and wild elephants...the young bull charging the bus was great (no we don't refer to Safi!). The ride through the national park and arrival at Wild Haven (could have stayed for several months there!). Guruvayor and the temple. The boat trip through the backwaters! In all of this was the joy of being welcomed so warmly by everyone we came across.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was fantastic. Really good leadership skills, great english (made us laugh alot) he was intersting to talk to and really well informed. The trip was smoother than smooth (all that constant ringing ahead while cycling). Safi rode the front but constantly checked that the group were OK). Mention here to for Shebu (the best support driver in the sub continent and a nicer person would be difficult to meet). And last but not least Vipin who rode the rear (except for an attempt at the record for cycling Ooty!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother with water bottles as the endless supply of water was faultless. Take a travel washing line.

Most Inspirational Moment

- Seeing three tigers in Bandipur- The descent from Ooty- The friendly, smiling & accommodating people; we here in the UK really could learn so much - The South Asian drivers - on the whole surprisingly respectful to the two wheeler- Kerala Backwaters- Varkala chill out over New Year post tour end.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Attentive, caring, courteous, GSOH, intelligent, flexible, informed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

One does require a good level of fitness to get the most out of this trip.  The climb up Ooty is, of course, character building and testicle breaks are obligatory even with the best cycle shorts.  There are other days too which say even on the flat are pretty full on due to the heat of the day very evident even in South Asia's winter and also, quite simply, the distances being covered.The application of sense on the roads is required but do not fear.  Cycle defensively, use your eyes to the max and above all watch out for pedestrians too who often just step into the road at will.  But also remiember, it is only for a minority of the time that highways are actually used. The accommodation is, on the whole, very good and I understand the first hotel I had the misfortune of staying at in Mysore with Exodus has now been changed due to consistently very bad reviews & experiences.If possible, as well as staying in Varkala at the end for a few extra days, perhaps also consider coming a day or two earlier to Mysore.  It is a lovely city to walk around in - how often can one say that about a large settlement in India?!  I can recommend the Hotel Metropole if you are prepared to pay a bit more.  Also you will be fresher for those early cycle days.

Most Inspirational Moment

I know everyone said this but it's really hard to pick out particular moments.  The trip is so varied that every night you go to bed thinking "wow what a great day!"  The mock charge by a bull elephant was memorable as was arriving at Wild Haven for a cold beer after a long ride.  The absolute highlight for me has to be the cycling - fantastic!  Even getting through the manic traffic in Mysore was fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Safi.  We couldn't have asked for more from him - friendly, attentive and informative.  He showed us what India is really all about rather than seeing the tourist side of things.  He had us all well trained jumping on our bikes ready to go as soon as he rang his bell!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

To really enjoy the trip I think you need a reasonable level of fitness.  Bring a hair dryer if you need one (there won't be one in your accommodation).  Ideally bring clothes that you can wash and won't need ironing i.e. sports clothes.  That way you can stay on top of your laundry by washing things out each night.  Be prepared to eat lots of lovely curries!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cruising the backwaters in the converted rice boat - a fabulous change and rest towards the end of the trip.The downhill after the previous day's uphill struggle with Mount Ooty's 36 hairpin bends. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Could not have been better! Safi's capacity to herd cats is now legendary. He made all the preparations etc that he obviously put into the trip seem effortless which made our trip so much more relaxing than other (non Exodus) trips I have been on.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some layers for colder climate on Mount Ooty.Gifts can be bought at the end of the trip in Varkala 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vishnu was extremely helpful to us in coping with and negotiating the unfamiliar hospital experience.Shibu was an excellent and thoughtful driver. Safi is a very competent cyclist and able bicycle mechanic. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have difficulties breathing wear an anti-pollution cycling mask.A water bottle with sanitary cap covering the drinking value  is much better than the exposed values of hydration packs and standard bottles that are exposed to dirt and contaminents. Always carry medical information on your person in case of injury - particularly if you are travelling alone.