Internationale groepsreis Cycle Kerala & Tropical India - Premium

Motions and emotions

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting under the skin of India- going to places only accessible by bike !   Every day was an adventure.

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant!  Knew the route backwards- coped with a lot of ill people and one member who just didn't want to be in a group.  Thanks to Peter we went to places that one would never have ventured into on one's own.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't forget to take Ciprofloxacin with you - it solves the problems that Immodium doesn't!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A  fantastic trip -the memories will last forever.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

What a fantastic holiday. Great places, fantastic cycle rides, delicious food, fab team looking after us all the way.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The visit to the Elephant temple was way better than expected - they are such amazing creatures. Arriving at such a place by bike makes it even better.

What did you think of your group leader?

Vishnu was great at the organisation of everything - food, places to stay, transport. Safi was a fantastic cycle leader - very aware of everyone in the group - if someone was struggling or if someone else needed to be pushed on. The driver Sheebu was equally amazing and played a full part in the holiday - making sure that everyone was safe and always topped up with water.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We all put money into a kitty for evening meals which worked out well in the end although there was a bit of friction initially - especially given that exodus say there are no local payments - I would say this is one holiday where you will eat with the group just about every night and eat fantastic food even more so when Vishnu orders for the group. (it might even be better to sell it as a holiday with more evening meals included)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A great holiday. We travelled for a week in India before joining the group and realised then just how much easier this type of holiday is when you are not in charge of all the organisation! It was great to hand over all responsibility for decision-making and planning and just relax and enjoy!

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

A well researched and planned trip taking us off the beaten track and into rural India that few peple, even back packers, have the opportunity to experience.  I loved it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The whole trip was a journey of discovery.  Cycling wise the best day was the Western ghatts descent - wow did the adrenalin flow! On another day when visiting the elephant temple we heard about a local festival so Peter sussed it out and organised a detour.  To see the elephants lined up and bedecked in huge gold head dresses gleaming in the sun and to be part of the throng of people jostling around all the food and gift stalls was quite something, more so because it was so impromtu and spontaneous and we were the only foreigners.

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter was very professional.  He organised the trip well and dealt expertly with the day to day idiosyncracies of the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go for it!!!!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I can't wait to have another similar experience - Cuba or Sri Lanka are top of the list.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

India is far more than I thought it would be, and ive wanted to go there for 30 years. Cycling across tropical India means you get to experience real life, not a tourists view. Wonderful local guides. Cant wait to experience more Indian life on 2 wheels

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being in the middle of wild dangerous nature, amazing!!!!!

What did you think of your group leader?

Arrogant 6 out of 10

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do it

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I think we should have been kept together on the trip through the tiger reserve. We were told at the start not to spread out but it happened. I ended up cycling through there with one other person with no support if we had been eaten by tigers  

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Kerala was really beautiful - the people were friendly, the food was delicious and the sites were awesome, we thoroughly enjoyed the diversity experienced during the trip.  This is a really great trip with so much to see and do - we loved it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We loved Cochin - there was so much to see and do.  We hired an auto-rickshaw (tuk tuk) for the day for 400 rupees (about £5) and went around all of the major sites including the Jain temple, which was beautiful.  If you like shopping, there were lots of small keepsakes including silk scarves, handpainted paper mache pots and decorations and fabulous silk rugs.  The hotel in Cochin was very luxurious and conveniently located - we were really sorry to leave! We loved staying on the houseboat on the Keralan backwaters, it was so tranquil after several days of cycling and it was wonderful to watch life go by.

What did you think of your group leader?

Vishnu led the group for a few of the days.  He was great - really knowledgeable and always on hand to help if you needed it.  Peter was very experienced and resolved all complicated bike issues - brilliant!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a pretty full-on trip despite it being graded B/C - you do need to be fit and have trained a bit beforehand.  The days of cycling were very enjoyable but they were quite long.  I was carrying an old injury which flared up and consequently stopped me from doing all of the cycling, which was a real shame.  If you want to buy a sculpture to bring home then make sure you get it at Guruvayoor - they had fabulous pieces at reasonable prices.  We thought we'd wait and buy something nearer to our flight home so we didn't have to carry it around but then never saw any sculptures as good as the ones in Guruvayoor and were all really touristy!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The trip was challenging but very rewarding and we would definitely use Exodus in the future - in fact we're already thinking about our next trip!  There are only a couple of rest days though so we stayed on in Kerala for an extra four days at the end of the trip.  We travelled down to Kovalam but, as it turned out, Varkala had a much nicer beach with better restaurants and cafes.  If you want to stay on for an extra couple of days then just stay in the same hotel that Exodus books in Varkala - it was positively luxurious, clean, central and had a great swimming pool.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA CYCLING HOLIDAY

A really good way to get to know a country. Cycling through small towns and villages really allowed us to get under the skin of India. One of the best holidays we have ever had!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the top of the hill at Ooty. This provided a real sense of achievement and was only possible because the whole group worked together, helping and encouraging each other during the climb.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent! Very knowledgable and well organised. Always made certain our bikes were in top condition and always knew the best places to eat and drink.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you want to get to know India sign up for this trip. You will not regret it!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take plenty of rehydration salts and make certain you add these to your water each day. It can get very hot and humid and this will certainly help overcome this problem.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA CYCLING HOLIDAY

Brillant holiday, wonderful rides, Beautiful countryside, friendly people and fantastic group of people to cycle with.  Despite having a tummy bug on the second day, each day was filled with so many views and experiences it was amazing how we managed to fit it all in without ever feeling rushed!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moment was reaching the top of Ooty Hill with my bike! Even if we were about two hours behind the record breakers.  And the views going down the otherside will always remain in my memory.

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter was fantastic, he has got a tour that I don't think will be beaten as it is perfectly paced with enough challenges for everyone interspaced with wonderful experiences.  He arranged things so that you really felt that you were experiencing the real India. He even got me to try and ride in his slipstream to catch up with the boys (Nearly managed it!)

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take some of the antibiotics that kill everything in your stomach, then even if you have the misfortune of having a tummy bug, you can carry on and enjoy the ride every day.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Will always remember the wonderful colours of India both through the mountains and on the backwaters! Would like to thank Peter, Dusun and Mr Shaboo (apologies if I have spelt that incorrectly) and my fellow travellers for making this holiday such a wonderful experience.

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA CYCLING HOLIDAY

Outstanding trip, interesting places people food culture animals and the cycling was good too

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the Highlander Cafe at the top of the Ooty Hill climb, the spontaneous applause of schoolchildren as the "Peleton " rode though villages, meeting the staff aand children of the Orphanage, the descent from Ooty.

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter was an excellent guide for our trip. Nothing fazed him, excellent local knowledge, good fun, gave us a great trip

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't bother to take spare tubes pumps etc as technical support is really good`

Is there anything else you would like to add?

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

A really good group of people that made the holiday such a pleasure.An adventure around every corner.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Possibly the most inspirational moment of our trip was getting to the top of Ooty hill and being given a cup of cardomon tea and a huge slice of cake.  It was the steepest hill I have climbed and at 69 years of age was very proud of my efforts.

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter was a brilliant group leader, he has developed an extremely good tour which will be memorable. Well recommended.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The bikes that are available for hire are very good indeed and are serviced and checked every morning. A good support waggon and back up team travel with the group

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This trip is a definite must, full of adventure.  You will love spending a day and night on the rice barge and enjoying the food prepared.  There is a chance to go on Safari and we saw lots of wild life including a family of elephants.  The trip through the National Parks was really special too.  Every day was different and exciting. Hope we can find another Exodous trip as good as Kerela.

KERALA AND TROPICAL INDIA CYCLING HOLIDAY

A wonderful holiday.....very well planned and organised

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

ascent day to Outty was wonderful .......kerala barge trip and night in spa 

What did you think of your group leader?

Peter was brilliant,  organised, unflappable...a wonderful person...

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Exodus...update your trip notes they are crap...there are ATM'S everywhere...you guys suggested traveller's cheques...advise people on what to take clothing wise....casual wear aswell as bike gear  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hotel in Mysore and last hotel were awful......not a great start or end to holiday  

More a travel experience than a holiday

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Meeting very happy children

What did you think of your group leader?

Good leader, lots of local knowledge, good contacts. involved everyone. Did not miss an opportunity to look after his own interests as well as the groups.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you have your tickets in plenty time. Take lots of drugs to look after yourself

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Missed first day of holiday as tickets did not turn up. Had to pay £250 for overnight stay in London. Most of the group got very ill and missed days of cycling. Was hard staying on the bike when not well.  Could take the shine off the trip. Fell of and hurt myself. Did not relise how bad it was till I got home. Have your self checked over in India if it happens to you India has very nice people and lovely sights. But can be very dirty and you have to be direct with some people who are in your face for money. Enjoy the experiance, both good and bad.

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.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

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

What did you think of your 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.

Do you have any 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.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Bike riding is a wonderful way to see places where you can't get to by bus or car, gives you mobility that walking doesn't and is a good way of seeing places.

Cycling amongst 100s of locals all yelling "Happy New Year"

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cycling down through Ooty.  The morning started with a frost and a 30km descent - very cold indeed when we were used to over 30c every day!  We rode down through tea plantations with the temperature warming with every km.  Down through coffee plantations & finally to the beach.

What did you think of your group leader?

He absolutely made the trip.  Peter was a wonderful guide who knew India very well and loved the country, the food and the locals.   I felt we experienced the best that Southern India could offer - without ever feeling 'over-organised'.  Ashok who drove the sag wagon was such a gentleman - you could not meet a lovelier man.  He was always smiling, extremely helpful and a terrific ambassador for his country.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take:  sink plug (few hotels have them & it's very difficult to do your washing without them!), hand wipes, travel towel, mesh laundry bag (so your washing can be drying in the sag wagon).  A camelback was great.  I loved having my own bike - but it wasn't necessary as the local bikes are great and very well maintained by Peter. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is one of the very best cycling trips I have ever been on (and I have been on a few!)   Obviously the country, the food and the locals were amazing - but the discrete organisation, a fantastic guide, and a really wonderfully varied route turned it from a good holiday into a great one.

Incredible India

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The sights and sounds, the colours ,the wonderful smiling people .Southern India was amazing and with a great guide we squeezed every last experience out of every moment. And the food was good !

What did you think of your group leader?

He was perfect.He had good local knowledge a great affection for India and he really seemed to enjoy meeting all of us.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Follow the guidence that exodus provides and you won't go wrong.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

more trips like this please.

Cycle Kerala and Tropical India

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MIK Cycle Kerala and Tropical India Cycle Ride - Premium

Overall an excellent trip, well organised and led, with excellent equipment. Hotels were all generally very good and food excellent.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Observing a lone leopard in Bandipu National Park.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent - very organised and led his team very well. Safi always ensured our safety was paramount - both on the road and when it came to advising on what was safe to eat and drink. He was friendly, managed the group well, always on time and very dependable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We kept off all meat during the trip, the vegetarian dishes were great, and then at the coast fish dishes were excellent - and had no health issues at all (unlike some of the group). If you haven't been to India before the traffic is manic - but it felt safer on a bicycle at the side of the road rather than in a bus!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Couple of observations: 1. The very steep ride on day 5 is out of context compared with the rest of the trip - and added nothing to the ride other than alot of effort. 2. Day 4 ride out of the National Park was actually only 17k - which felt a bit of a waste of time. 3. A couple of early morning starts resulted in us being ready before hotel staff resulting in poor quality breakfasts. Only minor gripes - as the trip as a whole was fascinating.

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.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching to top of hill to Ooty

What did you think of your group leader?

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

Do you have any 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. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Roads a bit of challenge at times weaving though tuctucks. Was surprised how much fellow holiday mates drank - the place was so beautiful and trip inspirational WHY  didthey feel need to drink so much ALCOHOL. I knew before taking holiday that I would probably find I may have liked to do a bit more cycling - would be nice if exodus organised some cycle trips which had more challenging cycling that wasnt off road or up the cols of the alps.

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.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

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 

What did you think of your 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. 

Do you have any 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.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

 The trip was lovely. I was just so frustrated by not being able to join in after my fall. The weather in November was good . We saw one tropical storm when we were at Fort Cochin. Take a half empty suitcase and buy pashminas, and more pashminas :) Be prepared for early morning starts to ensure you are not cycling throughout the hottest part of the day. I wish when cycling it was easier to stop more often to take in the sights, to experience the surroundings and to take photos whenver wanted. (All typed with my left hand!!) 

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).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

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.

What did you think of your 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! 

Do you have any 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.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I had never travelled to anywhere such as India, nor travelled from place-to-place each day. I went with an open-mind and was not disappointed. The Indian people are ever so friendly and I very much enjoyed cycling along to find a motorbike by the side of me with a smiling face asking my name, where I'm from, where I'm going and a cheery "Enjoy your stay in India!" as they accelerated off after an exchange. Our group was made up of fantastic people. 8 people in total, smaller than other groups I guess as it was premium departure. As Loo stated in her review, I don't believe our houseboat was upgraded, but I really couldn't fault the hotels. They really are worth the extra money if you are considering the upgrade.

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. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

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

What did you think of your 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.

Do you have any 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.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Enjoy - don't ride with the pack. Take your time to enjoy the scenery. Try the local food - Keralan food is amazing. The bike team are fantastic and look mafter you well. All in all a great trip with loads of interest, lots of mixed cycling and great weather.