Mannar
One of St. Joseph Vaz's earliest mission regions after his 1687 arrival in Sri Lanka.
🇱🇰—
🌡Colombo —
Package Overview
St. Joseph Vaz (1651–1711) was a Goan Oratorian priest and missionary who preserved and revitalized the Catholic faith in Sri Lanka during the Dutch period, when Catholicism was under severe persecution. Travelling across the island in disguise, he ministered to scattered Catholic communities, celebrated the sacraments in secret, and rebuilt the Church. He is honoured as the Apostle of Sri Lanka and became the country's first canonized saint in 2015. Why This Site Matters — St. Joseph Vaz preserved the Catholic faith during one of Sri Lanka's most difficult periods. His missionary work united Catholic communities across the island and laid the foundations for the modern Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. Today he is venerated as the Apostle of Sri Lanka and remains one of the country's most important religious figures. Born in Benaulim, Goa in 1651. Arrived in Sri Lanka in 1687. Worked throughout Jaffna, Mannar, Puttalam, Negombo and Kandy. Performed the famous Rain Miracle in Kandy. Died in Kandy on 16 January 1711. Canonized by Pope Francis in Colombo on 14 January 2015.
Madhu
From
$985
person · 4★ recommended mid-range · 2 pax sharing · BB
Enquire About This Package →WhatsApp UsTour Highlights
What makes this trip unforgettable
✦ Preserved the Catholic faith during Dutch persecution✦ Ministered in secret across Jaffna, Mannar, Puttalam, Negombo and Kandy✦ Performed the famous Rain Miracle in Kandy✦ Our Lady of Madhu shrine✦ Cathedral of Saint Lucia, Colombo✦ Galle Face — site of 2015 canonisation✦ Catholic heritage of Mannar, Jaffna & Kandy
Route Map
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Destinations
Where you'll go
Madhu
A hidden Catholic sanctuary linked to the underground Church that Vaz served.
Jaffna
Site of early Catholic mission stations where Vaz ministered in the north.
Puttalam
Where Vaz worked among scattered Catholic communities during the persecution.
Negombo
A stronghold of the Catholic community Vaz shepherded on the west coast.
Kandy
Vaz's long-term base; site of his famous Rain Miracle and where he died on 16 January 1711.
Colombo
Site of his 2015 canonisation at Galle Face Green by Pope Francis.
Itinerary
Day-by-day
- 01
Day 01 — Arrival → NegomboAirport → Negombo
Personalised airport meet & greet. Transfer to Negombo. Evening at the Catholic quarter and St Mary's Cathedral. Overnight Negombo. (BB)
⏱ 30 Minutes🚙 Private Chauffeur - 02
Day 02 — Negombo → MannarNegombo → Mannar
Drive north along the coast to Mannar — Vaz's 1687 landing point. Visit Mannar Cathedral and the small chapel marking his arrival. Sunset on the causeway. (BB)
⏱ 5 Hours🚙 Private Chauffeur - 03
Day 03 — Mannar → Madhu Shrine → JaffnaMannar → Jaffna
Morning pilgrimage to Our Lady of Madhu — the hidden Catholic stronghold during persecution, deeply linked to Vaz's underground network. Continue to Jaffna. (BB)
⏱ 4 Hours🚙 Private Chauffeur - 04
Day 04 — Jaffna · early mission stationsJaffna → Jaffna
Visit St Mary's Cathedral Jaffna and the early Catholic mission stations Vaz established in the north. (BB)
⏱ On-site exploration🚙 Private Chauffeur - 05
Day 05 — Jaffna → KandyJaffna → Kandy
Long scenic drive to Kandy — Vaz's base for 24 years. Visit the Oratorian church and his living quarters. Evening puja at the Temple of the Tooth (multi-faith experience). (BB)
⏱ 7 Hours🚙 Private Chauffeur - 06
Day 06 — Kandy → ColomboKandy → Colombo
Drive to Colombo. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Lucia housing Vaz's relics, and Galle Face Green — site of his 2015 canonisation by Pope Francis. (BB)
⏱ 3 Hours🚙 Private Chauffeur - 07
Day 07 — DepartureColombo → Airport
Relaxed breakfast and transfer to Bandaranaike Intl. Airport. End of services. Ayubowan!
⏱ 45 Minutes🚙 Private Chauffeur
Choose your comfort
3★ · 4★ · 5★ options
3★ Pilgrim Comfort★★★
From $885 pp · 2 pax sharing · BB
- Madhu · 1NPalmyrah House MannarMID · BB
- Colombo · 1NCinnamon Red ColomboMID · BB
- Negombo · 1NJetwing Beach NegomboMID · BB
4★ Heritage★★★★
From $1235 pp · 2 pax sharing · BB
- Madhu · 1NThiru HotelPREMIUM · BB
- Colombo · 1NCinnamon Grand ColomboPREMIUM · BB
- Negombo · 1NJetwing BluePREMIUM · BB
5★ Sacred Luxury★★★★★
From $1825 pp · 2 pax sharing · BB
- Madhu · 1NJetwing JaffnaLUXURY · BB
- Colombo · 1NShangri-La ColomboLUXURY · BB
- Negombo · 1NJetwing LagoonLUXURY · BB
Accommodation
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Madhu
1 recommended
Colombo
1 recommended
Negombo
1 recommended
Pricing
Per-person rates
| Occupancy | Basis | Price / person |
|---|---|---|
| 2 pax — sharing double | person · 4★ recommended mid-range · 2 pax sharing · BB · 6 Nights / 7 Days | $985 |
| Single supplement | Solo traveller | On request |
| Child (under 12) | Sharing with 2 adults | On request |
✓ What's Included
- ✓Personalised airport meet & greet
- ✓6 nights pilgrim-grade accommodation
- ✓Daily breakfast
- ✓Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- ✓Catholic-heritage briefed chauffeur-guide
- ✓Standard offerings at Madhu Shrine & key churches
- ✓Bottled water in vehicle
× What's Not Included
- ×International flights & Sri Lanka eVisa
- ×Lunch, dinner and beverages unless specified
- ×Personal expenses, tips & gratuities
- ×Travel insurance
Gallery
A glimpse of the journey
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ⓘ Important Pricing Notice
All package rates are indicative and based on 3-star and 4-star hotel accommodations (5★ where specified). Prices may change without notice due to hotel availability, airline fare fluctuations, seasonal demand, public holidays, festivals, special events, and market conditions. Final pricing will be confirmed at the time of booking.