Sri Lanka is a lush, tropical island paradise, known to Arab traders as Serendib – hence “serendipity”, meaning discovery by happy accident. It was famously described by Marco Polo as “undoubtedly the finest island of its size in the world”.
This is a culturally rich and environmentally diverse country, with nine World Heritage Sites (the oldest dating back to the 3rd Century BC); 86 species of mammals (including elephant and leopard) and more than 400 bird species (including 26 endemics); a colourful array of flowering plants and trees, and a Hill Country famous for tea; 14 National Parks out of 100 areas protected by the government; and an Indian Ocean coastline boasting palm-fringed and sandy tropical beaches.
Negombo is a characteristic fishing town north of Colombo, it is a mere 6 Km from the international airport. Negombo is a gourmet’s paradise with sea food in plenty. Old world fishing craft like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran bring seer, herring and mullet, while lobster & prawn are caught in the lagoon.
Negombo is called ‘Little Rome’ due to its several churches and Portuguese – Dutch influence.
Visit St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, The St. Sebastian’s Church was, unfortunately, a site of the Easter Bomb Blast 114 people who were killed in the April 21 attack
Kalpitiya is a coastal town that has grown in popularity among travelers. The Kalpitiya peninsula consists of a total of fourteen islands. Kalpitiya is most famed as being the best place in Sri Lanka for kitesurfing, attracting enthusiasts from all levels to test the winds on an exciting lagoon expedition.
Apart from being a haven for kite surfers; Kalpitiya is also a popular place for snorkeling, diving, and dolphin-watching excursions. It is made up of 14 islands; home to local fishing communities as the waters around Kalpitiya are thriving with marine life.
Enroute Visit Bolawalana Jacome Gonsalves Church.Fr. Jacome arrived in Ceylon on August 30, 1705. Through the years, he worked in many parts of this island nation, and he had the privilege of working with Saint Joseph Vaz, another Oratorian priest often called “The Apostle of Sri Lanka.”
Kurusa Thotupola
Hamilton Lake or the Dutch Lake that runs via Wennappuwa was the main mode of transport in the olden days. Weary travelers used to stop in Wennappuwa, where there is a small port, for days to refresh themselves during their long journey by canoes. People, who knew about the priests’ sailing, had erected a cross at the port to indicate that there were Catholic faithful in the village who needed spiritual guidance. St Joseph Vaz and a Veteran Historian Very Rev Fr Jacome Gonzalves who used to travel from Puttalam to Colombo have stepped on the land of Wennappuwa from Kurusa Thotopola and have met the people’s spiritual needs a number of times.
En route visit St’ Ann’s Church Thalawila is one of the most ancient and wonderful of all Christian shrines in Sri Lanka. Founded in the epicentre of tradition and holiness, thousands of pilgrim’s flocks during the Christmas season, in March and August to this amazing place of solitude and solace. Close to Kalpitiya, the St.Anne’s Church is easy to access with the roads in good condition and offering some stunning views of the Talawila Beach in peace.
After the breakfast visit to Mannarm
Mannar Island in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka is home to several attractions, and was once said to act as a connection to the southern tip of India. Known for its sunny weather and ancient baobab trees, it was also a key player in the country’s pearling fisheries.
En Route Visit Madu Church the Madhu festival, originally held on 2nd July now has 10 festivals during the year. The most popular and the largest is the festival held on 15th August which draws the largest crowd especially since this fall on school holidays.
En Route visit St. joseph Vaz church in Galgamuwa
The miraculous cross of St Joseph Vaz was taken in procession during the severe drought in August. While procession was there was a miraculous rain. The cross was on the altar after the procession for veneration for the villagers of Mahagalgamuwa.
St. Mary’s Church, Ampitiya is a serene and beautiful place of worship dedicated to Lady of Ostrabrama. Located near the National Seminary in Kandy, it offers masses in Sinhala, Tamil, and English on both weekdays and weekends. The church provides a peaceful atmosphere for prayer and reflection with ample parking facilities. Visitors describe it as a blessed and holy place where one can experience a divine sense of tranquillity.
Then visit to Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The temple buildings are not magnificent or elaborately decorated. White with red roofs, they cluster around Kandy Lake (the island in the middle once housed the king’s harem). In striking contrast to the plain exterior, the interiors of the temple buildings are richly carved and decorated with inlaid woods, ivory, and lacquer. Around the entire complex is a low white stone wall, delicately and simply carved with openings that give a filigree effect. During celebrations, candles are placed in the openings, lighting up the entire front. The relic of the tooth is kept in a two-story inner shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks. The relic rests on a solid gold lotus flower, encased in jeweled caskets that sit on a throne. The temple is joined to the Pattiripuwa (Octagon) tower, built in 1803, that was originally a prison but now houses a collection of palm-leaf manuscripts. The king’s palace is also in the temple compound.
In the evening joint to the cultural show it’s conducted by Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre features daily shows at 5.30 pm which showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Kandyan Kingdom. These shows essentially comprise various styles of Kandyan dance, and are quite popular with visitors to the Hill Capital. The Centre overlooks the scenic lake as it is located along its shore. Early Birds can also be privy to handicraft showroom and workshops that are located alongside the Centre
Breakfast will be at the hotel
As per the flight timings you will be transferred to the airport to take flight back home with sweet memories of the Sri Lanka.
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Find your perfect stay in Sri Lanka. We offer a selection of 3-star hotels in cities like Negombo, Colombo, and more, all at great prices for travelers.
Per person rate on USD
BB | With 3*** |
02 Pax | 750 |
06 Pax | 700 |
10 Pax | 650 |
20 Pax | 600 |
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