OVERVIEW
Journey through the heart of Sri Lanka on a unique Christian tour that blends rich cultural exploration with meaningful spiritual reflection. Led by a Sri Lankan-born pastor based in Australia, this experience offers deep insight into the history and role of Christianity within a predominantly Buddhist and Hindu society. Along the way, enjoy powerful times of fellowship, teaching, and discussion as you compare faith traditions and witness how belief shapes daily life. From vibrant cities to serene landscapes, this tour invites both discovery and spiritual growth.
Kamal Weerakoon
Kamal was born in Sri Lanka and grew up in Australia. He holds a PhD in multicultural ministry in a globalised world, and is the missions director for Gracepoint Presbyterian Church, Sydney. His past ministry experience includes a church in Sydney’s lower north shore, reaching middle-class professionals; a church in Sydney’s outer west, reaching people of lower socio-economic background; a church in inner-city Sydney, seeking to reach hip young professionals; churches ministering specifically to people of Arabic, Indian, and Sri Lankan background; and campus ministry with AFES.
ITINERARY
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore Colombo.
Check into the glorious Galle Face Hotel, built in 1865.
Around 6pm we will enjoy a welcome meeting followed by dinner.
Hotel: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore Colombo.
Check into the glorious Galle Face Hotel, built in 1865.
Around 6pm we will enjoy a welcome meeting followed by dinner.
Hotel: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Included Meals:
D
Travel to the Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. It is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka.
Here we will learn about the Buddhist murals & statues on our discovery of the tenets of Buddhism. Dambulla is an important shrine in the Buddhist religion in Sri Lanka, remarkable for its association with the long-standing and wide-spread tradition of living Buddhist ritual practices and pilgrimage for more than two millennia.
Continue to your hotel in Sigiriya and check in.
Hotel: EKHO Sigiriya
Here we will learn about the Buddhist murals & statues on our discovery of the tenets of Buddhism. Dambulla is an important shrine in the Buddhist religion in Sri Lanka, remarkable for its association with the long-standing and wide-spread tradition of living Buddhist ritual practices and pilgrimage for more than two millennia.
Continue to your hotel in Sigiriya and check in.
Hotel: EKHO Sigiriya
Included Meals:
B
D
Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s most important historical and spiritual sites, and it offers a fascinating window into the island’s religious and cultural development. Today we tour the ancient capital (11-13th centuries) of Polonnaruwa by bicycle*!
This World Heritage Site is filled with stupas, religious sculptures, and a complex irrigation system.
In the afternoon you will get up close and personal with majestic elephants in Minneriya National Park. Return to Sigiriya for the night.
*If you do not ride a bicycle the bus will follow behind
Hotel: EKHO Sigiriya
This World Heritage Site is filled with stupas, religious sculptures, and a complex irrigation system.
In the afternoon you will get up close and personal with majestic elephants in Minneriya National Park. Return to Sigiriya for the night.
*If you do not ride a bicycle the bus will follow behind
Hotel: EKHO Sigiriya
Included Meals:
B
D
Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, the first great kingdom of Sri Lanka, established 4th century BC, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore a vast and historically rich landscape of impressive stupas, ancient monasteries, royal palaces, and intricately carved stone relics.
You will visit significant sites such as the Sri Maha Bodhi, considered the world’s oldest historically documented tree, approx. 2200 years. Your guide will provide fascinating insight into the cultural heritage, architectural ingenuity, and enduring traditions that have shaped this remarkable city. We as a group will ponder more deeply about Buddhism and it’s differences with Christianity. Return to Sigiriya for the night.
Hotel: EKHO Sigiriya
Explore a vast and historically rich landscape of impressive stupas, ancient monasteries, royal palaces, and intricately carved stone relics.
You will visit significant sites such as the Sri Maha Bodhi, considered the world’s oldest historically documented tree, approx. 2200 years. Your guide will provide fascinating insight into the cultural heritage, architectural ingenuity, and enduring traditions that have shaped this remarkable city. We as a group will ponder more deeply about Buddhism and it’s differences with Christianity. Return to Sigiriya for the night.
Hotel: EKHO Sigiriya
Included Meals:
B
D
Begin your day with a visit to the spectacular Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site rising dramatically above the surrounding plains. Climb to the summit past the famous Lion Gate, vibrant frescoes, and landscaped water gardens, while your guide shares the fascinating history of this ancient royal citadel.
Continue on to the renowned Spice Gardens of Matale, where you will enjoy a guided walk through lush plantations of cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and other aromatic spices. Learn about their traditional uses in Sri Lankan cuisine and Ayurvedic practices.
This afternoon, journey through scenic hill country to Kandy, the cultural heart of the island. Upon arrival in Kandy we will visit Trinity College and enjoy a private service in the Chapel.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy a cultural show before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Special information:
The climb to the top of the Sigiriya Rock is approx 1200 steps and takes about 45-70 minutes depending on pace and stops. The effort is well rewarded with sweeping panoramic views and the fascinating ruins of the ancient palace at the top.
For those who prefer not to climb, the surrounding gardens and lower terraces still offer a rich and enjoyable experience with excellent views of the rock itself.
Hotel: Hotel Suisse, Kandy
Continue on to the renowned Spice Gardens of Matale, where you will enjoy a guided walk through lush plantations of cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and other aromatic spices. Learn about their traditional uses in Sri Lankan cuisine and Ayurvedic practices.
This afternoon, journey through scenic hill country to Kandy, the cultural heart of the island. Upon arrival in Kandy we will visit Trinity College and enjoy a private service in the Chapel.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy a cultural show before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Special information:
The climb to the top of the Sigiriya Rock is approx 1200 steps and takes about 45-70 minutes depending on pace and stops. The effort is well rewarded with sweeping panoramic views and the fascinating ruins of the ancient palace at the top.
For those who prefer not to climb, the surrounding gardens and lower terraces still offer a rich and enjoyable experience with excellent views of the rock itself.
Hotel: Hotel Suisse, Kandy
Included Meals:
B
D
Visit the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established to care for orphaned and injured elephants. Observe these gentle giants up close as they are fed and bathed in the nearby river, and learn about the centre’s important work in conservation, rehabilitation, and captive breeding.
Continue to the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya, one of the finest gardens in Asia. Set on the banks of the Mahaweli River, the gardens are home to an extraordinary collection of tropical plants, towering palms, and vibrant flowering species. Stroll through shaded avenues, explore the impressive orchid house, and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of this lush and meticulously maintained landscape. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in the Royal Palace Complex.
Hotel: Hotel Suisse, Kandy
Continue to the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya, one of the finest gardens in Asia. Set on the banks of the Mahaweli River, the gardens are home to an extraordinary collection of tropical plants, towering palms, and vibrant flowering species. Stroll through shaded avenues, explore the impressive orchid house, and enjoy the peaceful surrounds of this lush and meticulously maintained landscape. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in the Royal Palace Complex.
Hotel: Hotel Suisse, Kandy
Included Meals:
B
Today we farewell Kandy and journey into the cool, misty highlands as you travel to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England” for its colonial charm and picturesque setting. En route, stop at a lush tea plantation nestled among rolling green hills, where you will gain a deeper appreciation for Ceylon tea. Learn about the intricate process of tea cultivation—from plucking the tender leaves to drying, grading, and brewing—and enjoy a freshly brewed cup while taking in the stunning scenery.
Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, enjoy a guided city tour, passing elegant colonial-era buildings, manicured gardens, and the tranquil shores of Gregory Lake. Take in highlights such as the historic Grand Hotel and the charming English-style countryside that gives this town its unique character.
Visit Holy Trinity Church, a beautiful Anglican church built in 1852 for British tea planters. This charming stone church features classic English country church architecture with a lovely spire, stained glass windows, and a peaceful churchyard. The church is still active and serves the local community. The interior features memorials to British planters and officials from the colonial era, offering a glimpse into the region's history. After your tour, check in to your hotel and settle in for a relaxing two-night stay amidst the refreshing mountain air and serene surroundings.
Hotel: Jetwing St Andrews or similar
Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, enjoy a guided city tour, passing elegant colonial-era buildings, manicured gardens, and the tranquil shores of Gregory Lake. Take in highlights such as the historic Grand Hotel and the charming English-style countryside that gives this town its unique character.
Visit Holy Trinity Church, a beautiful Anglican church built in 1852 for British tea planters. This charming stone church features classic English country church architecture with a lovely spire, stained glass windows, and a peaceful churchyard. The church is still active and serves the local community. The interior features memorials to British planters and officials from the colonial era, offering a glimpse into the region's history. After your tour, check in to your hotel and settle in for a relaxing two-night stay amidst the refreshing mountain air and serene surroundings.
Hotel: Jetwing St Andrews or similar
Included Meals:
B
D
After breakfast the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
There will be an optional visit to Christ Church Warleigh in Dickoya, a picturesque Anglican church in the heart of tea country.
Built in 1878 for British tea planters, this charming stone church features beautiful stained-glass windows imported from England and a peaceful churchyard overlooking rolling tea plantations. The church's colonial architecture and serene setting amidst misty tea hills provide a moment of quiet reflection. The church remains active and serves the local community of tea estate workers.
In the evening you will enjoy a fabulous high tea at the hotel.
Hotel: Jetwing St Andrews or similar
There will be an optional visit to Christ Church Warleigh in Dickoya, a picturesque Anglican church in the heart of tea country.
Built in 1878 for British tea planters, this charming stone church features beautiful stained-glass windows imported from England and a peaceful churchyard overlooking rolling tea plantations. The church's colonial architecture and serene setting amidst misty tea hills provide a moment of quiet reflection. The church remains active and serves the local community of tea estate workers.
In the evening you will enjoy a fabulous high tea at the hotel.
Hotel: Jetwing St Andrews or similar
Included Meals:
B
D
Bid farewell to the misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya as you journey south toward Yala, leaving behind the rolling tea-covered hills and colonial charm.
Travel through the scenic landscapes of the Uva and Southern provinces with a lunch stop in Ella and a visit to the Nine Arch Bridge, before arriving at the Elephant Transit Home. You will journey through changing scenery,from misty hills to open plains and vibrant villages.
A worthwhile stop en route to Yala is the Nazareth Chapel at the Good Shepherd Convent in Bandarawela. Built in 1961, the chapel was designed through a collaboration involving architect Ulrik Plesner, Geoffrey Bawa, and artist Laki Senanayake. Set in the cool highlands, the chapel is an architectural gem that blends modernist design with local influences. It offers a unique and contemplative experience, combining spiritual significance with artistic and architectural interest, before reaching Yala.
Hotel: Ekho Safari, Yala
Travel through the scenic landscapes of the Uva and Southern provinces with a lunch stop in Ella and a visit to the Nine Arch Bridge, before arriving at the Elephant Transit Home. You will journey through changing scenery,from misty hills to open plains and vibrant villages.
A worthwhile stop en route to Yala is the Nazareth Chapel at the Good Shepherd Convent in Bandarawela. Built in 1961, the chapel was designed through a collaboration involving architect Ulrik Plesner, Geoffrey Bawa, and artist Laki Senanayake. Set in the cool highlands, the chapel is an architectural gem that blends modernist design with local influences. It offers a unique and contemplative experience, combining spiritual significance with artistic and architectural interest, before reaching Yala.
Hotel: Ekho Safari, Yala
Included Meals:
B
D
Embark on an exhilarating Jeep Safari through the rugged and diverse landscapes of Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserves. Traverse dry forests, grasslands, and shimmering waterholes as your experienced guide points out the park’s incredible inhabitants. Keep your camera ready for sightings of majestic elephants roaming in herds, elusive leopards resting in the shade, and a vibrant array of birdlife, including peacocks and kingfishers.
Along the way, you may also encounter sambar deer, wild buffalo, crocodiles, and playful monkeys, offering a true glimpse into the richness of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. With the thrill of spotting animals in their natural habitat and the beauty of the untamed scenery surrounding you, this safari promises a memorable and action-packed adventure for nature lovers of all ages.
Hotel: Ekho Safari, Yala
Along the way, you may also encounter sambar deer, wild buffalo, crocodiles, and playful monkeys, offering a true glimpse into the richness of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. With the thrill of spotting animals in their natural habitat and the beauty of the untamed scenery surrounding you, this safari promises a memorable and action-packed adventure for nature lovers of all ages.
Hotel: Ekho Safari, Yala
Included Meals:
B
D
Enjoy a leisurely drive along Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coastline as you make your way to Galle have shaped its architecture and culture over the centuries.
Explore the iconic Galle Dutch Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, wandering through its cobblestone streets, ramparts, and quaint boutiques. Admire centuries-old churches, lighthouses, and charming townhouses that tell the story of this important trading port.
After your exploration, check in to your charming Dutch Colonial style hotel, a former vicarage, built in 1790. Unwind, taking in the relaxed coastal atmosphere that makes Galle such a captivating destination.
Hotel: Lady Hill, Galle or similar
Explore the iconic Galle Dutch Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, wandering through its cobblestone streets, ramparts, and quaint boutiques. Admire centuries-old churches, lighthouses, and charming townhouses that tell the story of this important trading port.
After your exploration, check in to your charming Dutch Colonial style hotel, a former vicarage, built in 1790. Unwind, taking in the relaxed coastal atmosphere that makes Galle such a captivating destination.
Hotel: Lady Hill, Galle or similar
Included Meals:
B
D
Enjoy a day at leisure to see and do things of interest. There will be an opportunity to attend a local church service.
The hotel has a shuttle bus to take you into the Old Town, as well as bicycle rental (although the hotel is on top of a hill!)
Hotel: Lady Hill, Galle or similar
The hotel has a shuttle bus to take you into the Old Town, as well as bicycle rental (although the hotel is on top of a hill!)
Hotel: Lady Hill, Galle or similar
Included Meals:
B
D
On your journey back towards Colombo, stop at the renowned Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary to see turtles of all sizes up close.
Continue to Colombo for our last night of the tour. Tonight we will celebrate the end of our tour with special farewell dinner.
Hotel: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Continue to Colombo for our last night of the tour. Tonight we will celebrate the end of our tour with special farewell dinner.
Hotel: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Included Meals:
B
D
Tour ends after breakfast today. One airport transfer will be provided.
Note: today is Sri Lankan New Years Eve, so if you have time, why not consider staying an extra night to enjoy the festivities.
Note: today is Sri Lankan New Years Eve, so if you have time, why not consider staying an extra night to enjoy the festivities.
Included Meals:
B
Highlights
- Ancient capital of Polonnaruwa
- Sigiriya Rock
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Tea plantations at Nurawa Eliya
- Safari at Yala National Park
- Galle Fort
- Visiting local churches
- Learning about Buddhism and Hinduism as a part of Sri Lankan culture
Map
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Destinations
TOUR INCLUDES
Travel with
like-minded people
Christian
Tour Leaders
Option of land
only package
Option of upgrading
to single room
Meals
Sights and entry
fees listed
OUR PRICING
Pricing
| Category | Description | Twin PP | Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour only | $4,199.00 | $5,499.00 | |
| Local payment | Give to tour leader on Day 1 | SLR25,000 | SLR25,000 |
Tour is based on a minimum of 15 passengers. This tour is guaranteed to depart.
We are looking for a female to twin share.
Inclusions
Exclusions
