Most Inspirational Moment
Dawn city walk through Madurai
Thoughts on Group Leader
Outstanding in every way.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes and book it. It's really great.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
A fabulous trip to the Tropical South
My Exodus trip to Kerala and Tamil Nadu was truly amazing in so many ways. The beautiful scenery, lush green and full of fascinating wild life, the range and style of vegetarian food, and the overwhelming gentleness and warmth of the local people were all way beyond my expectations. Our outstanding guide Biju was at the heart of it all with his supreme organizational skills, endless information on every topic imaginable and, above all, his patience and kindness towards everyone in the group. The itinerary was perfect as it exposed us to so many very different aspects of the region: rural and urban settings, magnificent Hindu temples as well as Christian churches, historically important public buildings but also the homes of ordinary people going about their daily lives. A solo trip to India could never have offered such an enlightening and wide ranging experience as we gained from this trip. I would highly recommend it to others especially for a first trip to India and if they are as lucky as we were they may even have Biju as a guide too.
Everything you'd hope for and more
If I could give this trip 10 stars I would! It was perfectly paced and covers a fascinating range of locations. Our tour guide, Biju, was quite simply the best tour guide ever. So patient, knowledgeable and helpful. Normally the time spent on the bus between locations would be unwelcome but he made it something to look forward to as it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the politics, religion and history of this amazing place. Highlights for me included the tea plantation trek, the houseboat on the backwaters, and the snake temple.
Most Inspirational Moment
Wildlife spotting and watching life go by on the Aleppey backwaters.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Outstanding. Biju deserves to win your Leaders award. I have done multiple tours with various companies and he is hands down the best group leader I have ever had. Patient, warm, helpful and incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his country. Normally the time spent on the bus between locations would be unwelcome but he made it something to look forward to as it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the politics, religion and history of this amazing place.
The Tropical South
Excellent
Most Inspirational Moment
Excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book it
Fascinating exploration of Southern India
Southern India is less well known than the golden triangle – but that’s why this trip is so special. It shows you a new side to this amazing country. The Keralan backwaters showed us wonderful wildlife and opened our eyes to the culture and life of the local people. An excellent blend of nature and culture, we made new discoveries every day.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many to choose from - the early morning walk around Madurai finishing with the Meenaskshi temple visit, walking and boating through the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, (loved the otters!) and the houseboat backwater cruise. Then there were the unexpected encounters - especially the Hindu festival in full swing as we drove past a temple. Our driver pulled in and we were welcomed in and shown where to stand to get a good view by the worshippers who greeted us with smiles.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Biju was an absolute star, anticipating our requirements, going the extra mile unasked, always cheerful, a terrific ambassador for the state of Kerala. Our driver Vinod, was great too.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If, like us, you've only done the golden triangle and think you know India - you don't. Come and try Kerala - a different experience. Take the option al trip on the last day and travel down to the tip of India - it rounded off a really great holiday.
Superb varied experiences
Very varied experiences from city life, to tea plantations, to a Homestay and Houseboat overnight trips. Good optional excursions which majority took. Visits to Hindu temples with explanations of the culture and way of life, as well as other churches. Don’t hesitate book it. It was brilliant.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking in the tea plantations in the Western Ghats. Beautiful scenery. Loved sailing down the waters in the various boats, walking in the nature reserve with the unexpected way of getting across the water. Witnessing the various ways taken to travel and how many they get on a motorbike.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Biju was exceptional. One of the best I’ve experienced. An awareness of the group needs, willingness to help out in any way, including cooking lunch when the kitchen staff were short staffed. Very honest and open about his own way of life, and the culture of the country. Gave us lots of information often during the long journeys, so we learnt a lot about Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It is hot and can be humid. Take binoculars, there are lots of opportunities for bird watching. Ladies, make sure you put a few sheets of toilet paper in your pocket from the hotels, as outside of them there isn’t any. Stick to the rules,” if you can’t peel it or cook it don’t eat it”, and no ice in drinks and you’ll be fine. We did and no one was ill on our trip. Take some sterling and a preloaded Visa card. Don’t use the money changers at the airport, there’s an ATM just before you go outside and anyway, you won’t need money until the first full day when you’ll be given opportunity to us an ATM. I paid for majority of optional excursions with the sterling. There are plenty of opportunities for ATMs throughout the trip.
Brilliant- highly recommended!
I’d always wanted to visit Kerala. This trip exceeded my expectations. The sheer variety and planning that went into this trip is mind boggling. I loved the people, the food, the countryside, the wildlife, the culture…I loved it all!
Most Inspirational Moment
The mountains and waterways are breathtaking. Travelling to see tea and spice and then plunging down the mountains (all well driven in a comfy coach) to see reservoirs, lakes and canals- I think we did four different types of boat trip! And just seeing everyday Kerala life going on around us- the traffic, the shops, the temples, the families, the school children, the animals. Being able to see ambitious cities, bubbling towns and quiet villages gave us a unique and valuable perspective. I felt more like a traveller than a tourist.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Biju Kumar is a great Amassador for India, for Kerala and for Exodus. He deserves a pay rise and a trip to the UK at the least! He MADE this trip- his professionalism, knowledge, humour, patience and humanity- he was the beating heart that pushed this trip from great to out of this world.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Relax! If you can just relax into Kerala- it will love you back. India and Kerala have a proud and noble history and a bright future. Particularly as a British person, it’s wise to bring your humility and gratitude to this great nation.
Kerala and The Western Ghats were fantastic - with a few changes, this trip could be a 5-Star trip
For us the highlights of the trip were very clear – the Western Ghats (Munnar, Thekkady, Periyar), the Backwaters of Alleppey, the beaches of Kovalam at the end of the trip and, of course, Biju and Vinod looking after us!
The “areas for improvement” were also clearcut –
a) the choice of hotel in Kochi – while the Abad Atrium is ok, it’s in completely the wrong place! We all wanted to be located actually in Fort Kochi, to avoid the several hours in the bus and the heavy traffic, getting to and from Fort Kochi
b) we felt that the Homestay in Erattupetta was a wasted night – the welcome felt begrudging and the rooms are tatty; we would have much preferred an extra night up in the hills (Munnar or Thekkady) or on the Houseboat in Alleppey (SO relaxing!)
c) the conclusion to a tiring fortnight turned out to be staying up until half-past midnight, for a transfer to the airport and then a flight at 04.30 – ghastly; this ensured we had an exhausting day of travel home. We would have liked to at least been offered the option of the Etihad flight out the next morning (at about 10.00 am)
Most Inspirational Moment
The early-morning nature walk in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Thoughts on Group Leader
Biju was an outstanding leader and guide for the group; he worked really hard to maximise our enjoyment, understanding and pleasure; whatever you pay him is not enough! And don’t forget the driver, who so often is the “unsung hero” of such trips; Vinod navigated the long and often “challenging” drives with great skill and composure; he managed the luggage without a hitch and kept the bus spotlessly clean.
Advice for Potential Travellers
1. Consider other options for flying home; the Emirates flight at 04.30 almost guarantees that you get NO sleep that night 2. You don’t need a mosquito net (at least not in January) at the Homestay or on the Houseboat 3. There’s no need to take US dollars - we exchanged sterling at a good rate and used those rupees for all our costs, including the excursions 4. Don’t worry about some reviews of the final hotel (Soma Palmshore) -it’s not luxury, for sure, but the staff were great and the location is perfect; as well as a pool, it effectively has a private beach below it!
The Tropical South of India
A wonderfully varied and well paced two weeks in beautiful, vibrant Kerala and Madurai. Something for everyone: hustle and bustle in Kochi and Madurai; temples and palaces; local cuisine; boat trips; tea plantations; bird life; walk in national park; beaches; and insight into Indian culture, religion, history and day to day life. Plenty of optional excursions to enjoy, but no pressure to take part if in need of some r&r. The people of Kerala are amazingly friendly and engaging. Would wholeheartedly recommend this trip – you will not regret a minute.
Most Inspirational Moment
As the trip covers distinctly different experiences, it is impossible to name one highlight. For me there were many - a walk in the tea plantations in Munnar (such beautiful scenery); kathakali dance performance; early morning stroll through Madurai seeing the city waking up; jungle trek in Periyar on the trail of an elusive elephant; peaceful overnight stay on a beautiful houseboat on the backwaters ; many convivial meals with other members of group; tasting exotic fruits, sampling spices - the list could go on forever.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Biju Kumar is an exceptional group leader. The superlatives could go on for ever. Excellent communicator. Perfect English. Nothing was too much trouble. He looked after us all in a very inclusive way, making sure there were suitable options for meal venues, helping with ordering food and making menu choices. His enthusiasm for his country was inspiring and infectious and we learnt so much from him regarding local customs, religion, history, geography and current affairs, etc. His explanations and instructions were always clear - very important when organising a large group. He was always cheerful, polite and patient. From my experience of 15 Exodus trips and their group leaders, Biju is definitely A***. Thanks and commendation should also be made to Vinod - our fabulous (safe) driver for the whole of the trip. He too went beyond expectation. For example, during our stay in Madurai a festival was taking place which wasn’t part of the itinerary. So we could witness the celebration, Vinod dropped us off and miraculously picked us up. No mean feat in the total madness of crowds and traffic.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I would recommend taking advantage of the optional excursion on the last day of trip to the tip of India. We stopped at a beautiful and peaceful palace (very different from anything else we’d seen previously) and a temple where we were able to feel part of the pomp and ceremony and saw an amazingly huge monkey god. Paddling at the meeting point of Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea will be an everlasting memory. Do take at least one fleece/jumper/pashmina - the air con on coach was welcome but sometimes a bit fierce. Generally away from air con, it is very hot and humid - especially on the coast. Sun screen essential. Mosquito repellent recommended. I didn’t get bitten but I did take precautions. The walk in tea plantation does end in a bit of a scramble up a steep slope. There are opportunities to turn round a couple of times before then if unsure of capability. Don’t be put off going. No need for walking boots - trainers ok. Good internet connection in most hotels. We took sterling with us which was easy to change with Biju’s guidance. Eating out is incredibly cheap so don’t overestimate the amount of rupees you’ll need. Nice shops in Thekaddy for souvenirs. Lovely men’s cotton shirts for sale at Srishti.
Kerala
Southern Indian trip. Tea Plantations, Temples, Backwaters cruise.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hike in the Munnar Tea Plantations was breathtakingly beautiful. Temple in Madurai, interesting. Shikara boat trip was fun & interesting. Backwater cruise was the best experience and very relaxing. Exta excursion Hindu temple Suchindran worth a visit!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Biju as highlighted in previous reviews was excellent, went the extra mile to ensure our holiday was a perfect and memorable experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Very leisurely, lots of free time. Hike in the Tea plantations is not for the unfit or those with limited walking ability.
Southern India- full of colour and surprises
This was a really great trip. I had no specific expectations and so it was all a wonderful surprise. The trip is quite full on and covers a wide variety of places and activities, from mad hectic cities, tea plantations, temples, backwater cruising to beaches and everything in between. We had a great bunch of very friendly people in our group , which was full at 16. This wasn’t a problem as the bus was spacious and with AC .. a must… if sometimes a bit too ferocious! Our guide Sathish was an absolute star , very knowledgeable, very helpful and seemed genuinely happy to be with the group .He went out of his way to arrange alternatives when we couldn’t do the original plan… it was festival season so pretty busy in places. The only downside was some of the hotels were really a bit shabby and in some cases needed a good clean. I did not expect luxury but I think Exodus need to review their choice of hotels .
Most Inspirational Moment
The colours and the smells if Kerala and Tamil Nadu for me were the highlight. The vibrant colours of the ladies' beautiful clothes and the open friendliness of the locals left a lasting impression, as did the fantastic food. From an activity point of view the best bit of the trip for me was the tea plantation walk with spectacular views and the rikshaw ride ( which was a replacement for a temple visit we couldn't do because of the crowds). Although I did feel a bit guilty as I think I was younger and fitter than the cyclist.... I did get off to push on a hill! :-) The calm of the backwaters was also great, just what was needed after some pretty active days and long drives.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was an absolute star! Knowledgeable, fun, helpful, attentive and very well organised... he was was a huge asset to this trip , gave lots of information and insight on the local culture, religion and day to day life in Southern India. Nothing was a bother and when some members of the group were interested in going to an India cinema he organised it, he listened to the group and was flexible to ensure we all had a great experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Smile, and people will instantaneously smile back. ..I found the locals to be incredibly warm and friendly. The level of service is very high, the food is delicious ( and doesn't have to be too spicy) Be prepared for a few long drives... its a big country. Mostly these are through beautiful winding countryside ( you may need travel pills) with views to be appreciated , but a couple are just long and dull... just because of the distance to cover. Leave enough space in your case to buy spices, beautiful scarves and clothes at reasonable prices. If you use hotel laundry service... make sure you have plenty of time as they don't always deliver as promised.... its a pretty laid back place. The south is a 'sanitised' India with little visible poverty , a bit like Sri Lanka, and few beggars, beautiful country side and coasts definitely worth a visit