Mihintale Sri Lanka is famous for and revered as the birthplace of Buddhism. Climbing the 1840 steps that lead to Mihintale Temple, and Rock, feels like a pilgrimage in itself. But, unlike the sacred sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya which can be both busy, and expensive, this religious site is a quiet haven to explore.
With a combination of towering religious monuments and abandoned shrines, the pilgrimage site of Mihintale is a window into the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Read on for our pick of the best sights, how to see them, and details to help you plan your own trip.
MIHINTALE TEMPLE HISTORY
Mihintale is a mountain peak also known as “Mahinda’s Hill” and Mihintale Rock, near Anuradhapura.
During the 3rd century BC, Indian Emperor Ashoka sent his son Mahinda to Sri Lanka to spread the message of peace. A meeting took place between the young monk and King Devanampiya on the plateau, and the king was later converted to Buddhism.
Large steps were constructed leading up to Mihintale Rock. Today, you will see numerous stupas and abandoned structures throughout the grounds. Ruins of an ancient monastery sit comfortably with a giant white Buddha statue, a 40-foot tall dagoba, and various statues, and shrines.
Still an imposing temple complex, the site is a revered holy site, and highly recommended to include on your Sri Lanka itinerary.
WHERE IS MIHINTALE ROCK?
Mihintale temple complex ruins are located about 2kms southeast of Mihintale town, which is roughly 13km east of Anuradhapura. This ancient city is part of the “Cultural Triangle” in Sri Lanka.
HOW TO GET TO MIHINTALE TEMPLE COMPLEX
If you are travelling independently, getting to Mihintale is easy.
BY BUS: Buses run about every 30 minutes from Anuradhapura’s New Bus Station, with fares costing 40 Rupees. From the town of Mihintale, you can easily hire a tuktuk to the site entrance. Make sure you agree the fare with your driver before you set off. The last bus returns around 6.30pm, just north of the Mihintale site.
IN YOUR OWN TUKTUK: It is an easy 30-minute ride from Anuradhapura along the A12. Roads are well paved, and parking in a designated car park is free.
WHERE TO PARK
There are two separate car parks, from which you have to walk the rest of the way.
- Main Car Park (GPS 8.35382, 80.51357). From here you will have to climb about 1840 steps to reach the summit.
- Mihintale Temple Car Park (GPS 8.35178, 80.51394) is along Old Road. The walk starts near the Monk’s Refectory and cuts the number of steps walked in half.
We drove ourselves in Tilly, our rented tuktuk, and parked in Mihintale Temple Car Park. If it is midday, we suggest parking here, as it is a physical effort climbing all the steps in the heat.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MIHINTALE
Although you can visit Mihintale Temple year-round, for the best views we suggest between December and March, as the sky will be clearer. We visited in February, and it was still very hot.
The best times for a visit are either first thing in the morning to avoid the heat, or late afternoon when you can enjoy the sunset atop Mihintale Rock.
If your Sri Lanka itinerary includes a stay at Anuradhapura, you can easily visit Mihintale in half a day as a side trip.
VISITING DURING POSON POYA (FULL MOON DAY)
This important annual Buddhist festival usually takes place in the month of June during full moon and commemorates the conversion of King Devanampiya Tissa to Buddhism by Arahat Mahinda.
Pilgrims flock to both Mihintale, and Anuradhapura from all over the country. Wearing white, devotees’ hike to the top of the Mihintale mountain peak where they can spend hours in worship.
This is an extremely popular time, and will be very crowded.
ENTRANCE FEE TO MIHINTALE
The ticket office to purchase entrance tickets to the Mihintale site is in the main area near the Conference Hall, and Monk’s Refectory. Payment is cash only, and you will be given a paper ticket. We never had our tickets checked as we walked around the site.
- Foreigners (aged 12 years and above) – 2,000 Rp
- Residents, and under 12 years of age – free admission.
Just a word of warning about guides. Make it clear straight away if you do not want the services of a guide, because if you start walking up the steps, they will assume you have agreed to their services.
HOW LONG DO YOU NEED TO EXPLORE MIHINTALE?
You can easily explore the sacred site in 2-3 hours, at a leisurely pace. There are approximately 1,849 steps to climb in Mihintale, depending on where you park.
- If you park at the bottom car park, allow about 35 minutes to climb the 1,849 steps, and reach Mihintale Rock.
- If you are parked at Mihintale Temple Car Park, allow about 15 minutes as you only have about 800 steps to ascend to the plateau, and Mihintale Rock.
How Difficult is the Climb to Mihintale Rock?
If you are concerned about this area being busy, make sure to come early in the morning. Many Mihintale photos show people queueing on the steps to climb to the top.
Both sides of the steps have metal handrails to hold, but these can be extremely hot in the heat.
Some of the carved stone steps have been worn down and are completely smooth, so take care especially if wearing socks.
It’s definitely worth the climb, so don’t be deterred, just visit as early as you can.
TEMPLE ETIQUETTE
As with all sacred sites or temples, dress respectfully, and modestly. Both men and women should cover their shoulders, and knees. Carry a sarong or scarf with you.
Upon entering the main site you must remove your footwear and leave it with the attendant. You are permitted to wear socks which we advise, as the bare rock is incredibly hot.
Never take a photo with your back to a Buddha which is highly disrespectful.
PLACES TO VISIT IN MIHINTALE SRI LANKA
From the bottom car park there are approx. 1,000 steps up to the middle terrace, where you’ll find the ticket office. They are well-maintained, shallow, and wide stone steps. Frangipani trees offer some partial shade along the way, but the heat makes it a sweaty climb.
From the ticket office, you climb another 800 steps to reach the flat upper Terrace. Here you leave your footwear and can start exploring the main sites.
SINHA POKUNA: If you park along Old Road, this monument will be the first that you see before reaching the Monk’s Refectory. A small pool known as “Lion Pond” is surmounted by a 2-metre- high lion. This was the water supply for the monks.
The ticket office is on the middle terrace, and here you’ll find the first ruins.
MONK’S REFECTORY & RELIC HOUSE: Located at the middle terrace you can see huge stone troughs which would have held rice for the monks. Nearby, the relic house sits on a raised platform, with two stone slabs erected during King Mahinda IV’s reign. They are inscribed with rules for the conduct of those responsible for the relic house.
ASSEMBLY HALL: This is where monks would assemble to discuss matters of common interest pertaining to the monastic life. The structure originally had 64 stone pillars supporting the roof. From here, join the main path leading up to the Ambasthale Dagoba.
Just past the sign for Naga Pokuna, or “Serpent Pond”, you can take a short path off to the left leading to a lovely viewpoint of the valley below.
ARADHANA GALA: Its name means “Meditation Rock”, and is said to be where Mahinda landed. Situated on the summit of a hill, it is reached via rock-carved steps, aided by iron railings to assist your climb. The viewpoint at the top offers wonderful views across the valley. Be careful as some of the steps are uneven, and steep. Plus, there is no shelter or shade from the sun.
MAHASEYA DAGOBA: Located on the summit of Mihintale Hill, and diagonally across from Mihintale Rock, is this striking 12-metre tall Dagoba. Surrounded by Frangipani trees, the stark white dagoba built by King Mahadathika Mahanaga (7-19 AD), is quite a sight.
The base of the stupa is 41 metres in diameter and is said to have housed relics of Mahinda. Offerings of flowers appear to be a tasty treat for the monkeys.
Also here is Mihindu Pagoda, one of the earliest brick built dagobas in Sri Lanka. It is thought to have been constructed around the 2nd Century BC.
AMBASTHALE DAGOBA: Also known as Sela Chethiya, this white Buddhist stupa is said to be built on the spot where Buddhist monk Mahinda converted King Devanampiya Tissa to Buddhism. The small domed structure is surrounded by stone pillars. Nearby, is one of the oldest surviving Bodhi trees in Sri Lanka and is surrounded by a railing. A statue of Devanampiya Tissa wearing traditional dress marks the spot where he met Arahant Mahinda.
BUDDHA STATUE: This large white gleaming sitting Buddha is reached via a set of rock-carved steps, to the side of Ambasthala Dagoba. There are handrails to guide you safely.
TIPS FOR VISITING MIHINTALE
Mihintale weather is hot, humid, and the site offers little shade so come prepared:
- Be sure to wear sunblock, and insect repellent. Mihintale Rock is completely exposed, so wear a hat especially if visiting in the middle of the day.
- Wear comfortable footwear to climb up all the steps, to the area where you must remove them.
- Those Mihintale steps are hot, hot, hot! Either keep your socks on or bring a pair with you. Be mindful that the rock and steps can be a bit slippery with socks on, and your feet still feel on fire!
- Wear appropriate clothing as this is a religious site.
- Bring water and snacks as there are only food vendors at the bottom car park.
- If you want to cut the walk-in half, be sure to park at Mihintale Temple Car Park (GPS 8.35178, 80.51394) along Old Road.
- Watch out for the cheeky toque macaque monkeys who make the grounds their home!
WHERE TO STAY TO VISIT MIHINTALE SRI LANKA
These are the obvious places to stay for your visit to Mihintale, namely:
Anuradhapura: If you are visiting the ancient city of Anuradhapura, it makes sense to stay here, and visit Mihintale as a side trip. We stayed at Aryana Boutique Hotel which is 16kms from Mihintale. We highly recommend the hotel, which has free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, garden, and comfortable rooms. Meals were exceptional, and staff welcoming, especially allowing us to check into our room early.
Sigiriya: The next best option, especially if not staying in Anuradhapura, is around Sigiriya, where you can climb both Pidurangala Rock, and Lion Rock. The distance from Mihintale is 70kms, but accommodations options are much better here than in Dambulla. We highly recommend Atha Resort, with its well-equipped rooms, superb breakfast, outdoor pool, and wonderful staff.
OUR THOUGHTS ON WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT MIHINTALE
For many first-time visitors, a trip to Sri Lanka should include at least one of the country’s sacred heritage sites. The medieval second capital of Polonnaruwa has an array of archaeological ruins to explore, whilst Anuradhapura’s sprawling, evocative complex spans centuries of history.
These sites are relatively expensive to visit, and larger than Mihintale. If you only have time for a quick visit, then Mihintale temple complex is ideal. As an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, you can see imposing Mihintale Rock, Sri Lankan dagobas, shrines, and stupas.
- For a much more affordable price, you can enjoy some wonderful viewpoints, and explore the impressive structures of Mihintale Buddha Statue, and Mahaseya Dagoba.
- It’s proximity to Anuradhapura and Sigiriya makes it easy to include in your itinerary.
- This site sees far fewer visitors, so you can explore in peace.
We really enjoyed exploring Mihintale, and it was an easy tuk tuk ride from our accommodation in Anuradhapura. If you have any questions about a visit here, please leave a comment below.
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