Sri Lankan Highlights

Customer Reviews

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  Elizabeth Webster

  · February 10th, 2012
  A very enjoyable week which enabled you to experience a variety of cultural and social aspects of Sri Lankan life.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Climbing to the summit of the Lion Rock was exciting. The views from the top were amazing.The day of cycling was really good fun and helped you to get up close and personal to the landscape.What did you think of your group leader?Sampath was an excellent group leader and was always in tune with the feelings and needs of the group. He was able to share his passion for his country with us and gave a measured and balanced account of the political situation. He was able to answer the obscurest questions about fauna and flora. Personally, he sorted out some problems we encountered relating to individual arrangements we had made. He was very well organised and inspired confidence.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?You need to be aware it is primarily a sight-seeing trip.Is there anything else you would like to add?We arrived prior to the main group and Exodus had booked the hotel for the previous night and arranged transport from the airport. However, there was no-one waiting for us at the airport and when we eventually arrived at the hotel they refused to accept the Exodus voucher and insisted we paid again for the room. At the end of the week our tour leader sorted it out and we got our money back.It's a shame that at least one night wasn't based in a hotel in Colombo.
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  Trip date: February 2012
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  Andrea Griffiths

  · November 13th, 2011
  I was rather dissapointed by this trip.It was more of a bus trip that I would expect to go on when Im a OAP. It was very much drive to a place have a very very short period of time there and drive to the hotel for the night. We spent 90% of our time on the bus.All but one night we ate at the hotel with the coach loads and I mean coach loads of other tourists. Most of the visits we seemed to do as fast as possible. We did the temple of the tooth in about 10 mins! We did a round trip of 5 hours for a 45min stop at a tea planation! We marched up the Lions rock and had a very quick march around the top and back to the bus. The elepahnt orphanage was done in an hour and a half including lunch .The hotels that we stayed at were very nice. However staying in the hotel all eveing with loads of ohter tourists is not how I want to experiance a country. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The extra trip to see the Elephants in the wild. We were lucky to see big herds however we were told the group before had only seen 2 elephants in the distance.Also the extra visit to the tea plantation was beautiful although this ment another round trip of 5 hours all for 45min tour! What did you think of your group leader?Sampath and the drivers were good apart from doing everything at the speed of light. He always wanted to get us back to the hotel for 5pm which to me was not neccesary as the hotels are in the middle of no where. I would have liked extra time at the places we visted.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?If you are looking for sun don't go in October. We had less than an hour of blue sky for the whole week . It rainned every day. A trip to Sri lanka without seeing a tea planation and the  beaches is a waste of time. There are much better tours out there than this one. 
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  Trip date: November 2011
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  Shirley Morgan-Knott

  · June 14th, 2011
  We did enjoy the trip....we saw a lot of interesting cultural sights, the people/guide/fellow travellers were great and we do have lots of good memories etc. However, on the downside, we were always either on the tour bus or in tourist restaurants, tourist hotels, eating at the hotel buffet as a group practically every evening (usually one of many similar groups) - it sometimes felt like a Saga/Kuoni type tour that my mum (who is 77) would go on, rather than the more adventurous Exodus style trip that we were anticipating. Whether this is because Sri Lanka does not have the infrastructure to cope with larger groups of independent travellers - or perhaps is not considered safe enough to allow tourists to explore independently - I am not sure, but it made for a rather regimented trip sometimes. There may be handicraft shopping opportunities in Sri Lanka - but we had literally zero time to stop and look....apart from the rather miserable western-style Odel shopping mall in Colombo on our last evening. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?By far the most interesting/inspiring/authentic moment (not to mention the tastiest lunch) was the cycling trip to the local village.....more of this type of experience (in preference to the gemstone showroom, or the sari shop, for example) would really enhance the trip in my opinion.. What did you think of your group leader?Subash was great - responsive, kind, good company, knowledgeable.....perhaps he didn't realise however, that many people who go on an Exodus tour are quite well travelled and would appreciate a bit more independence and the opportunity to experience local culture/flavours a bit more.  Having said this, perhaps others on the trip enjoyed the higher level of protectiveness that was offered. 
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  Trip date: June 2011
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  Philippa Harrison

  · May 5th, 2011
  Fabulous trip - my head is still buzzing with the number of things we saw, places we visited, people we met and people we spoke to. Far exceeded my expectations.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?So many - the bike ride was fantastic - we went through beautiful lanes following a river and looking out over paddy fields, saw some mad lizards, and learnt how coconut milk is made (had no idea!).  We were all in need of some exercise as well after some jetlag and sitting on a bus.We organised with Subesh's very kind help a trip to the tea plantations which was stunning - the trip alone was breath taking then it was excellent fun to learn about then drink tea in the very English tea room/factory.The elephants - on safari, the ride and the orphanage were fantastic - this was a very special thing to be able to do.What did you think of your group leader?Our leader Subesh was a rockstar - he was not an experienced guide and, at times, needed a bit of prompting on what the group required (when's the next loo break, how long's the next trip etc) but once I pointed this out to him, he quickly sorted this out.  He was very kind to the group, and by the end of the week I think most of us were very fond of him.  His knowledge of history, culture, animals etc was fantastic and was deliverd in an interesting way.  He also did things such as stop to buy red bananas - very Sri Lankan but none of has had that before.  Subesh was a little reticent to eat with us at first - he sat a couple of seats away but we encouraged him to sit with us.  He was good at getting us from place to place on time.  I hope, with experience, he will learn more about us foreigners!  and hopefully to not take criticism - 1 (rude) person had quite a go at him and he was quite upset, and another (equally rude) person criticised his English (which was absolutely fine) which I think he found difficult.  Really good guide overall.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?A couple of domestics - For ladies - take tampons, very difficult to find and when you can they're non-applicator.  You don't need loo roll (as you do in Cuba) - as all toilets have this.  If you're travelling on after the tour, take a torch.If you're not sure about Sri Lanka, go on this tour anyway - so much to see, the people are fantastic and the food was really good.  I had thought it would be like India but found it much more chilled out and great food (and no-one got sick).Is there anything else you would like to add?We didn't really get very much free time or time for shopping. On the last day we were taken to a department store (Odel) to do shopping but no-one was interested in this and would have much preferred to go to a market to buy handicrafts.   I would also recommend staying on in Sri Lanka after the tour if you can.
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  Trip date: May 2011
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  Julie Morgan

  · May 2nd, 2011
  Sri Lanka is a great country to travel in - very friendly people, good food, great wildlife and interesting culture. There is something for everyone and this trip packs quite a lot into a short space of time.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?We really enjoyed the bike ride (even though I hadn't ridden for 10yrs+!) - cycling at a manageable pace past lovely river & lake scenery, small villages with lots of friendly children and seeing many different birds & a large monitor lizard along the way.  I also really enjoyed the visit to a tea plantation - not in the itinerary but an extra opportunity that our guide offered us; I'd recommend it if you get a chance to go.What did you think of your group leader?Subash was very friendly and approachable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?If you are at all interested in wildlife, consider taking a Sri Lanka bird/wildlife book with you - it also adds an extra dimension to the days that involve more driving - spotting birds along the way.  Also watch out for the bats on the electricity wires by the sides of the road - you'll know what I mean when you see them!  I'd highly recommend adding on a few days at the end of your trip if you can, for a bit of relaxation.  The trip is a busy one and we really enjoyed our few days on the Southern coast afterwards (particularly because we managed to see blue whales whilst there).  Oh - and don't forget to try an arrack cocktail!Is there anything else you would like to add?Sri Lanka is a good place to buy souvenirs/gifts - make sure you save some space in your luggage. 
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  Trip date: May 2011
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  Jonathan Stanton

  · April 4th, 2011
  An excellent short trip that covers a lot in seven days. This trip gives a mix of history, culture, wildlife and local interaction - just what you would hope for from an Exodus trip.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The cycle ride though the local villages was not something that stood out on the itiniary, but it was an unexpected treat.  The cycling was very easy, and took us through beautiful countryside and past an eclectic mix of rural dwellings.  Stopping for a drinks break of coconut water, freshly chopped down before our eyes, was just the ticket to keep up going.  And a spicy lunch in a villagers garden topped off the morning.What did you think of your group leader?Sampath was an excellent group leader and was a key part of making the trip a success.Is there anything else you would like to add?Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage was something we were really looking forward to, but we felt it was disappointing for two reasons.  Firstly, it has become far too successful so there are too many people crowded around the elephants at feeding time.  Secondly the way some of the elephants are tied down with chains is simply wrong.  Both these issues are causing distress to the animals we went to watch.  The chance to see so many elephants going down to the river is an experience I will never forget, but was offset by the knowledge of how some of the elephants are being treated.  I would urge Exodus to consider an alternative attraction more in keeping with it's ethical tourism policies.
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  Trip date: April 2011
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  Tracy Palmer

  · September 20th, 2010
  A great trip. We saw so much in the limited time we had in Sri Lanka. The itinerary/trip notes don't really give you a feel for everything you will do. I would definitely recommend this trip. There is a mixture of things to do and see so there is something for everyone to enjoy. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Really enjoyed the cycling trip and having lunch in one of the village houses. Also the climb to the top of the rock fortress was good fun.What did you think of your group leader?Sampath was excellent. He was very patient with the group and very pleased and proud to be sharing his country with us.  He also told jokes on the bus to keep us amused! He was definitely one of the best guides I have had on an Exodus holiday.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?There are lots of shopping opportunities so take plenty of money. The lunches and dinners are fairly cheap but I spent more than the trip notes said to take. I would recommend you take sterling and change it at the airport.  Is there anything else you would like to add?Go on book it! Don't worry if you can't cycle as you can still join in on that day by sitting in the back-up truck. In summary, it is a fairly relaxed but busy trip and the hotels were surprisingly good. There are a couple of longish drives but these are made interesting by stopping at stalls along the road to sample the array of unusual fruits etc. There are lots of shopping opportunities so take plenty of money.
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  Trip date: September 2010
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  Christiana Monk

  · September 16th, 2013
  The knowledge, humour, care, and honesty or our tour leader, Sujee and our driver was exemplary.We felt very secure and enriched by their whole hearted attention to detail, and to highlighting the wonderful and enlightening experience of their beloved country.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?From beginning to end , the whole trip was interesting and exciting. Cycling in the forests, riding on elephants, exploring the tea plantations , experiencing the Buddist tradition and eating with the local Sri Lankan people,who seem to be the most contented, happy and friendly people one could ever wish to meet.Lovely well chosen hotels with swimming pools, comfortable beds and good food.  All in all an excellent experience. What did you think of your group leader?Our leader Sujee was exemplary in every way. Nothing was overlooked . Our comfort and security was paramount  to both him and our driver;  and he was extremely knowledgeable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Enjoy every experience.We found it safe, inexpensive, clean and very friendly.Is there anything else you would like to add?Highly recommend-- just enough of everything!
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  Trip date: September 2013
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  Jess Dolby

  · August 7th, 2013
  A wonderful, jam-packed week, I enjoyed every moment.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Riding an elephant has to be top on my list, but the variety of things we did involving the local people really gave me a feel of the real Sri Lanka, visiting their homes and villages and seeing their way of life was so enjoyable and eye-opening. It's difficult to choose one particular inspiring momentas there were so many!What did you think of your group leader?Kingsley the tour leader was very friendly and full of knowledge about his country, anything we asked about he knew the answer. He was also happy to change plans to suit our requests and was always very relaxed and approachable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Make sure to bring insect repellent!Is there anything else you would like to add?The trip overall was fantastic, and on top of all the sights we saw there was also amazing wildlife, we saw exotic birds and animals everyday, perfect for photo opportunities.
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  Trip date: August 2013
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  Tiphaine Monsauret

  · July 31st, 2013
  The trip of a life time. I did not think possible to fit so much in such a short time.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Although the trip was very comfortable (the hotels were fantastic) I enjoyed being able to meet the local people as well and share bits of their routine. We were invited on people's proprieties and they shared with us their food and showed us their skills such as going up coconut trees and cutting them open. What did you think of your group leader?Our tour guide Kingsley was also fantastic and was able to give us some insight of true Sri Lankan lifestyle. He was also incredibly flexible and very attentive to our needs. We had very informative and interesting conversations with him. I could not think of a better guide!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?All the information needed is in the trip notes. Perhaps, I would not have taken walking boots which would have saved up some space. Trainers and flip flops were more than enough for the activities on this trip.Is there anything else you would like to add?This trip has exceeded by far my expectations. I met some great people and had a fantastic time. We managed to make the most of this week around Sri Lanka and have taken some truly amazing photos. I would truly recommend this trip to anyone. Thank you Exodus!
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  Trip date: July 2013