Sri Lanka’s Hidden Heritage Uncovered with Prof. Raj Somadeva

Tour Summary

Travelling with Professor Raj Somadeva on a 7-day journey through Sri Lanka’s lesser-known heritage sites offers a rare opportunity to explore the country’s ancient history through the eyes of one of its foremost archaeologists. With his expert guidance, you’ll uncover hidden temples, forgotten ruins, and cultural treasures often overlooked by mainstream tourism, gaining deep insight into the stories and civilizations that shaped the island. The experience is made even more enriching with carefully arranged comfortable accommodations and delicious food, ensuring each day balances intellectual discovery with relaxation and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality. This combination of knowledge, comfort, and culture makes the journey both inspiring and memorable.

What’s included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking driver-guide throughout
  • Airport Pick-up (Groups)
  • Airport Drop-off (Groups)
  • All 3 meals
  • Star accommodations

Special inclusions

  • Goody bag with essentials to use during the travel
  • Customise printed photo album with your memories during the visit

What’s not included

  • Air tickets
  • Travel insurance

Travel essence

Archelogy

History

Pre-history

Destination

Sri Lanka

Type of tour

Tailor Made

Duration

7 Days 6 Nights

Starting From AUD 1,950

  • USD: USD 1,270
  • GBP: £ 946
  • EUR: € 1,090
  • JPY: ¥ 187,764
  • INR: ₹ 108,987
  • LKR: ₨ 380,835

Per Person

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Day 01 Arrival & Orientation (Colombo → Dambulla/Sigiriya)
  • Transfers: Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB) → Dambulla (approx. 4–4.5 hrs).
  • Evening welcome talk: “A 48000-year history of Sri Lankan colonization to medieval polities,” led by Prof. Raj Somadeva (Senior Professor in Archaeology, PGIAR, University of Kelaniya).
  • Overnight: Sigiriya/Dambulla.
  • Ibbankatuva Megalithic Cemetery: field walk through a protohistoric burial ground; discussion on early Iron Age mortuary practice (c. 700–400 BCE)
  • Dambulla Cave Temple (late 2st century BCE origins): iconography overview (time permitting).
  • Workshop: How archaeologists read landscapes (lithics, ceramics, features).
  • Overnight: Sigiriya/Dambulla.(interactive discussion)
  • Polonnaruwa: Royal Citadel, Quadrangle (Vatadage, Satmahal Prasada), Gal Vihara; discussion on statecraft, art history, and reservoirs (11th–13th c.).
  • Evening: Short talk on medieval capitals (Polonnaruwa → Yapahuwa).
  • Overnight: Habarana
  • Anuradhapura Sacred City: Mahavihara precinct, Abhayagiri terrace, Jetavana area; focus on urban planning, monastic economies and inscriptions.
  • Mihintale (time permitting): early Buddhist monastic architecture and the island’s conversion narrative.
  • Seminar: Radiocarbon, epigraphy, and dating frameworks used in Sri Lanka.
  • Overnight: Anuradhapura area.
  • Ritigala Forest Monastery: stone-paved ambulatories, double platforms (padhanagaras), and austere Pamsukulika context (1st cent. BCE onward).
  • Hands-on: Field recording exercise—sketch plan + feature notes.
  • Overnight: Habarana
  • Yapahuwa (1272 CE capital): stairway frieze analysis, rampart/ditch system, Tooth Relic episode; climb to upper terrace
  • Community stop: village craft or terracotta workshop linked to regional traditions.
  • Transfer: Kurunegala area → Negombo/Colombo.
  • Overnight: Negombo/Colombo.
  • Colombo National Museum (or PGIAR Museum): curator hour with Prof./team; artifact typology wrap-up.
  • Closing seminar: Research frontiers in Sri Lankan archaeology and heritage stewardship.
  • Depart: CMB.

Practical Notes

  • Pacing: average 2–4 key sites/day, with shaded breaks. Midday lecture blocks used on hotter days.
  • Access/terrain: stone stairs at Sigiriya/Yapahuwa; rooty paths in Ritigala; closed footwear required. Ritigala is within a strict reserve with serene, forested trails.
  • Respect: modest dress for temples; refrain from touching carvings; drone permissions restricted at most sites.
  • Contingencies: The exact sequencing may flex with weather, road conditions, or conservation advisories.

Hotel Options

We offer you 3-star or 4-star accommodations based on your budget

Here is a comparison of common features of 3-star and 4-star hotels in Sri Lanka, including differences in services, amenities, and overall guest experience:

3-Star Hotels in Sri Lanka

Overview:
Mid-range hotels offering comfortable accommodation with essential amenities. Suitable for budget-conscious travelers or short stays.

Common Features:

  • Rooms: Clean, comfortable, with private bathrooms, TV, air conditioning/fan, and basic furnishings.
  • Dining: One or more in-house restaurants serving local and/or international cuisine.
  • Facilities:
    o Room service (limited hours)
    o Free Wi-Fi (may be limited to common areas or slower)
    o Basic fitness center (optional)
    o Swimming pool (not always available)
  • Service: Courteous staff, daily housekeeping, reception desk (often 24/7).
  • Decor: Simple, functional design with modest décor.
  • Extras:
    o Limited conference/meeting facilities
    o On-site parking
    o Laundry service (usually at a charge)

Overview:
Upper mid-range to upscale hotels offering higher quality service, better decor, and more facilities. Suitable for business travelers, families, and tourists looking for a more luxurious experience.

Common Features:

  • Rooms: More spacious, modern décor, minibar, coffee/tea makers, toiletries, and better bedding.
  • Dining:
    o Multiple restaurants/bars with diverse cuisine
    o In-room dining (often 24 hours)
  • Facilities:
    o Swimming pool(s)
    o Gym and spa services
    o Business center and conference halls
    o Concierge and travel desk
  • Service:
    o 24/7 reception and room service
    o Bellhop/porter services
    o Higher staff-to-guest ratio
  • Decor: Stylish, with attention to aesthetics and comfort.
  • Extras:
    o Airport shuttle service (may be complimentary)
    o Event and banquet hosting
    o Tour arrangements and car rentals

Room Options

Please note, room options differ for each trip.

Twin share room

Share a room with 2 single beds with a traveller of the same gender (as per the gender marked on their passports) or someone you’re travelling with.
Travelling as a couple? You can request a double bed when you book your trip.

You can request your own room for an additional cost on most trips when you book your trip. Please note, there’s limited availability.

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Sri Lanka’s Hidden Heritage Uncovered with Prof. Raj SomadevaSri Lanka’s Hidden Heritage Uncovered with Prof. Raj Somadeva
Starting From AUD 1,950
  • USD: USD 1,270
  • GBP: £ 946
  • EUR: € 1,090
  • JPY: ¥ 187,764
  • INR: ₹ 108,987
  • LKR: ₨ 380,835

Deposit : AUD 975 Per item

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