Mihintale
The hill where Buddhism is traditionally said to have reached Sri Lanka, with 1,840 granite steps, hilltop stupas and cave ruins. Allow a morning and bring socks.
Sources
What Mihintale actually is
Mihintale, “Mahinda’s hill”, is a rocky hill complex east of Anuradhapura, roughly 11 to 15 kilometres from the sacred city depending on the source. According to the chronicles, the monk Mahinda, a son of Emperor Ashoka, met King Devanampiyatissa here on a full-moon day in the month of Poson and preached to him, which is how Buddhism is said to have reached the island. The meeting is traditionally dated to 247 BC.
The climb is a stone staircase of 1,840 granite steps in four sections, leading up to the Ambasthala stupa, which marks the traditional meeting place. On the way are the Kantaka Chetiya, a circular stupa with animal figures on its four porches, and the Aradhana Gala, a rock viewpoint linked to Mahinda’s arrival. The Maha Seya, a large stupa, sits near the summit. At the foot, ruins of a hospital include a stone trough said to have been used for medicinal oil baths.
It is a pilgrimage site first and a viewpoint second. Expect barefoot climbing, hot stone, monkeys and, in June, crowds.
Worth your attention
Ambasthala
A stupa said to hold relics of Mahinda, at the traditional meeting place. Later turned into a vatadage, of which stone pillars remain.
Kantaka Chetiya
A circular stupa about halfway up with four porches decorated with animals. Archaeologists agree on the link to the four directions but not on which animal goes where.
Aradhana Gala
A large rock with railings and a wide view over the plain. Climbing it is optional but it is the best vantage point.
The hospital ruins
At the foot of the hill, a stone trough believed to have been filled with medicinal oil. One scholar has called it perhaps the oldest hospital in the world; that is an opinion, not a settled fact.
Before you go
Do this
- Start at first light; the steps, platforms and rocks are barefoot territory and become painful by mid-morning.
- Carry socks; one visitor guide recommends keeping them on for the hot stone.
- Bring water and buy fruit or drinks at the shops at the foot.
- Use the ramp beside the steps where you can; the granite is smooth and can be slippery.
- Keep bags closed near the summit; toque macaques will take food.
Know this first
- Poson full moon in June draws tens of thousands of pilgrims; expect crowds and queues for the steps.
- The 247 BC date is traditional, from the chronicles, not archaeologically fixed.
- Guides will offer their services at the foot; agree a fee first or decline.
- The climb is not strenuous for most people, but the heat and bare feet make it feel longer than 1,840 steps suggests.
Getting to Mihintale
Most people see Mihintale as part of a stay around Anuradhapura. Our Anuradhapura guide covers where to stay, how long to give it and what else is nearby.
Coming straight from the airport, the relevant run is Colombo Airport to Anuradhapura — fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board.
Read the full Anuradhapura guideFrom Colombo Airport
Car up to 3 passengers; vans quoted on the route page. No night surcharge.
Mihintale — frequently asked
What is Mihintale?
A hill complex near Anuradhapura where, by tradition, the monk Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa and introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka. It has stupas, cave ruins and a long stone staircase.
How many steps are there?
The figure given is 1,840 granite steps, in four sections. That counts the full staircase to the summit.
When did Buddhism arrive?
Tradition dates Mahinda’s meeting with the king to 247 BC, on a full-moon day in Poson (June). The date comes from the chronicles.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes, a small fee paid on site. Recent listings give around LKR 1,000; older reports say 500. Check at the gate.
Also worth stopping for around Anuradhapura
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