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Looking back at all the photos taken it is amazing how much we saw and how good the variety was.
No one particular moment but enjoyed the cycling, even if half of it was in monsoon rain and the walks. The sightseeing was also enjoyable.
Roshan was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, didn't talk too much and was always able to answer any questions asked.
Bring lots of t-shirts because the pace is quite hectic at times and there isn't often time for laundry.
The trip of a lifetime! Excellent in every way, but particularly for the variety and the superb skills of the group leader. Sri Lanka is truly paradise.
We did an additional Jeep safari due to a chance gathering of elephants in the nearby national park. All credit to our leader Sujan for organising this on request. We saw one elephant in the distance. Then two nearby, then another.. Then over a rise to see over a hundred: wall-to-wall elephants! The cycle ride through the paddy fields was wonderful, and in this and other activities Sujan really made us feel connected with the countryside and people. Floating down a jungle river after completing the white water rafting was a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Finally the whale watching trip: yes blue whale and sperm whale, yes lots and lots of dolphins, but it was the flying fish that for me made the whole experience worthwhile.
Couldn't ask for better. Sujan was friendly, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable. He has wonderful organisational and people management skills, and clearly is respected in the various hotels and sites we visited. He went beyond his remit in organising the additional elephant safari. Plus he was very good humoured and made my two sons aged 18 and 23 feel very welcome and at ease. And he was very patient with all our individual quirks and requirements, and lending out his bird book!
Maximum flexibility as Sujan would say! In fact everything was so well organised that there was very little need for extra flexibility to be exercised. I wish the trip notes had made it clear that the optional activities could be paid for in stifling as I changed all my money unnecessarily. I took a very basic wildlife guide and wished I'd purchased a better bird book, and one on butterflies and maybe plants as the variety was so astonishing and interesting. Our leader was very generous with loan of his bird book, however. Take a big appetite as the food is amazing, and a big smile because you need to return those of the Sri Lankans.
This is are first trip with Exodus and were satisfied over all with the trip, well organization. (so much so we have already book another Exodus trip)
When we went whale watching we seen 4 whales, two in different locations, ocean was very calm. When we went to Yale N.P we did not see any leopard’s but we did see a sloth bear. Cycling was easy going especially if you have not cycled since you were young.
Dilipe Is a very good tour leader, with his knowledge off his country and pride he brings with this to his job. He always had a smile on his face, extremely patient with passengers. Who were talking when he was explaining what we were doing for the day and then the same travelers would ask him what we were doing that day. Even though he had already told use what we were doing for the day. Dilipe would go and check the meals out before we ate to make sure off the quality. (food excellent) A special thanks also has to go the bus driver how kept use safe on the roads off Sri Lanka and his companion the bus conductor who looked after use when we were out and about on group visits and walks, making sure no one was left behind, he took great pride in his job making sure are luggage was all ways there on time when the bus was ready to leave. (kept the bell boys in order), Kept the communal water fridge full (Payed for by a water-kitty).
I would recommend going on this trip before Sri Lanka become over crowded. As we were on this trip the roads were already getting made wider to take the very large tourist coaches. As we have seen this happening in Southern Asia ie..Vietnam, Cambodia, We went to China 1993 went back 2010 unrecognisable especially Shanghai.
A beautiful lush green island with stunning palm fringed golden beaches, amazing wildlife, fascinating culture, lovely people and lots of sunshine and warmth; A leader who was passionate about his country, entertaining, energetic and eager to please his clients; A great variety of hotels from characterful to smart and some amazing locations; Each and everyday full of incredible experiences. A wonderful holiday.
Inspirational moments included climbing Sigiriya Rock and the wonderful views from the top; watching the monkeys in our hotel grounds; the cycle ride at Giritale along the lake and waterways, being able to soak up the tranquillity and beauty of the area and glimpse Sri Lankan life; the walk on Horton Plains; the incredible train ride to Bandarawela, another wonderful glimpse of Sri Lankan life and a sense of freedom and excitement that has now gone from train rides in the UK; the game drive at Yala National Park, seeing elephants in the wild and being surrounded by such beautiful scenery; the palm fringed golden beaches at Ahangama and having time to sit in wonder at the beauty of the Indian Ocean; the lovely city of Galle with its coastal feel, lovely architecture and characterful shops and cafes.
Dilipe, our leader, was wonderful. He had such passion for his country and was full of knowledge on all aspects of life in Sri Lanka which he imparted with enthusiasm and humour. He went the extra mile to keep his clients happy...especially arranging for the bus to stop so that we could take the photographs we wanted to take! He was flexible when we wanted him to be, notably in Galle when he allowed us to wander and have lunch wherever we pleased rather than sticking to the chosen hotel restaurant. He managed the kitty perfectly and made life so easy for us by organising all the tips and making sure we were never short of water. I couldn't fault him as a group leader and wish him well for February when his wife is due to give birth to their first child!
I won't repeat the useful advice given in other reviews. It is worth saying that the best shopping for gifts is in Kandy and in Galle. In Kandy there is a fantastic shop close to the Queens Hotel, called Odel Luv SL. Quite expensive by Sri Lankan standards by not by UK standards. A wonderful selection of colourful and good quality gifts. It is also worth visiting the Kandy Market in the city centre, close to the bus station, where I found some beautiful shawls and spices. In Galle just explore the small streets near the sea and you will find plenty of great shops for presents! Antibacterial handwash always useful to reduce risk of stomach bugs. The bus journeys on some days are along winding roads. If you are prone to travel sickness it's probably a good idea to bring pills/wrist bands with you and ask if you can sit near the front of the bus. Make sure you bring a Sri Lanka adaptor so you can charge your camera! You are likely to take a LOT of photos! Bincoculars are useful if you love birds as there are lots in the Giritale area and in Yala NP. I had been under the impression we would pretty much be in a different hotel every night. In fact, we spent 2 nights in Sigiriya, 3 nights in Kandy and 2 nights in the hotel on the coast. This gave the opportunity to do some washing and for it to dry. A travelling clothes line would probably be useful!
Well thought out itinerary and activities, combining history, culture, wildlife, activities etc.
Tsunami monument on beach at Yala.
Excellent
Enjoy! Take lots of Deet.
We have been on several Exodus trips and all have been great but this was the best by far. Sujan, our trip leader, devoted all hours to making sure everything ran smoothly and added extra special personal touches like singing along with a local group to us at our table and organising and joining in on a mini disco in a magical setting. Definately not a run of the mill Exodus holiday, as as well as all the adventure and excitement it included lots of personal and local touches provided by Sujan. It may sound seedy but it wasn’t, even when he sang silly songs to us on our coach. He knitted the group together, socially, and everyone had a wonderful time.
Too many exciting events to limit, two or three, at least, each day. Seeing so many wild animals and beautiful birds up close. We saw wild leopards three times and so close up that I am surprised we didn't become their next meal. Also saw wild elephants, wild boars, flying squirrels, a variety of comical monkeys and crocodiles several times, though a giant fresh water otter stole the show as he seemed to be giving us a personal performance, a bit like a seal!!Also loved the cycling and what we saw on the way to a 'jungle' village by bike where we joined a family in their garden for a superb meal.White water rafting was extra special on this holiday because the group got on so well and had a great laugh adding extra challenges to the experience!!
Have met many fantastic Exodus leaders but Sujan is second to none. Kind, knowlegable in cultural, wildlife, birds, plants(and everything!!) and great fun. So hard working.
Don't miss this trip! The age group of the group ranged from about 35 years to 64 years and everyone had a fantastic time.
We’ve enjoyed several Exodus trips before, but for me this was the best. A great group and a great leader, but most of all a wonderful country with friendly, welcoming people and a diverse and rich history and culture.
Cycling through the villages, meeting the people.Listening to children chanting their morning assembly in Pali, the language of the Buddha.An open-air disco by the beach, with lightning flashes over the sea and a stray dog asleep by the dance floor. Acting like school-kids on the white-water rafting trip.
A top guy. Meticulous planning and a warm, friendly approach. He was keen for us to learn about his country.
A varied and interesting itinerary of culture and activities.
Many highlights: seeing TWO leopards at Yala National Park, visiting Buddhist temples, white water rafting, the beach, climbing Lions Rock, rice and curry...the list goes on!
Our group leader, Roshan, was great. A good laugh (and totally understood the British sense of humour), extensive knowledge of the country, fabulous organisational skills. He looked after the group wonderfully.
Note that the brochure rates the trip 'leisurely'. However, we did have one fairly lengthy walk at Horton Plains which involved many steep steps at altitude. Combined with the heat, it was pretty tiring. Make sure you take decent walking footwear. There were also over 1000 steps to reach the top of Lions Rock, but it was well worth the effort for the amazing views.
This is a wonderful trip – we saw so many different aspects of the country throughout our two weeks, and it felt like I’d been away for far longer than a fortnight!
I really enjoyed the Horton Plains walk - we didn't get to see off World's End due to the fog, unfortunately, but the entire walk was lovely. Climbing Lions Rock was also brilliant - I'm glad I made it to the top, despite finding the walk up a little tiring!
Roshan is a great leader - always ready with a joke (which may or may not be a 'good' joke), and clearly passionate about his job and the country. He was able to answer pretty much all of the questions we threw at him.
Other reviews have said this already, but there are an awful lot of buffet restaurants during this trip, as most of the hotels are located away from cities/towns and there aren't any other options. This was totally fine for me, and the buffet food is great, but be aware that most of the time the only option is to eat with the group. Remember to change money early on during the free day in Kandy - we left it too late and the banks/money exchanges had shut for the day. ATMS are plentiful, but banks don't seem to be at the half way point of the holiday (e.g. when I was running out of currency).
A wonderful country with wonderful people. A varied trip with many hidden delights
The walk on Horton Plains, and the view from Worlds End. Simply sensational views and a lovely walk. The walk up Lions Rock and the Elephant orphange was always great
Roshan was fantastic, passionate about his country but always balanced with his views. He blended well with the group and was very open about answering questions
Decent insect repellant, sunblock, patience, and if you are taking the optional whale watching trip make sure you get information about the sea conditions !! Qulaity of hotel and food can vary but if you bear this in mind you will have a wonderful holiday