Reviews

from the Indian Ocean to the Arabian Sea

This was an amazing holiday and has completely converted me, before the holiday pretty much a non cyclist and very much a novice, to taking more cycling holidays. I love India and this was such a good way to get to see a lot of the real rural India. Cycling through villages, avoiding dogs, goats, cows, other cyclists and pedestrians, as well as the inevitable motorbikes, tuk tuks and buses and not a few potholes and speed bumps, was always fantastic, as the children all wave and shout hello, as do quite a lot of the adults. Its a complete joy.

Incredible India Indeed – a wonderfully memorable holiday

This was our first visit to India so we were excited yet apprehensive in equal measures. Our holiday could not have been better and we are already looking at a return trip.

Fun and Enjoyable

This was my fourth exodus cycling trip and the ‘routine’ was the same, across different countries. I’m impressed by the way Exodus find the excellent leaders and support staff. The bikes do the job, but don’t expect perfection – even so I wouldn’t contemplate bringing my own bike. The cycling is easyish for the fit and challenging (but doable) for others given the heat, especially. The main hill with all its bends I would equate to Alpe d’Huez. Some had to hop on the bus – but don’t let that put you off.

India and its traffic is unique and not for the nervous rider, but ride in a straight line and follow the cyclist in front and be aware and you will come to enjoy the manic experience. But there were lots of byways and some great views over the mountains at times.

We had some excellent food,much better than on the Rajistahn (don’t let me put you off) trip and in some ‘interesting’ local roadside eateries. Eat before inspecting the kitchens is my advice! I came to no harm.

An amazing cycling adventure coast to coast through the soul of India

You do need to be both a confident and competent cyclist not only to cope with the wonderful mayhem that is Indian town traffic but also the distances in the heat, however the rewards of this is getting to see and visit areas of India that most do not.
The sights,sounds and smells as you ride along are a delight and a photographers dream.
The accommodation was wide ranging from modern hotels, home-stays and magical old Indian hotels. All the food through out the journey exceeded our expectations with wonderful Tamil and Keralan cuisine.
We really had a great adventure – a highly recommended trip. Thank you Exodus!

Ruby Goehtz

If you are a keen cyclist than this trip is for you as its one of the most challenging ride in India. The distance covered most days are long and the terrain itself is formidable. The rating for this trip should be C/D because of the many stretches of the uphills !! Also the road and traffic conditions can be a nightmare but its doable.

Southern India Coast to Coast Ride Booking reference: 4571361

Great trip – opened my eyes to the changes in India

Southern India coast to coast

If you do just one cycling trip with Exodus, make sure it’s this one. It’s slightly tougher than Kerala and Vietnam, but more rewarding. You don’t have to be anything other than keen and reasonably fit to complete the journey (says the forty-something year old drinker and occasional smoker), but you will discover new muscles and an overall sense of achievement. But isn’t that the point?

Cycling India from Coast to Coast

Another great cycling trip with Exodus in late october 2014 when all official predictions for number of „wet days“ were wrong with heavy rain and flooding in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is very different from Kerala and a great experience especially since the route has been improved and covers a very interesting area with long biking sections without any traffic.
The hotels and homestay were just great with good variation and luxury usually not seen on bike trips. Our drivers made sure the luggage arrived before or with the cyclists.

Southern India Coast to Coast Ride

I carried out two trips back to back. The coast to coast followed by tropical India
Once you accept that Indians like their cold water hot, their hot food cold, there are no rules of the road and that Indian time is different from the rest of the universe you will have a good trip
Cycling challenging in places but not excessive Accommodation about what I expected
Food exciting and varied especially in Kerela

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting the people of the real India in the fields and plantations we travelled through. Meeting real labourer doing a real job in the actual location Tea Picking Rubber tree cutting and latex collection Squeezing and processing the latex Coconut Coire String making

Thoughts on Group Leader

An experienced guide who successfully herded the "cats" (travellers) through the trip without incident He had an optimistic and friendly approach to the job and offered opportunities explore and try new things

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sun protection and rehydration important Think about using sleeves for the arms don't use cotton clothing Loose modern synthetic clothing the most appropriate

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank David for his review. We are pleased that he had a number of inspirational moments during the trip , but sorry that he was disappointed by his bike. We have followed up with our local operator who are in the process of updating their bike fleet; we hope that this will avoid such disappointments in the future.

Megan Devenish – Trip Manager for cycling in India

Southern India Coast to Coast Ride

The cycling right across from Pondocherry , Tamil Nadu to Cochin in Kerala was a wonderful experience. Apart from one transfer we cycled all the way giving us an insight of the different cultures of the Tamil and Kerala people. From flat to awesome scenery of the Highlands and tea estates. We enjoyed the relaxing houseboat cruise on the Backwaters before our last kilometres to the other side on the next day.