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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117 Reviews

4.6 out of 5

Matthew Haikin

Reviewed December 2015

Great team, great location, shame the single supplement is a scam...

The local team (Joseph, Rintu and Shibu) were great – helpful, friendly, knowledgeable. Kerala is beautiful and the earlier parts of the trip in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were really interesting. Great food too. And equal parts exciting and tranquil cycling on high quality Specialized bikes (if – like some of the reviewers on here – you can’t handle cycling with traffic and potholes. why on earth are you going to India!). My only criticism is about Exodus not the local team – they charged me £450 for a single supplement, which is over double what it should have been – I’ve checked the rack-prices of everywhere we stayed, and they have been stubborn and unhelpful about dealing with this. A real shame as it marred the end of the trip and made me feel like I was being ripped off.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling is fun... it isn't inspirational! Weird question! ;-)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph was really helpful - even intervening when I had trouble convincing one of the hotel staff that they might have double sheets I could use!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read up on India. The south is much less hectic than the North but still if you're expecting European standards and British type courtesy... You're in for a shock! Go with the flow.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Matthew for his review; we are pleased that he had a great trip overall, but we are sorry that he found our single supplement to be rather expensive. Unfortunately the rates advertised online and at properties are often not the prices Exodus is charged as tax (which regularly amounts to over 25% in India) is frequently not included in the rates and we have to book accommodation months in advance so are held to prices even if properties lower their rates to encourage bookings. We have been in touch with Matthew on an individual basis about his concerns.

Megan Devenish – Product Manager for cycling trips in India

Gillian Pigott

Reviewed December 2015

Cycling in Kerala

What an astonishing trip! The whole itinerary was superbly planned with each day bringing new experiences to wonder at. The cycling was exhilarating if sometimes tough in the heat and humidity, but the back-up of the van proved a great boon for some of us! And there was enough relaxation time built in to allow us to recharge our batteries and generally chill out when we needed it most. This was our first trip to India and we were thoroughly wowed by the experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Personally this was on the last day of cycling when I decided to dawdle completely at my own pace through the scattered settlements along the quiet coast road, with the rest of the group way out of sight ahead of me and the back-up van somewhere behind me but not right on my tail. I saw so many sights, met so many lovely people and felt so completely safe and welcome even as a lone, western and obviously fairly affluent (ie displaying camera, binoculars etc) female - it was just wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Safi was superb - very organised, friendly, supportive and knowledgeable and clearly someone who could be relied on to look after us as a group and as individuals. Our driver Vinu was also fantastic and a great source of local information as well as an expert bird-spotter - something I really appreciated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're at all tempted by this trip just go for it - it's brilliant!

Jenelle Collette

Reviewed December 2015

Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

This trip really was amazing every few days you felt like you were somewhere new, it was a trip that offered so much variety. One day your surrounded by tea plantations and then by the end of the day your on the tropical coast. There was a good mix of culture and amazing scenery. Great like minded group which made each day easy and fun. I would recommend this for everyone, apart from going up the hill to Ooty (that was really tough) you didn’t need a huge amount of fitness, I hadn’t done that much training before and managed fine.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling down hill from Ooty was amazing, the super tall trees in the mist were so special. The sunset and sunrise on the houseboat was also fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph was great, he really knew what he was doing and gave good advise on what to expect each day in terms of the traffic and riding terrain. When we had free time he would always be happy to help with suggestions and arrangements. He was also very aware and caring when people got sick offering advice and suggesting what to take to help etc. All the extra food places he took us to or suggested were great. Joseph as well as Rindu (assistant) and Michael (driver) were very professional and had obviously done the trip many times before as everything ran smoothly with out to much fuss. Thanks for a great trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own water bottle for the bike, some people didn't have them and the standard plastic water bottles would fall off the bike while cycling.

Reviewed December 2015

Cycle Kerala and Tropical India - The best Guides and support driver anywhere

Our Exodus staff were amazing. They took care of us so well, knew the best and quietest routes, stopped for tea and snacks at just the right moment. They took great care of our bicycles too.

I enjoyed being able to see a part of India from a bicycle instead of a car or bus. the tour took us from an interior city to a beach town on the Arabian Sea. We cycled up a long and high hill to Ooty and the next day down 2000 metres on a winding road through beautiful tea plantations. LAter we cycled along the coast. the houseboat trip was lovely and super relaxing.

Most Inspirational Moment

MANY GREAT MOMENTS:. Making it up the hill to Ooty, when a young boy stopped to pick up and return my water bottle which had fallen on the road, when children said hello to us as we rode by, when families asked us to pose with them for photos, meeting great local people, and yummy food, seeing tea plantations, and the Arabian Sea, swimming in the warm sea at sunset, meeting the others on the tour - the most humorous group I have ever met.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was excellent. thoughtful and considerate and knowledgeable, and calm and great to be with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for crazy traffic in the cities and large towns and go your own comfortable speed.

Stuart Norris

Reviewed April 2015

Wonderful, vibrant Kerala

A trip full of vibrant colours, wonderful food, fascinating culture, crazy drivers, warm and welcoming locals and great countryside. We booked this holiday because we wanted a journey with maximum cycling and minimal vehicle transfers en route. This trip is exactly that, touring through three provinces with a well balanced programme of activities and a well chosen route that took in places of significance and interest, with the majority of cycling on scenic routes. Where busy roads were involved we just marvelled at the Indians’ driving styles! Travel on a bike in India is the perfect way to soak up the sights, sounds and smells, seeing how people go about their daily lives in the towns, countryside and places of worship. Throughout our trip we were constantly surprised by the warm welcome we received from local people.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many to nail down to just one moment. The achievement of climbing the 36 hairpin bends en route to Ooty or the 20+ kilometre downhill ride into Kerala? Meeting a group of lively local boys on a train who were so polite and animated and who wanted to chat with us on everything British? All this and more, although the biggest highlight each day was simply the local people coming over to talk, children calling out excitedly, waving and smiling, and moped riders driving alongside to exchange a few words. Wonderful people!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was a brilliant leader who made us welcome from the moment we met him. He was good company throughout the trip, was patient, caring and considerate and a very competent leader who prepared each day well, giving clear information before each ride and constantly overseeing the safety of the group. He became a good friend to all of us. Safi was also very well supported by Sekhar, our support driver and bike mechanic who was always checking the bikes over and making repairs and adjustments whenever needed. He kept us well supplied with copious amounts of water and snacks and always had a cheeky joke or interesting story to make the trip more fun or informative. The group was rarely aware of the support vehicle monitoring our progress from behind, but Sekhar was always close by looking after our comfort and safety and was immediately on hand at the right moment to provide refreshments. Safi and Sekhar worked so well together as a team and their contributions made our trip even more memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A fabulous holiday - one of our best with Exodus - and we would recommend it most highly. Travel light, as it is easy to wash and dry most cycling clothing so that it is ready to wear the following day. Don't fret about the heat as the breeze you get from cycling easily counteracts it and at night most of the hotel rooms have aircon. Traffic and drivers in India have to be experienced to be believed but, as the trip notes say, if you are a confident road cyclist in your home country you will quickly adapt and adjust your style for the predictably hazardous behaviour of bus and tuk tuk drivers who are a law unto themselves! Our leader, Safi, always gave us sound advice before we tackled any "hazardous" stretches and our driver, Sekhar, looked after us by thoughtful positioning of the support vehicle.

Kevin Nicholas

Reviewed February 2015

Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

A thoroughly enjoyable and informative holiday – what better way to see a new country than on a bike. This trip was really well organised, enabling us to see a good cross section of southern Indian life.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed cycling through the villages, seeing village life and finding everyone so friendly and welcoming. One of the most inspirational places was Guruvayoor and watching the pilgrims come to the temple.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi, aided by Joseph and Vishnu made an excellent team. They were well organised and unflappable making the trip a seamless journey. They were happy to answer any questions and talk about about Indian life, religion, etc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to go with the flow.

Julia Elvin

Reviewed February 2015

Cycle Kerela and Tropical India

Our first time to India and the country just blew us away. We enjoyed all of the cycling including that which at first sight seemed impossible. Once you understand how the Indian’s drive you will love it! India is a densely populated country and half the fun of cycling here is to participate along with motor bikes carrying whole families, tuk tuks, oxen carts and random cows horses and other livestock – not to mention the legions of smiling school children who all rush out to high five you. Unusual obstacles including unmarked speed bumps, wheat being spread over the road to thresh it, impromptu religious celebrations and wedding processions all add to the fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well a 25 mile downhill through truly spectacular scenery takes a bit of beating but I was also moved by the little Syrian church of St Thomas (the doubting apostle) where there has reputedly been a church since 50AD. I loved the enthusiasm for all religious activity. I noticed in one church that Mary's customary blue dress had been replaced with a dayglo pink sari. My husband also took me for a romantic dinner in the beautiful courtyard garden of the Old Harbour Hotel Cochin......highly recommended!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saffi was a lovely kind caring guide as indeed were the whole team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes. If you enjoy a drink after your efforts and don't want to drink beer buy your favourite tipple at the airport. Alchohol in its various forms can be tricky to get hold of! Take your flip flops because some bathrooms are a bit grubby. Do loads of reading up on the places you will visit before you go and take your own guide book. No-one minded us wearing Lycra shorts despite formal advice to the contrary.

Brian Kirk

Reviewed January 2015

Great trip , recommended - 9th cycling trip

I’ve done 9 cycling trips to date (not all Exodus), and this definitely rates as one of the best. I took my girlfriend (her first cycling holiday), and it was a good introduction for her to this format of holiday

I believe its organised by the same person that does the ‘Back Roads of Sri Lanka’ trip (done 2 years ago), maps you get everyday are certainly exactly the same format

The distances cycled on busy roads is very limited , so no-one had an issue in that regard. Some of us found the busy roads quite exciting, speeds are generally slow, so risk of injury is actually very low

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lot of notable moments, the Backwaters, and the high speed descent down Ooty

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was excellent, all the good stuff, very sociable, helpful, etc

Advice for Potential Travellers

Install (free) Strava on your phone (or similar), good to see your route, speed, elevation, etc Not essential, but I found a cateye useful on previous trips (only need distance, 20 pound job should do the trick) , esp where you get good maps such as on this trip. On some trips we've had everyone install Whatsapp, good to share pics, mssg group re restaurant to meet up at, etc

Heather Heather

Reviewed December 2014

Cycling and more

Kerala and Tropical India by bike. What an experience. Joseph our guide made it so much more than just a cycle ride. India is such an interesting country and we were able to discover some of it without feeling like “tourists”.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being befriended by a spirited, dynamic girl while she was back visiting her parents for a few days. Four of us stopped for a drink while "free" for a few hours and later were given chai while Shakira talked about her life and asked about ours. She then took us home to see their house and told us some sad family history which we were privileged that she shared. Her mum then appeared intending to make us dosa. but we had to decline this hospitality as we needed to get back to meet up with the rest of the group. Indians are such wonderful, friendly, welcoming people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph managed to make his job look easy although keeping 14 of us happy and safe for 2 weeks was presumably no mean feat. He was able to warn us of the dangers of particular sections of the ride and get us to pay attention without scaring us. Joseph took us to small roadside cafes and snack shops and eating establishments use by locals without us succumbing to Delhi-belly. We even ate street food and salad under his supervision. Everything was well organised but appeared casual.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of antibacterial hand gel. I suspect people who do become ill infect themselves. It was very hot in November and I had far too many warmer clothes for the evenings and when in the hills. The downside of the local eating places is that they may not be air-conditioned. Be ready to eat curry, curry and more curry - it was all wonderful. Sometimes the spoon or fork took a while to arrive as many places expected you to just use your hands. I turned lout to be the only one on the trip who didn't cycle for a past-time at home. It was tough but I managed by missing out cycling up Ooty Hill which was far steeper than I had expected. I had thought I'd be able to manage some of it but I was wrong. I walked a bit and then gave up completely and got in the support vehicle. I would say you can mange this trip even if you're not a regular cyclist at home as long as you are pretty fit.

Nora Gordon

Reviewed December 2014

Kerala and tropical India 8/22Nov

Much stunning scenery. Too much cycling on busy roads. Bike gears too high for the otherwise fun climb up to Ooty. Enjoyed the low key visit to the driver’s family farm at Wildhaven. Would have enjoyed more visits to local industries. eg tea factory,coir carpet making,sugar and rubber processing . Space for these could have been provided by reducing temple visiting times.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling along stretches of palm fringed road.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely inexhaustible efficient,cheerful and totally first class. Without these qualities we could not have possibly rated the holiday so highly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We took too many warm clothes. We could have left more room in our cases for bringing stuff home. Remember washed clothes dry overnight in the warm weather. Perhaps we were lucky but the one day that started in the wet from Ooty wasn't really cold in UK terms.

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