Mihintale
A sacred hill where Buddhism reached the island over two thousand years ago — stone steps, white stupas and long views over Anuradhapura.
Why Mihintale is worth your time
Mihintale is a small hill a few kilometres from Anuradhapura, and one of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka. By tradition, it is where the monk Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BCE and introduced Buddhism to the island.
A broad flight of granite steps leads up the hill through frangipani trees, past ruins of monasteries, to a series of stupas and viewpoints at the top. The climb is steady rather than hard, and the view over the plains toward Anuradhapura is one of the best in the region.
The site is busy with local pilgrims, especially during Poson, the full-moon festival in June that marks the arrival of Buddhism. It is a living place of worship as well as an archaeological site, and it is best at dawn or late afternoon.
The things worth stopping for
The great staircase
A wide flight of about 1,840 granite steps, flanked by frangipani trees, leads up the hill. The climb takes about 30 to 45 minutes at a steady pace. Full guide →
Ambasthala Dagoba
The white stupa near the top, said to mark the spot where Mahinda met the king. A major point of pilgrimage.
Aradhana Gala
A large rock outcrop with a commanding view over the surrounding plains and the sacred city of Anuradhapura.
Ruins of the monastery
The remains of ancient halls, a refectory and hospital show how large the monastic community once was.
Poson festival
In June, full-moon celebrations draw large crowds of white-clad pilgrims. It is memorable, but busy — plan ahead.
Anuradhapura nearby
Mihintale is a half-day add-on to the ancient city, with which it is closely connected. Destination guide →
Planning your visit
What we tell our own guests before they go — including the parts other operators leave out.
Do this
- Climb at dawn or late afternoon to avoid midday heat
- Dress modestly and remove shoes at shrines
- Carry water for the climb
- Combine with Anuradhapura on the same day
- Check dates for the Poson festival if you want to see it
Know this first
- There are many steps, and the stone can be hot underfoot
- Shoes must be removed at the religious areas
- It is crowded during Poson and full-moon days
- Monkeys live around the site; keep food hidden
How to reach Mihintale
About four hours from the airport by road, via Kurunegala and Dambulla, then on to Anuradhapura. Mihintale is a short drive from Anuradhapura, so most guests visit it on the same day or as an early morning start.
It fits naturally into the Cultural Triangle route between Dambulla, Sigiriya and the ancient capitals.
Colombo Airport → Mihintale — fixed pricesDrive times from Mihintale
Prices are per vehicle for a sedan carrying up to three passengers; vans for families and groups are quoted on request. Drive times are approximate.
Routes that stop here
Every itinerary is a starting point — nights, hotels and pace are all adjustable before anything is booked.
Mihintale — frequently asked
Why is Mihintale important?
It is where, by tradition, Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE, making it one of the most sacred sites on the island.
How many steps are there at Mihintale?
About 1,840 granite steps lead up the hill, and the climb takes about 30 to 45 minutes at a steady pace.
How far is Mihintale from Anuradhapura?
About 11 km, a 20-minute drive, so the two are easily visited on the same day.
When is Poson?
Poson is celebrated on the full-moon day in June. The site is busy with pilgrims, so book your driver and stay early.
More places close to Mihintale
Most routes link three or four places in one region before moving on. These are the neighbours.