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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Reviews

David Perry

Reviewed December 2014

Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

I took two trips back to back with this trip being the second the first being the coast to coast
A straight forward trip with short days and one challenging hill . Limited interface with the local people and industries. More touristy than the coast to coast trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The safari at the tiger reserve on which we spotted wild elephants, a tiger and best of all a leopard. The people guiding the safari were extremely knowledgeable and were enthusiastic about their job and country

Thoughts on Group Leader

A less experience quiet guide who did his job getting us all through the trip with only minor incidents.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sun protection and hydration main issues Consider using Sun Sleeves as well as sun block Avoid cotton clothes Go for loose synthetic clothing

Reply from Exodus

We are pleased that David enjoyed the wildlife sightings during his recent holiday and we would like to thank him for his review. We are, however, sorry that David was disappointed with the bike he was allocated; our local operator is currently in the process of updating their bike fleet, so we are confident that our clients will not be equally disappointed going forward.

Megan Devenish – Trip Manager for cycling in India

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Maeve Gleeson

Reviewed September 2014

Cycle Kerala and Tropical India

Cycling is the perfect way to experience the colours, sights, sounds, and smells of this beautiful part of India. Wonderful variety of cycling, scenery, wild life, culture and people. Fabulous food, great company and something new every day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The variety was probably the best bit, so many different experiences. Cycling past wild elephants, the hillclimb to Ooty and the hair raising descent next day, interacting with the children on the roads, overnighting on the Houseboat, the wildlife, and the colours.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was fantastic, enthusiastic, fun, very personable, nothing was too much trouble, very quickly identified our individual preferences and catered to them where possible. It was the best teamwork I have ever seen between Safi, Joseph and Shibu with each one of them doing their bit and supporting each other and all the group at every opportunity. Happy guides, happy group. The seamless organisation we enjoyed concealed a lot of hard work behind the scenes and I felt safe and free to enjoy myself.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it. I was a little nervous about India but am so glad now I did the trip. Bring hand gel and wipes for hygiene, eat where the guide recommends and drink bottled water and enjoy the trip. A torch is useful on occasion and perhaps a small umbrella if there in the Rainy season. Practice some hillclimbs for Ooty, but it is only one day in the trip so don't worry too much if it is not for you.

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Reviewed February 2014

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

A wonderful way to get around to see the diversity and beauty that is Kerala. Good support from tour leaders, comfortable hotels to rest weary legs and tasty, varied food gives a very good introduction to Kerala.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding 2,200m down a mountain to reach the coast of Kerala.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tour leader was supportive and knowledgeable, and for the support staff nothing was a problem and they were always encouraging, enthusiastic, positive and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not a regular bike rider, like me, do some training, but the team and other riders were very supportive.

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Reviewed February 2014

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Excellent trip. Great mix of scenery and biking terrain. Highly recommened. Please read final section here about the average trip mileage.

Most Inspirational Moment

1 - The climb at Ooty, shame I wasn't feeling 100% though, rather fancied going for a good time.2 - The descent off of Ooty the next day. Crazy downhill bits, unexpected pot holes, incredible views. 3 - The food4 - Relaxing on our veranda looking directly out on the backwaters5 - The chill out "hippy vibe" at Varkala 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was superb. Very caring both towards the clients on the trip and all the locals we encountered on the trip.Nothing was too much effort for him. One of the best guides I have had on all my trips.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

As with all Exodus trips, please read the trips notes so you are fully aware of what you are potentially booking.The accent and descent off of Ooty are tough, several of our group walked to the top. Don't be put off however by this. Good padded under shorts are a must. Drink plenty of water. Take anti bacterial gel to help minimise health problems. Listen to your guides and their advice on places to eat, or not.The cycling is not a race, enjoy the company of your new found friends and all the lovely local people. For those more experienced riders, look out for group members less able. 

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Reviewed January 2014

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

A great trip for first timers (on a bike trip or to India) and also for more experienced cyclists. Good mix of cycling and South Indian culture, good hotels and great food. Lovely thing to do when its cold and wet at home – its sunny and warm. Great team of staff as well to look after you. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the Ooty hill. Hard work but worth the effort. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was our leader - a wonderful person. Looked after the whole group and on cycling days made sure we were briefed at regular intervals. Socialised with everyone in the group. Shibu the bus driver is great - he drove the bus, made sure we always had water and snacks and sometimes cycled with us. Vipin the assistant was an enthusiastic learner.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own saddle for comfort. Wear light cotton clothes as it is hot - I wore padded shorts under baggy cotton ones. Take the Ooty hill slowly - last few hairpins do one by one. Take swimming gear - there are a couple of swimming pools in the hotels and there is chance to swim in the sea. On the long downhill from Ooty take it slowly - don't rush - its a lovely ride through eucalyptus forests. The road is very potholed and requires 100% concentration.  

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Reviewed December 2013

A melting pot of humanity

Even with my partner coming off her bike on Day 6, this trip delivered its promises on experiencing a country in a unique way and providing some challenging riding (but achievable even with little practice beforehand).

Most Inspirational Moment

I can't define it as being just one day or event, but...Cycling through the back roads and seeing grand houses and then a shack just down the road - the contrast in lifestyles is very apparent due to the developing economy in India.Cycling up Ooty and being defeated after completing 30 of the 36 hairpins. My excuse: Cycling in circles waiting for my girlfriend to catch up as we ascended the mountain, so in theory I must of made it to the top already! ;)And as much as the descent was marred by Loo coming off the bike the following day, we have both said that the descent was an amazing day as we travelled past tea plantations, through the eucalyptus forest and winding down the mountain. As I prefer mountain biking when at home in the UK, I found a new appreciation for what road cyclists must enjoy when descending roads such as this.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vishnu was a great guide - my first time on a holiday such as this so I didn't know what to expect. He was very informative and had good knowledge of the the local history, plants and wildlife. He was clear with setting expectations for the ride each day and the pace of the ride each day suited the group well I believe.Importantly, as there was an incident with my girlfriend falling off her bike, I would like to say that Vishnu handled the situation like a professional and there was no fuss or confusion. He dealt with the hospital staff and being transferred efficently. It is times like these that you count your blessings that you were travelling with a guide who takes the stress away from such an incident. Thank you Vishnu! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you haven't ridden a bike for some time and you want to reach the top of Ooty, find a steep hill and ride up and down it at least every weekend for a good few months before. The guides Vishnu and Rintu seemed to think that we had put more effort in by pushing the bikes up the hill in the end - I'm not quite so sure!We didn't get caught out by any rain, but one evening whilst at the hotel in Cochin Fort there was a monsoon shower which knocked down trees and electric/cable lines. Be prepared for rain by taking some form of waterproof jacket so you can still get out and about to see the sights.Take a decent zoom lens for capturing wildlife and scenery if you want to ensure you get some nice photos to keep.

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Reviewed December 2013

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

A wonderful trip despite having a fall.  A wonderful way to see the country and to meet the people. Everyone we met was friendly and kind. The ooty climb was tough – but then I was not as experienced a cyclist as others in the group who all completed it . I did complete it pushing my bike up from hair pin bend number 8 to number 1 and that was enough of an achievment for me. The descent the following day is fabulous. The food on most days was excellent. Amazing to always have vegetarian choices.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved meeting people everywhere. That was my reason for doing a cycling trip. I had previously done a trip with Exodus in Africa and felt disconnected being in a truck travelling through places a lot of the time. I wanted to connect more with the people and the country.Sadly the day after Ooty Hill I had a fall having almost completed the descent. I had a nasty gash and fractured my elbow. I didn't cry until they told me that I couldn't cycle anymore. Following the rest of the group in the support vehicle was tough.The people and culture was inspirational, different religions can live together with tolerance and respect for one another. I loved the trip to the orphanage. I had a fantastic time chatting with the girls, helping to make chapattis. That was a lovely place 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vishnu was our group leader and he was fantastic, He gave us a pep talk each day letting us know what to expect.He looked after me really well when he found me after my fall and sorted out medical care calmly with no panic or stress. I felt well looked after and didn't have to worry about where to go etc.He looked after everyones requirements and even helped one of the group source a birthday cake for his wife's birthday. Even harder he helped us locate a very hard to find birthday card for us to give her also. I think we found the only card to be found in Allepelly.Vishnu did join me on the support vehicle when he could so that I did not feel so left out. Rintu was the his assistant who looked after the bikes. He was very attentive servicing the bikes and adjusting any with gear issues. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go along with an open heart and mind and enjoy all that India offers you It is beautiful. Do take care on the descent from Ooty. I was unlucky going downhill and around a bend. I am so glad I had a helmet on. So be aware accidents can happen and it can spoil your trip of a lifetime. Be cautious. The traffic can be daunting but it's not too bad if you are sensible.Be wary of where you have a massage, if you have one. Different people within the group had variable experiences from very good to very bad. We went on a premium departure and the standard of hotels thoughout was good, however I didn't feel that the houseboat was of higher standard as we all said to one another  the following day that the bedding etc was not good, there was no shower curtain and it would not of been possible to of had any less space in the cabin than we did have.  I certainly don't feel like that aspect of the trip had been upgraded as promised in the trip notes and so felt a bit let down by that.As previous people have said we all paid into a kitty for snacks, tea, tips at the start. I certainly did not get the  same value out of the kitty as others in the group but it did make the tea stops less complicated so go with it . Treat the people around you with the respect that they show you and enjoy.  

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Reviewed December 2013

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Varied cycle tour of delights of South India. Starting in bustling town of Mysore visiting its historic and religious sites. Then travelling undulating roads of wild-life park avoiding odd elephant staying in superb wild life lodges. Then climbing challenging hill to Ooty old hill town exploring its old railway and gardens and staying in luxury hotel. Freewheeling down into Kerala spending time in Hindi Temple town of Guruvayour. Onto old colonial centre at Cochin via some local ferries with time to explore and enjoy. Then the relaxation after rather hot ride to Backwaters and homestead and real Ayurvedic massage. Cruise on backwater in tradition house boat with all trimings – lovely lounge deck welocoming crew and excellent cuisine. then the final push to coast and seaside resort complete with fantastic seafood restaurants and shops. Excellent balanced trip. Cycling generally moderate except hill climb challenge. Plenty of scope to see sites and wildlife. Plenty of chances to taste local food. Extremely good guide – helpful, knowledgible but not controlling. Smiling support team.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching to top of hill to Ooty

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brillant. Calm. Organsied. Kept group together. Knowledgible. Trustworthy. Knew exactly which food places to eat in which sites to see. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enoy !!! Use a covered water bottle on bike. Keep on open mind about food and trust leader judgement where and what is safe to eat. 

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Reviewed October 2013

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Cycling on varied terrain across some quite different parts of India, from cool hills and eucalyptus forests, to tea plantations, bamboo and coconut palms as well as National Parks. Accommodation excellent (on the premium trip) and the staff incredibly helpful and caring. Sometimes the traffic was a little much, but I just got in the bus!

Most Inspirational Moment

The long downhill from Ooty was the most varied of days with amazing scenery. I also enjoyed the quality of the food, I don't think we ate the same dishes twice. We saw a wild elephant in the National Park and had time to relax as well as cycle. People were really friendly and kind.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vishnu was great, really informative and made sure we knew what was happening each day. He was also a good first aider, and when I came off my bike on the last afternoon, he patched me up (it wasn't serious!) Our driver Ashok was so caring, and he prayed in the bus every day for our safety, which I appreciated a lot. Sheebu the mechanic looked after the bikes and made it a trouble free trip - he even sourced me a peaked hat for the downpour that threatened to wash my contact lenses from my eyes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There's quite a lot of traffic on some segments, so be prepared for that. India has changed a lot and continues to morph, so what used to be backwater is now densely populated.

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Reviewed September 2013

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Despite being badged as a moderate/challenging trip, avid cyclists be prepared to rest on your handlebars and enjoy the scenery and the novel traffic conditions. Local changes and conditions mean that this a trip for adventurous leisure cyclists. This is a trip of contrasts; an emotional rollercoaster of experiences. A memorable trip with unforgettable people, places, sights and smells; but not something that I can easily sum up in a snappy summary.

Most Inspirational Moment

Joseph, who was the group leader, took us to a Syrian Catholic church. There is no real reason why this unassuming building should have had such an impact, but Joseph found himself quizzed by a hundred questions, which he answered for us. These question-answer sessions were typical of our access into what was for many of us an unfamiliar world. Our travels by bike in India certainly opened up the question of its rich faith history, which as a group we were mostly ignorant about. Temples, churches, mosques, shrines, festivals, ceremonial food, clothes and even bodily markings constituted many of the reference points on our journey; but we barely scratched the surface.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cycling with Joseph was like meditation. The traffic conditions in Kerala are novel, and are a complete contrast to the segregated cycling lanes of Europe. Sticking close to Joseph made it possible to understand how to move through traffic in a new way, at a constant and calm pace. The way that Joseph cycles is much like his skill as a leader. We trusted him and he provided help, and support and answered endless questions. An exceptional and skilled leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This seems to be a longstanding exodus trip and local cycling conditions change all the time; check to see what recent changes have been made. Trip notes will suggest what you are doing in terms of basic distance; but it is harder to anticipate your preference for long rest times, and mostly flat, unsurfaced roads.

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