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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198 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

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.

Donald Stauffer

Reviewed August 2024

Amazing Holiday Experience

A wonderful two-week journal through a very beautiful country. At times the rides were strenuous. The accommodations and food were excellent. The Sri Lankan group leader, Suresh, is the absolute best.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pick just one. The completion of the long ascent into Nuwara Eliya stands out. The view from Little Adam's Peak in Ella is another. Also, the final ride through lush tropical vegetation around Koggala Lake, with a stop to see how cinnamon is made and a tea stop at a beautiful family home is a third.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In my opinion, the excellent quality of this holiday was substantially due to the expertise and local knowledge of our group leader, Suresh.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Positives (in no particular order): A beautiful country with stunning tropical scenery. Welcoming and warm people who are quick to smile. We were regularly greeted by friendly and curious people along our rides, especially children. Delicious food. The local curries were very flavorful, with fresh and healthy ingredients, including fresh spices. The long ascent to Nuwara Eliya was the most difficult ride, but I felt a great sense of accomplishment at the top. There were eleven of us on this particular holiday, and we bonded quickly. I can not think of a better group of people to spend two weeks with. Our guide, Suresh, is the absolute best. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the country. He has curated much of what is included on this holiday. He knows the best riding routes, tea shops, restaurants, lodging, as well as places to stop for animals or scenery. Negatives (In no particular order): Don’t expect to lose weight (see comment about food, above). On the rides to Nuwara Eliya and Ella we experienced considerable traffic, with accompanying noise and pollution. The lorries and buses were the worst, belching out thick clouds of diesel exhaust. The weather was humid and mostly warm/hot, making riding at times uncomfortable. The bikes were equipped with road style tires. There was gravel and loose dirt on the first couple of days, and these tires made riding more difficult.

John Hornby

Reviewed April 2024

Sri Lanka by bicycle

The best way to fully experience a beautiful diverse country

Most Inspirational Moment

Beautiful children cheering us as we passed by

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was fabulous. He went way beyond expectations to make sure we were experiencing everything possible wherever we went.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I used a hydration pack to ensure I drank plenty of water. It will help you stay comfortable in the heat.

Louise Littlewood

Reviewed April 2024

Cycling trip

This was the best way to experience the country of Sri Lanka. The back roads on a bike gave access to the most amazing wildlife, natural beauty and glimpse into the culture and way of life. The cycling was challenging at times due to the heat, humidity and one day of tough climbing. The hotels and food were of a high standard and nothing was too much trouble for our support team.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the hill in Nuwara Elia was a relief but felt like a great achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was outstanding. He led our group with such vast experience, knowledge of the country and the itinerary was so carefully planned. I really enjoyed the whole experience, not just the cycling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is a must . It is not for the inexperienced cyclist however. This is due to the heat, humidity, one big climbing day and occasional busy traffic. The food is varied and delicious but can be spicy. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and seeing it from a bike is ideal. You don’t need too many clothes. Hotel laundry was very reasonable.

Angelika Ernst

Reviewed April 2024

Sri Lanka: best trip ever - eine wunderschöne Reise

Eine wundervolle Reise durch Sri Lanka! Die atemberaubende Landschaft, die freundlichen Menschen und die wunderbare srilankische Küche haben diese Reise zu etwas ganz Besonderem gemacht. Ich kann die Tour in Sri Lanka sehr empfehlen!

What a wonderful journey! this cycling trip in Sri Lanka was truly an unforgettable experience. The beautiful green landscapes, picturesque villages, very friendly locals and the excellent food made every moment of the journey special. Cycling through the tea plantations in the hill country was a highlight, as well as exploring the ancient ruins and riding along rice fields and tea or banana plantations. the Ayurveda massages, offered at the hotels, were great as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

too many to list... I really loved the peaceful atmosphere at the Buduruwagala temple, and the slower cycling on the backroads along small rivers, rice fields and tea plantations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

the team was great and super friendly. I always felt safe and the support during the cycling was excellent. Most remarkable was the group lead Suresh. He has great knowledge, a smile for everyone and exceptional organizational skills. He would always go the extra mile to show us something special on the way, where to find beautiful handmade souvenirs, offering an additional walk in the afternoon or get us to places with great food or drinks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

its hot and humid, therefore cycling on tarmac can get challenging. arriving a few days earlier is a good idea to adjust to time zone and climate.

John Davidson

Reviewed April 2024

A wonderful trip.

This was a great trip. We had a lovely group of people who got on very well and a great team from Exodus well led by Suresh.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the hill at Nuwara Eliya on day6!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was wonderful. Very organised and knowledgeable. He kept us on the straight and narrow.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was hot a humid so be prepared for that. Take electrolytes and drink plenty of fluids but save the beer for the end of the day.

Michelle White

Reviewed April 2024

Best holiday ever

Back roads of Sri Lanka and more

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to list

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was marvellous from the moment we met him. His passion and knowledge of his home country was infectious. If I could ask for him on every future trip I take I would. He certainly made the holiday stress free.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not used to heat and humidity try and arrive in Sri Lanka a few days before the official start so your body acclimatises.

Mick White

Reviewed April 2024

Absolutely amazing

The best holiday we have ever had. Seeing all the numerous cultural sights, and enjoying all aspects of Sri Lankan life.

Most Inspirational Moment

Stepping out onto the top of Lion Rock at Sigiriya.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh. What a man, absolutely first class. Attention to detail and knowledge of his country unbelievable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone. Having said that it is graded as moderate/challenging. The main challenge we experienced was the heat, but if sensible this can be easily managed.

Christine Norris

Reviewed March 2024

Beautiful Sri Lanka by bike

Probably our best ever holiday – beautiful country, welcoming people, interesting and varied cycle routes, lots of bird and wildlife sightings, lush colourful countryside, interesting visits and tours, delicious food, excellent hotels plus our brilliant leader, Ruwan, and his kind, thoughtful and hard-working team

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspiring moments every day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exceptionally good - Ruwan deserves to win the Exodus Leader of the Year award

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Trip Notes - all is as stated. If you like what you read, don't hesitate - book now!

Sally Davies

Reviewed March 2024

Fantastic holiday and a great country

From the initial enquiry and booking process through to the trip itself the whole experience was easy, efficient and generally in line with the high standard I have experienced on my two previous Exodus trips. The hotels and eating places were generally of a good standard, clean and comfortable. Our guide/trip leader went above and beyond to ensure the trip went to plan and all arrangements worked as expected. He made sure we all had the best possible experience and was enthusiastic and keen to show us the best of his country. He dealt calmly and efficiently with any unforeseen events, kept us safe and was always available to help and support us all with anything we needed. The four support staff were also excellent, always smiling and ensured we never wanted for anything, including bike support, water and snacks at every stop. A slight black mark was that several of the ebikes seemed quite old and a bit unreliable and a few broke down a few times which made extra work for the leader and bike support guys, who were already working incredibly hard. They dealt with the problems well though and it didn’t really detract from the overall experience due to their efforts. I would highly recommend this trip (but if you intend to rely on an ebike be prepared for a few issues).

Most Inspirational Moment

There are a couple - Cycling past all the kids in the villages who clapped and waved at us and seemed genuinely happy to see us. Reaching the coast towards the end of a hot and sticky couple of weeks and getting into the wonderful Indian Ocean.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh worked very hard to make the trip a success, personally made sure the hotel staff delivered great service and ran the cycling and excursions in a very well organised manner. He was also knowledgeable and shared with us information about the country, its history and local insights. A very professional leader who made sure everyone in the group felt part of the team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the cycling is pretty challenging with some long climbs in the heat. You do need to make sure you have a good level of cycling fitness although there is the ebike option which I took just to make life a bit easier and meant I could enjoy the holiday a bit more without worrying about the climbs or having the odd gin & tonic of an evening! And a minibus follows us the whole way so there is always the option to hop in the bus for part of the journey if it does get too much.

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