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If you’re looking for a restful holiday in the midst of breathtaking views, Dickoya is the place to go

By Lankika de Livera

I sit on the cobblestone verandah of a cosy cottage in Dickoya. The scene that spreads around me keeps me spellbound. Twenty feet away from me is the Castlereigh reservoir. The green velvety mountain slopes seem to come down to meet the water, their reflection captured in the blue-grey waters. Tiny yellow and lilac wild flowers dot the surroundings.

Just 118 km from Colombo via Avissawella and Hatton, Dickoya has many places of lodging. The sleepy little town is slowly awakening to holiday-makers, who want a peaceful and quiet holiday in the hills. Many of the tea estates in the area too have little bungalows that are given out for short stays.

What is refreshing is that each place has a beautiful garden. With the cool climate, many lovely flowers grow abundantly.

In the little place we stayed in, called Castlereigh Cottages, we were fortunate to witness many birds in the garden itself. Cormorants swam lazily in the water, White Eyes twittered on the boughs of the trees in the garden, and at night, we heard Owls in the old Gum trees. But in the swirling mists of the night, we were unable to locate them.

In the morning we managed to spy a pair of adult Brown Fish Owls, so camouflaged that they looked the same light brown colour as the trunks of the Blue Gum trees.

The quietness of the area is very soothing. One can relax and unwind, read books or just soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the gardens. Going for walks along the relatively quiet by-roads is another delightful experience. On our walks we were able to spot the Tawny Bellied Babblers, Dark Fronted Babblers, Blue-tailed Bee Eaters, a Crested Serpent Eagle, a Grey Headed Fish Eagle, White Browed Fantails, the Little Minivet, Scaly-breasted and White-backed Munias, Brown Shrikes, House Sparrows (now uncommon), the Oriental White Eye and the Sri Lanka White Eye. We also spotted a fully grown Black Naped Hare.

We also stopped by the quaint little roadside church called Christ Church of Warleigh, set amidst the surrounding tea country. This stone church is on a hillock and the bac drop to it since the British era, has been the green tea country and the blue reservoir. It is picturesque on a sunny day, with a few flame-coloured Rhodendron trees in bloom. The tiny church can only hold a congregation of about fifty people comfortably. Its most beautiful feature is the stained glass windows dating back to British times.

Dickoya’s tea country has prevented the spread of much human habitation, and thus the peace and tranquillity of the area surpasses other hilly climes that sometimes tend to get overcrowded. So for those preferring a quiet holiday – Dickoya offers the serenity to soothe away all cares.