Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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49 Reviews

4.3 out of 5

Reviewed January 2013

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

Not so much a holiday, more of a trip! It was great to be cycling and to get the fresh air and experience of the countryside although some of the local lads were mischeivious throwing stones as we passed by. Every day was packed full of experiences and adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

The jewellers at Agra where I was allowed to wear the emerald ring made from Mumtaz Mahals crown and other fabulous emerald jewellry made fo royalty. - slumdog millionairress! No where else in the world would one get this opportunity certainly not Bond Strret! This was on our last day where we cycled I the morning, stopping to drink chai from clay cups, bused up to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and then went to the jewellers - what a day! This jeweller also fixed my friends diamond ring bought in Jaipur by replacing the lost diamond - free of charge!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sanjay was just great! always motivating us and supporting us when cycling especially on the uppy uppies. Most impressed that he would never accept his dinner until all his guests had received theirs. An ideal host providingus with rum and coke and great dancer, really getting the diwali party-on-a-bus going. Harish was just as kind and thoughtful and a real companion on the trip.Our coach driver Rauol, his assistant and Michael the mechanic were also very polite, helpful and attentive.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I developed Guyons syndrome aka handle-bar palsy early on the trip and still have not recovered full feeling in my little and ring fingers on each hand, my grip is also weakened. I would definitely advise cyclists to bring proper padded cycling gloves (I didn't) as the vibration from the rough road surfaces probably induced this condition see http://www.qwinerveprotector.com/BicycleGlove.html. I woud also advise a face mask for cycling through the cities and dusty roads, as I developd a cough/cold and a number of our party developed terrible coughs. I had booster vaccinations for diptheria and polo and tetanous plus Hep A. I didn't need the anti-biotics the travel clinic at Boots provided (£5) for severe diarohhea but a lady on our trip did (she was on the verge of returning to the UK early) so I would recommend bringing some. Also, always, always put on the sun tan lotion, anti mosquito lotion and bring plenty of anti-bacterial hand gel. I had no stomach problems which was always a fear of mine for going to India.

Reviewed January 2013

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

The whole trip was vibrant, colourful and exciting. The hustle and bustle of the cities was also paired with the calmness of the open road. The places we saw were beautiful and it all built up to the Taj Mahal near the end of the two weeks. It was sad to finally stop cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational part of the trip was the group itself. Being the youngest member of the group I was always inspired to keep peddling even if I felt a little tired at some times seeing how the rest of the group were cracking on kept me going. Visiting the villages was also inspirational and gave us the chance to see the real India. Seeing the women working in the fields whilst the men were smoking, drinking chai, and chatting made me appreciate how strong the womens work ethic is.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very approachable and would sort any issues out that we had. He kept the group motivated and made sure we all were ok and decide on a plan for the day that the whole group was happy with. He picked up on the groups abilities very quickly. Quite a character!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a gel seat cover with you :) (i took my old one and left it there). May need a couple of sachets of dioralyte as however careful you are Delhi belly is inevitable. I also took some pens with me and gave out to the children in the villages. Take plenty of layers.

Reviewed December 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

You have to be a far better cyclist than they suggest, however its good fun, long days and very early mornings, 0630 get ups. A day of 90km is no fun, Sometimes i wondered why we cycled through some industrial areas, most of the time its was great good countryside and villages. Be warned, Indian villages are dirty, piled high with rubbish, open sewers and never drink the water. its a culture shock.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the forts and palaces, mostly local people were pleased to see us, children and alike. Only twice any problems, stone throwing and slapping, and group stayed together. India is an eye opener.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Group Leader was extremely good, knowledgeable and listened. But cycled too fast ! I was mid group we had to wait for "tail end charlie" and the times we did km by time trial were difficult to keep up

Advice for Potential Travellers

Becareful and don't expect hot water and wi-fi, it maybe a rich country and the hotels and local towns aren't rich. Mind the cows and the stray dogs, lots of them and not nice.

Reviewed December 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

This holiday was quite simply the holiday of a lifetime. It exceeded my expectations in almost every way. I could never have imagined that India had quite so much to offer. The endless stream of temples, forts, palaces and scenery that was simply breathtaking. The people of India were just so friendly and the great thing about cycling through the villages was the opportunity to meet the real people of India.

Most Inspirational Moment

Pushkar - the afternoon I spent on my own wandering around the streets of Pushkar during the world famous camel fayre was the most memorable few hours of my holiday. I spent a lovely lunchtime overlooking Pushkar Holy Lake in The Rainbow Cafe. The service was friendly and the food excellent but the views and the serenity of the location, in what was a bustling town centre, was simply breathtaking. Taj Mahal - Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of the Taj Mahal. It is simply perfect. The detail on the building can only truly be enjoyed by being there in person. The story of how it was built is fascinating in itself. This was a great way to bring my amazing trip to India to a close. Indian Wedding - whilst cycling up a quiet rural road we stumbling into a wedding procession where 26 couples were getting married. We were mobbed by the procession and at one point I was shaking the hands of the guests with both hands at the same time. Everywhere we went in India we met local people who were inquisitive, friendly and always smiling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

On our trip we had a team of 5 people taking care of the group of 10. Mr Singh - our bus driver and his very enthusiastic assistant. "Michael" who was the bike doctor. Sanjay was the supporting group leader and Harish was the lead group guide. The whole team spent the entire holiday looking after us. The attention to detail was amazing and Harish and Sanjay were always happy to help if you wanted a little more information or guidance. Harish's knowledge of the places we visited was excellent. He is also an expert on wildlife and in particular birds. He is a lifelong member of the RSPB and has even travelled to the UK as a guest of the RSPB to give lectures. I really felt that for those two weeks, all the team cared about was ensuring the whole group had the best possible holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The cycling was enjoyed by everyone in the group. I would have described the group as generally fit but not athletes by any means. Everyone seemed to enjoy the cycling and managed to complete the routes with relative ease. The cycling is broken up into shorter legs throughout the day to ensure the group are together at each point of the tour. The hotels were of a surprisingly high standard. The were usually very impressive locations. Occasionally the hotels lacked the refinements of a European 3/4 star hotels but the staff were always happy to help. I think you have to expect in this trip that at times the hotels may not be as well run and maintained as you might get in the UK. However, the rooms were generally clean, well furnished and the cycling helped ensure a sound sleep at every location.

Reviewed December 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

It was a great adventure cycling trough cities with crazy traffic, passing forts, palaces and temples. Cycle along with cows, camels and elephants and beeing greeted by friendly Indians! As a dutchman I had good fun with a group of English, Scots and Manx!

Most Inspirational Moment

Just seeing big smiles cycling trough rural Rajasthan when you greet people and children with Namasté from your bike. Passing loaded jeeps and tuk tuks with cheering people in, behind and on top of.It was good fun winning a prize on the Puskar Camel fair by making a human pyramid with 12 other foreigners and beat a Rajasthan team because we first broke a bowl with flowers at 5 metres high! And afterwards being interviewed by Indian news!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Harish and Sanjay where great tourleaders who took responsability for a great journey. They where well organized and we had good fun with them! And of course not forget the great bus driver mister Singh and the bike repair team!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go for it, have fun and aproach India with a big smile!

Reviewed December 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

The trip was well organised the team leader was good, the support good, it would have been hard to ask more of the five people we had looking after the ten of us in the group.

Most Inspirational Moment

It inspired us all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was good and most helpful

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't eat the meat or chicken!!

Reviewed December 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

This was my first cycling holiday and it was fantastic a real achievement and wonderful experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the villages and the wide open spaces with a total feeling of freedom and peace.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sanjay and Harish were simply amazing, the whole team were.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long days. Just go for it, you'll have a great time.

Reviewed November 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

Having travelled with Exodus on about 12 occasions, it is difficult to pick my favourite trip, but I think Cycling Rajasthan was the best yet. I really cannot fault this trip and everybody in the group had a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do I start, Cycling through busy Indian Cities was exciting, cycling through small villages was an experience you cannot forget. The historic buildings were excellent. Divali Party was great.Most of all, the Taj Mahal lives up to your expectations

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have always found Exodus group leaders to be top class. On this occasion a new standard has been set, I cannot describe just how good Sanjay and Harish were. Along with our driver, 'bike boy' and bus attendent they were perfect and it felt like we were leaving old friends when we left.I have read previous reviews that rated Indian Group Leaders very highly. They are simply the best.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Constant washing of hands with gel made for no upset stomachs for the large majority of the group.Be prepared for 6am wake up calls, bags packed by 6.30, breakfast and start cycling.The cycling even on the longest days is not difficult and the pace is leisurely.

Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

A wonderful holiday, full on, but a great mixture of cycling and sight seeing. Really gave you the opportunity to get off the normal tourist trail and see rural India up close and personal. I loved every minute. We had a great group and were looked after extremely well. Great holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The people of rural India.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was great, he looked after us so well, and nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy the experience, you won't always get 5* hotels but you will always get a warm welcome!

Reviewed April 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

Phenomenal. A challenge for mind and body. Focussed my thoughts on the day, the surroundings and the bike. Leadership superb, back up outstanding, hotels wonderful and colours and smells of India, will linger!

Most Inspirational Moment

There are no special moments...all of it. Getting the bikes in Delhi and trying them out...the overnight train and a tray of curries to try not to drop on one's clothes...the hotel in Jodphur and the pool. Meeting the group...going on the road and encountering my first roundabout...help. Temples and forts, and birds in the Keolodar Park were outstanding and we saw the tiger at Sarista! Rough tracks thru villages, avoiding camels, and water buffalo, and the hardest, daredevel school kids with naughty sticks to smash ones behind! Meals out, in Udaipur...dancng in the bus on way back to hotel. Everything about the trip was astonishingly good, even when my mobile was stolen from hotel room in Jaipur I got so much help from our bike guide Pramod, phoning UK etc. As a past trek leader, I know what to look for in trips, and this was simply outstandingly well led. Sanjay was our group leader, and Pramod our bike guide...they thought of everything...always looking ahead. The steady chai stops on the 94 km day made it seem easy...the non stop bananas and water and oranges helped us all along, but mainly it was everything. Even the day at the Taj, end of day...when light was good. I simply cannot enthuse enough, and looking for next one....I heard that P Burrell was responsible for the route...I wondered how it had been recce'd. It was amazing, leading us into rural rough tracks and potholes and onto highways...with the bus always on hand when it got to over 38 deg. Where am I going next?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sanjay and Pramod were quite simply outstandingly good. Always punctual, always ready to help, or advise re food or biking, Pramod was a bird expert which I enjoyed as am into birds...he knew each bird by its call! Sanjoy kept up untiring willlingness to offer extras, at the end of a long day, by arranging a meal out, and we tried all sorts of things at roadside chai stalls...He took us to a marble factory, yet biked into smart hotels and nice hotels.. These two worked so well together, having known one another for a while....not assertive, but quietly managing it all so it worked like clockwork.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It may be moderate...I am not young...but bike fairly frequently, but no more than 16, 20 miles...on mountain bike, but found it fine, but it would not be good if one did not have some bike experience..at no time did I feel I could just dawdle along....BUT JUST GO and ENJOY the ride!!!!! Marvellous..opens doors.

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