Cycle Kerala & Tropical India

Customer Reviews

• HJ

  Hal

  · February 13th, 2024
  This was a great tour. The guide and staff were absolutely outstanding. It was a well-paced tour with solid but not exhausting biking distances.
  

  Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review

  Thank you so much for letting us know about the pace! We will be passing along that information to our local team to make sure they hear about it. We are so happy you enjoyed Cycle Kerala & Tropical India tour. We hope that you will continue to tell... Show more
  Trip date: January 2024
• JS

  Joe

  · February 3rd, 2023
  The Cycle Kerala & Tropical India bike tour was excellent. It was definitley a one of a kind trip for cultural and interactions with the locals. Our team leader Safi along with Frank and Shaker did a fabulous job of organizing the trip and maintaining, the bikes and dealing calmly with any issues that came up. The food experience was fabulous, and cycling scenery was so varied and interesting from busy cities to a mountain climb to Ooty. I would definitely recommend the bike tour .
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  Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review

  We would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to post a review of your experience on our Cycle Kerala and Tropical India tour and we are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your adventure. We were especially happy to hear your feedback on... Show more
  Trip date: January 2023
• RR

  Roswitha

  · November 18th, 2019
  Perfect trip, Joseph and the other 2 guys were very kind and helpfull, they always tried to make the trip as comfortable as possible for us. Hotels were great, except the one in Ooty looked more like a business hotel, very 'cold' atmospher. Hotel in varkala is very nice but on the last day, when most of the group left already and the hotel was al most empty the breakfast was very basic, only toast and jam
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  Trip date: November 2019
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  Alison Chadwick

  · April 5th, 2012
  This is my 3rd cycling holiday with Exodus and once again a fantastic experience, this trip we managed to fill the whole trip with friends who loved every minute of it, we are busy planning our next cycling trip with Exodus already.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?As always these trips are so well organised, the tour leader and back up staff go out of their way to help and assist you, nothing is ever too much trouble.  I just loved all the cycling through the back roads off the beaten tracks, stunning scenery with the ocean on one side.  The climb up Ooty was probably the most talked about subject on the trip - probably the hardest thing a few of us had done but at the same time manageable even if you have to walk part of the climb.  I have to say the accommodation on this trip was outstanding especially the houseboat!  And of course the food - just way too much!  Don't expect to lose weight on this trip!What did you think of your group leader?He was brilliant, always willing to assist and part with information.  The 2 support guys were amazing too.  Such nice guys.  Always a smile on their faces. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I do think you need to have some bike skills for this trip, cycling in the traffic can be a little daunting at times, luckily not too much of it.  If you feeling insecure rather pull over and wait for the large vehicle to overtake you - the pecking order is alive and well in India.  A level of fitness is obviously necessary, the first week is probably the hardest week, the 2nd week is mostly dead flat.  If you plan on waiting at the top of the Ooty climb for all the party to arrive perhaps put a space blanket or light jacket in your pocket, we had more than 2 hours to wait at the rest stop and were quite cold waiting for the others to arrive.  Cold in India, yes we did feel cold!  Apart from Ooty is is HOT HOT HOT and HUMID!The kitty works well - covers all the extras apart from alcohol, for 2 weeks you dont even have to think, everything is taken care of for you.  Outstanding. Is there anything else you would like to add?I can honestly recommend this trip - India is full of delights, like nothing I've experienced before and on a bicycle it is a real treat as we rode in places where no bus or vehicle could go so you get to see the real India.  And of course it is dirt cheap - 12 of us caught a ferry one day on our free day in Cochin - the journey took 20 minutes and the fare for all 12 of us was 50 cents!! 
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  Trip date: April 2012
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  Kathy Tracey

  · March 15th, 2012
  India was vibrant and fascinating, and the cycling was varied and excellent funWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Making it to the top of Ooty hill!What did you think of your group leader?Relaxed and easy going while still getting everything done that needed to get done.Made the trip stress-free. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Take your own bike seat - it's just more comfortable. And leave plenty of room in your suitcase for shopping!
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  Trip date: March 2012
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  Abigail Walker

  · March 12th, 2012
  Great trip through south India. Amazing contrasts from hills to coast and city to villages. Loved cycling through the villages with kids running up for a high five.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?I really enjoyed the 2 days of the hill climb then the descent next day. The hill climb was a challenge but very achievable and the descent was amazing through lots of different sceneryWhat did you think of your group leader?Vishnu, Joseph and Sheba were all great, very helpful and friendlyDo you have any advice for potential travellers?Do it! Aviod massage in Ooty wait til Cochin
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  Trip date: March 2012
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  Robbie Walker-Brown

  · February 19th, 2012
  This was the best trip that we have taken! Great company in the group, the 'A Team' of guides, access to the real sights, sounds, food and people of an incredible country......and cold Kingfisher and non stop curry. What more could you want?What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?This is impossible because there was something every day that trumped the day before. The National Park (we saw a tiger 30' away and wild elephants...the young bull charging the bus was great (no we don't refer to Safi!). The ride through the national park and arrival at Wild Haven (could have stayed for several months there!). Guruvayor and the temple. The boat trip through the backwaters! In all of this was the joy of being welcomed so warmly by everyone we came across.What did you think of your group leader?Safi was fantastic. Really good leadership skills, great english (made us laugh alot) he was intersting to talk to and really well informed. The trip was smoother than smooth (all that constant ringing ahead while cycling). Safi rode the front but constantly checked that the group were OK). Mention here to for Shebu (the best support driver in the sub continent and a nicer person would be difficult to meet). And last but not least Vipin who rode the rear (except for an attempt at the record for cycling Ooty!).Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Don't bother with water bottles as the endless supply of water was faultless. Take a travel washing line.Is there anything else you would like to add?If you are thinking about this trip....just book it! We agreed to paying into a kitty and would recommend it  (every stop and every food and drink need was really well catered for).
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  Trip date: February 2012
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  Milan Miletich

  · February 16th, 2012
  A trip which is impossible to summarise. Ok - let's try - GREAT SUPER FABULOUS. Two months since I embarked on it and I am still thinking fondly of my experiences.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?- Seeing three tigers in Bandipur- The descent from Ooty- The friendly, smiling & accommodating people; we here in the UK really could learn so much - The South Asian drivers - on the whole surprisingly respectful to the two wheeler- Kerala Backwaters- Varkala chill out over New Year post tour end.What did you think of your group leader?Attentive, caring, courteous, GSOH, intelligent, flexible, informed.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?One does require a good level of fitness to get the most out of this trip.  The climb up Ooty is, of course, character building and testicle breaks are obligatory even with the best cycle shorts.  There are other days too which say even on the flat are pretty full on due to the heat of the day very evident even in South Asia's winter and also, quite simply, the distances being covered.The application of sense on the roads is required but do not fear.  Cycle defensively, use your eyes to the max and above all watch out for pedestrians too who often just step into the road at will.  But also remiember, it is only for a minority of the time that highways are actually used. The accommodation is, on the whole, very good and I understand the first hotel I had the misfortune of staying at in Mysore with Exodus has now been changed due to consistently very bad reviews & experiences.If possible, as well as staying in Varkala at the end for a few extra days, perhaps also consider coming a day or two earlier to Mysore.  It is a lovely city to walk around in - how often can one say that about a large settlement in India?!  I can recommend the Hotel Metropole if you are prepared to pay a bit more.  Also you will be fresher for those early cycle days.Is there anything else you would like to add?I have noted a few earlier entries and regret to read that some have experienced serious to less serious injuries.  I would kindly suggest that the combination of a two wheels, tigers, steep uphill gradients, elephants, cars, animals, very steep downhill gradients, king cobras, potholes and pedestrians may create some danger.  The notion that somebody can come on this kind of holiday in South Asia and not expect there to be an element of danger along with roads that do not match the French autoroute does baffle me.  India does not have an especially celebrated health & safety branch.I am also asthmatic.  It is surely obvious to ensure one has their medication to hand at all times and of course if the condition is severe then a mask may also assist.  It is India.  It is not Iceland.However, I do advise Exodus to reiterate some points again & again in its descriptions.  We live in a litigious world.Btw - the reference to king cobras, tigers and elephants are not likely to impact your trip.  More's the pity!
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  Trip date: February 2012
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  Ellen McPhillips

  · February 14th, 2012
  There is nothing negative to say about this trip. It delivers on all aspects. The cycling is varied - at times a great challenge and other times an easy, pleasurable ride. With the local guides you get to see the real India. I couldn't recommend this trip enough.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?I know everyone said this but it's really hard to pick out particular moments.  The trip is so varied that every night you go to bed thinking "wow what a great day!"  The mock charge by a bull elephant was memorable as was arriving at Wild Haven for a cold beer after a long ride.  The absolute highlight for me has to be the cycling - fantastic!  Even getting through the manic traffic in Mysore was fun.What did you think of your group leader?Our leader was Safi.  We couldn't have asked for more from him - friendly, attentive and informative.  He showed us what India is really all about rather than seeing the tourist side of things.  He had us all well trained jumping on our bikes ready to go as soon as he rang his bell!!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?To really enjoy the trip I think you need a reasonable level of fitness.  Bring a hair dryer if you need one (there won't be one in your accommodation).  Ideally bring clothes that you can wash and won't need ironing i.e. sports clothes.  That way you can stay on top of your laundry by washing things out each night.  Be prepared to eat lots of lovely curries!!!!Is there anything else you would like to add?If you are thinking of going on this trip just go ahead and book it.  I went with high expectations and it was even better than I thought. 
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  Trip date: February 2012
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  John Gove

  · February 6th, 2012
  A wonderfully varied trip from a chilly start in the Western Ghats to the warm tropical beaches of Kerala.Cycling was varied too from challenging uphill to sedate coastal rides. Fabulous cheap food! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Cruising the backwaters in the converted rice boat - a fabulous change and rest towards the end of the trip.The downhill after the previous day's uphill struggle with Mount Ooty's 36 hairpin bends. What did you think of your group leader?Could not have been better! Safi's capacity to herd cats is now legendary. He made all the preparations etc that he obviously put into the trip seem effortless which made our trip so much more relaxing than other (non Exodus) trips I have been on.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Take some layers for colder climate on Mount Ooty.Gifts can be bought at the end of the trip in Varkala Is there anything else you would like to add?Would (and have already) recommend to our friends.
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  Trip date: February 2012