Cyril Tours - THE TEA COUNTRY

THE TEA COUNTRY - SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka has a very wide-ranging landscape and nowhere is this better exemplified than in the hill country. The transition from the warm coastal regions to the cooler climes of the hills is rapid and occurs under an hour of travel, as the roads which hug the mountainsides go through a series of steep climbs. Kandy is considered the beginning of the hill country and beyond it, the rolling hills open up in carpets of lush, manicured green fields of tea right up to the colonial hill stations of Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela. Nuwara Eliya lies at the foot of the tallest peak on the island and was used by the British as an escape from the stifling April heat in the lowlands and Bandarawela’s cool and dry climate made it a recommended destination for convalescing patients. Most of the hill country towns retain much of their colonial charm with iconic buildings and settings from the period being preserved as they were a century ago.

Must-Do List

Take a train journey into the region
Stay in a colonial-era tea planters bungalow
Climb the sacred Adams Peak at night
Stunning vistas from the Haputale and Ella Gaps
Journey by jeep to the Horton Plains National Park
Golf at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

Nature trek through lush tea plantations and mountain landscapes.

Commonly referred to as ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya is set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations. Even though it is known as one of the coolest locations in the island, its weather is similar to an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. Around Nuwara Eliya evidence of the British influence can be seen in houses designed on the lines of country cottages and Queen Ann style mansions. Victoria Park, in the center of town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for birding as a few rare species inhabit the park. Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the spring (March to May) and the fall (August and September). It is during these “seasons” when low-country folk flock to Nuwara Eliya to escape the sea level heat and humidity.

Feedback from valuable clients + See all

"2nd to 15th November 2016 Dear Cyril, Thank you for arranging our first visit to your beautiful country. We had a very enjoyable, comfortable, safe, interesting and memorable holiday. All the accommodations you provided were very clean and comfortable and we will always remember the welcome, we felt when the smiling staff cheerfully looked after us and our every need. The itinerary you arranged was just right for us and made even better with the care you took whilst driving your very c..." Satwant and Doug from Australia

"We are an older couple celebrating a lot of years of marriage (and hiking) in Sri Lanka in February this year, for two weeks, and three days in the Maldives. Although we love to drive, we chose to go with a driver-guide, after planning the trip completely independently. (It turned out he might help us in the planning and selection of hotels, we own). The main advantage is reaching the sites, some of which are tired, refreshed after someone else used to bad roads, with bad signage - If you are i..." Sam

"Cyril was our driver and guide for the last nine days. We had the comfortable white Toyota van shown in the pic - it was just as clean and shiny, and not a scratch on it. He is clearly a very skilled driver. He is particularly knowledgeable about the history of the many places we visited. We were pleased we had Cyril as our driver. He had been recommended to us by an acquaintance. Andrew Speirs Melbourne, Australia Travel period 04 Jan - 12 Jan 2018" Mr. Andrew an Mrs. Suzy Speirs from Australia

"Hi Mr.Cyril, Hope you and family and grandchild are doing fine. Hope to come to Sri Lanka again. We really enjoyed our trip especially with your special help and guidance. We will definitely contact you if at all we wish to visit Sri Lanka again. Thanks & Best Regards Mr. & Mrs.Pillai Singapore 29/7/11 " Mr & Mrs.Pillai from Singapore

"Cyril Tours is a very good agency. Because we did use it from 01st of March to 14 March 2013. From the start till end of our emails, he has (Mr.Cyril) given all required details. Also he send us very detailed itinerary with pictures. Actually no need guide after go through it.Cyril Tours is not a big agency. He was a guide in Sri Lanka more than 26 years. Many clients recommend him to their friends and to relatives who want to visit Sri Lanka.They asked from him to travel, that is why he be..." John and Mary from Canada

"Cyril was an excellent guide and gave us a very good insight into the history and cultures of Sri Lanka. He was always polite, helpful and prompt. His driving was always calm and controlled - unlike some of the other vehicles we saw!!! We would recommend him to others traveling to Sri Lanka. WH - UK - January 2011" Wilson Harland

"(10 days). Before the trip I did a lot of research here on the site and other sites on the tour options and after checking in we decided to go with a guide attached. Choice in was not easy and I started Travels "correspondence with more than ten guides to staying with the" chosen ". No doubt it was an excellent choice! Before Asbury on our guide, I wanted to note that after the visit, I understand the importance of taking guide (driver) suite. Roads and driving in Sri Lanka ..." Corey

"Cyril was absolutly Fantastic,Veryhelpful, Patient and extremly knowledgable. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend and travel with him again. Whole tour was well organized and perfectly done. Kate Williams and family from UK 04th January 2015" Kate Williams UK

"11th April 2014 01 week tour around Sri Lanka A fantastic week was had by all with Cyril, exploring Kandy, Nuwaraeliya and Bentota. Your meaningful insights & excellent explanations of the Sri Lanka’s culture, nature and traditions were invaluable. Your smile and charm helped is feel related and comfortable. Not getting stressed once. With your guidance & tips, the holiday flew by with only one problem: it was very short! Your comprehensive list of talents ranges from findin..." Ian Price and family from UK

"We had a trip planned with Cyril just when international travel closed down due to Covid. Cyril was great in planning a trip with me that had a great deal of flexibility and tailored to visit the places we wanted to seeUnfortunately we were unable to take the trip. Cyril's response to that was great, he dealt with everything for us in terms of cancellationsHe has kept in touch with us since then and has already contacted me with a revised plan for our trip to Sri Lanka. Which we will book with h..." Brian O: Keefe - Perth - Australia