Mihintale: Sri Lanka’s Sacred Cradle of Buddhism
Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka right here in Mihintale, and so it now regarded as Sri Lanka’s cradle of Buddhism and a significant pilgrimage site.
If you’re heading up to the north of the country – Trincomalee, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, or on the way to Jaffna – this is a stop that you should make even if you’re not into religious spaces.
It is small and unique and has a little adventure to get to the top. And once you make your way up all the steps, the views open out over the jungle and it really is beautiful.
So is it worth visiting Mihintale? Yes.
It is an easy half-day trip to add on to your north Sri Lankan itinerary that offers all the views without the crowds (unless you visit on Poya day!).
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most out of your Mihintale trip.
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Where to Base Yourself
The best way to visit Mihintale is to bolt it on to your trip to explore nearby Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is a large UNESCO site full of ancient Buddhist stupas and dagobas.
It’s great fun to hire a bike and cycle around stopping whenever you see something interesting to explore. Mihintale is only about 17km away from Anuradhapura and there are regular public buses that can get you there in about half an hour.
This was exactly what we did and it worked well. I know other people head over on a day trip from Trincomalee or Sigiriya or Dambulla, which is definitely feasible. However, you wouldn’t be able to see Mihintale and Anuradhapura in one day and drive back again.
How to Get to Mihintale
If you’re driving your own tuktuk, it’s pretty straight forward. There are two car parks on site one at the base of the stairs, and one a little further up. No issues.
If you’re taking the public bus from Anuradhapura like I mentioned above, you can either head to the new bus stand and jump on the bus at the very beginning of the line or flag it down at the side of the road.
The bus will be heading towards Trincomalee and travel north along the A12. Just ask the driver to stop at Mihintale before you jump on the bus. Tickets cost about 40/50 rupees so make sure you have some small notes on you.
From the main road in Mihintale, walk up the road marked ‘Memorial of the Kings’ on Google Maps and then from there, you’ll see all the steps. They’re not really steep but there are a fair few of them. Keep heading up until your reach the ticket desk.
Tickets
The ticket desk is a very small booth half way up the steps. A guy will give you a paper ticket for 1000 LKR, which has to be paid in cash.
What to See in Mihintale
From the ticket desk, there are more steps up to the left which lead to the main area known as Ambastale Terrace.
Before you enter this section, you will have to cover up and remove your shoes. Knees and shoulders need to be covered, and if you’re visiting on a particularly sunny day, you might want to bring some socks because the floor will be pretty roasty.
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Aradhana Gala
The highest point, also known as Mihintale Rock, will give you beautiful views over the terrace and beyond into the jungle. It’s pretty spectacular even on a day where we had quite a lot of rain.
Getting up to the rock doesn’t take long but it is quite a challenge. The original steps are so worn that some have almost completely smoothed. But the rock texture itself has quite a rough surface so it’s not too slippery.
Mihintale Buddha Statue
This large white Buddha statue stands atop another rock face on the other side of the terrace. Again the steps are worn but to the same level as Mihintale Rock, and there is also a metal railing for a little extra stability.
Sela Cetiya
Right in the centre of the terrace is a white, bell-shaped dagoba surrounded by pillars and flags and palm trees. This dagoba has particular significance as it is believed to have been built on the point of a meeting and agreement to introduce Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
Mihindu Seya and Maha Seya Dagobas
Up another set of less-worn steps on the opposite side of the terrace, is the ruins of a large dagoba with exposed brickwork. And then beside it is a white dagoba.
Why Is Mihintale Sacred?
Mihintale is known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Back in the third century BC, Indian Emperor Ashok sent his son to Sri Lanka to share the ways of Buddhism. The Sri Lankan King, Devanampiya Tissa, met with the Indian Emperor’s son, Mahinda, at Mihintale on full moon day (Poya) in June and agreed to introduce Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Mihintale is now a pilgrimage site with special significance given to Poya day in June each year.
How Long to Spend at Mihintale
You could probably spend two hours exploring all the ruins and dagobas around Mihintale. It is a perfect half-day trip from Anuradhapura.
The Best Time to Visit
Mihintale is a relatively quiet site compared to nearby Anuradhapura so you’ll likely not to see tons of tourists when you visit.
Visiting in the mornings is usually better as there is very little cover on the terrace and it gets hot quickly. Also, the floor gets hotter as the day goes on which can become unbearable for your bare feet!
The north of Sri Lanka has the best chance of good weather between April and September. And definitely avoid the dates of any Buddhist religious festivals because this is a pilgrimage site and it will be crowded.
Where to Stay in Anuradhapura
Sapumal Lodge (£)
We stayed at Sapumal Lodge back in 2024 and they let us use bicycles for free to explore the stupas. Accommodation is simple, clean and definitely on the budget end of the scale.
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Sunhill Lake Tourist Rest (£)
📍445 Maithripala Senanayake Mawatha
With large rooms overlooking the lake, Sunhill Lake Tourist Rest is another great option in a central location.
🛏️ Reserve your room 🛏️
Where’s Next?
If you haven’t already, definitely spend a day exploring the nearby ruins and dagobas of Anuradhapura. From here, you can head north up to Jaffna and the islands or maybe head east over to the beautiful beaches of Trincomalee.
Wilpattu National Park is to the west of Mihintale and Anuradhapura, which is Sri Lanka’s largest and arguably least touristy national park for safari.
South, you have Dambulla Caves, Sigiriya Rock and Kandy. Or, there is even a direct train or tourist bus back to Colombo (from Anuradhapura) if this is the end of your trip or you’re planning on heading right down south to the coast.
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