Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There was something positive every day but for me completing the hill climb followed by fantastic descents with stunning views was a highlight. The wildlife was amazing - and not just in the National Park! I have also been inspired to get creative in the kitchen!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exodus should consider itself lucky to have Suresh as a tour leader. He is the kind of guy who even though you may have only just met you feel like you've known him for ages. He looks after everybody and you know that he is putting his customers first. He has a great sense of humour and puts everyone at ease but behind the scenes you know he is working tirelessly to make sure everything is just right. He also has great knowledge of the history and culture of Sri Lanka which made the trip even more interesting. The rest of the team, Upali, Charmara and Tissa also did a fantastic job. Nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In some places there are dogs. The vast majority are asleep but occasionally one might bark and give a bit of a chase. They are not a big problem, just something to be aware of if they make you nervous. There is a lot of noisy traffic in Kandy. If you don't like cycling in heavy traffic with car horns blaring out then you might want to consider going in the support vehicle for the first couple of miles on that day. But we stick together and go slowly slowly and we all made it! It can get a bit chilly at 2000m altitude so you might want to consider packing a light fleece/sweatshirt.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the hill climb to Nuwara Eliya followed by our stay at the Hill Club hotel . The hill country ride to Ella and our subsequent walk to the stunning Ella Gap viewpoint. I also particularly enjoyed the day when we descended 1000 metres in altitude and on to Tissimaharama over a distance of 102 kms.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is a top guy. No wonder he's won the Exodus leaders award previously. He must be in line again. Everything was well organised with intelligent alterations to the itinerary to cater for the wet weather we encountered. Nothing was too much trouble. Unfortunately Suresh sustained an injury to his ankle which prevented him from cycling for a few days. I think that many leaders would have handed over to someone else but he carried on ( bandaged and using a crutch ) and still with a smile, despite the fact that he was in pain. Brilliant! Mention should also be made of the back up team to include Upali the driver and Sandy the mechanic. Hard working, helpful and friendly people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for traffic fumes in built up areas - particularly Kandy. I saw one motorcyclist using a face mask but that was it . If face masks for cycling work ( I'm certainly no expert on this ) it might be worth considering using one at times.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several great moments therefore I am inclined not to nominate one

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh Bandara is possibly the most accomplished bike tour guide I have traveled with who was very instrumental in adding numerous special touches to the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sri Lanka is a great journey by bike however it is perhaps the most expensive I have traveled in Asia so far.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not easy to pick one particular highlight but with virtually no transfers we were able to take in the sights, sounds and smells (of the wonderful cooking) as we moved from place to place by bike. Whilst the cycling was tough at times there was time to see historical monuments, visit a few temples and witness the way different religions worship and prey, sit by the pool and beach, take a short hike up a mountain, watch wildlife, eat the wonderful food and of course sample the local beer! The variety has been superb - the scenery and climate changed as we explored this gem in the Indian Ocean allowing us to see paddy fields, tea plantations, wetlands, forests and more. The roads were in general pretty good - better than most backroads I cycle on in the UK - and we tended to avoid most of the traffic. The people of Sri Lanka are the icing on the cake. The children wave and say hello as you whistle past on your bike and in general we got a very warm welcome everywhere we went.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Exodus team were exceptional and its easy to see why Suresh has been recognised for his abilities. Not only did he make sure everything run like clockwork but he worked tirelessly to make sure we got every ounce of enjoyment from the trip, pulling out a few pleasant surprises along the way (I'm not going to say more - you will have to go and find out for yourselves!). Suresh was well supported by Upali, Sandy and Vijay who kept us safe, watered, fed and happy... I didn't have to pick up my suitcase for the whole trip and am still trying to work out how they found out who's bag was who's.... They clearly enjoy their jobs and it mattered to them that we had the best of holidays. Thank you so much.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a brolly for the occasional shower and be prepared for some early starts.

Most Inspirational Moment

Scenery, People, Food

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ultimate professional, knowledgeable, friendly hard working, inspirational and smart. This guy could not do more to make our holiday a success from start to finish. Hope there is an award for (Global) group leader of the year. Suresh should be the winner !

Advice for Potential Travellers

You gotta get there!

Most Inspirational Moment

Safari tour and seeing wild life, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bear, etc.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Group leader, Suresh, gave a great introduction to Sri Lanka and created a lovely group atmosphere from the outset. He brought us to many local spots that we would never visit as a tourist. His upbeat, happy personality worked its way through the group. He went out of his way many times to ensure that everyone's needs were looked after and 'No' was not part of his vocabulary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a gel saddle if you are not saddle fit!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Climb to Nuwara Elita was challenging (6 hours!) but awesome. Enjoyed Sigirya and final stop on beach near Galle was beautiful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is the hardest working leader I've ever met. He loves his country and has so many contacts en route. He secured deals for us and sent us home with gifts but above all he left us with a sense of Sri Lanka that made this a dream trip

Most Inspirational Moment

The superb sunset at Ella which materialised out of nowhere was very memorable, as was the exhilarating descent the following day - it takes you through several of Sri Lanka's climatic zones in no time at all and illustrates well just what a beautiful country this is.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh and his team did a superb job. He is extremely well organised and has the knack of giving everybody on the trip just the right amount of attention and support they need. He works very hard to ensure you see the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer and is able to provide some excellent insights into the wildlife and cultural attractions you will see along the way. If you are unlucky enough to take a tumble rest assured that the team are well experienced at seeking out medical attention along the route and taking care of you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although this trip is mostly on road, quite a few sections are bumpy or potholed, so getting a bit of practice in on an MTB, and taking a comfy saddle and cycling shorts will help you enjoy the trip all the more. If its hot electrolytes will help you keep hydrated.

Most Inspirational Moment

On a visit to the National Park, we had three leopard sightings!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best group leader encountered.....friendly, knowledgeable,organized,supportive.

Most Inspirational Moment

I know it was a cycling trip but I LOVED the safari. To see 4 elephants and 3 leopards up close in the wild was just a wonderful experience. For the cycling, the hill climb on day 7 was challenging and gave a real sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is an exceptional leader - always keeping us informed of what is going on, always checking back with us to make sure things are ok, chasing restaurant staff if we were kept waiting. When one of the group was injured, he reacted with urgency and was subsequently always on hand to arrange doctor/clinic visits. He was always giving us a little bit extra. And he was always approachable and had a brilliant sense of humour. His passion for his homeland shone through.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It got a bit cold on the hill climb on day 7 so dress for it. Some opportunities to have washing done.