Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, which is believed to be the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka by Mahinda Thero, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India in the 3rd century BC. The mountain peak is around 1000 feet high and has several ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples.
One of the main attractions at Mihintale is the Mahaseya Stupa, which is a large brick structure with a diameter of 95 feet and a height of 110 feet. The stupa is believed to have been built by King Mahadathika Mahanaga in the 1st century BC and is one of the oldest stupas in Sri Lanka.
Another important site at Mihintale is the Ambasthala Dagoba, which is a white dome-shaped structure that enshrines the footprint of Mahinda Thero. The Dagoba is situated at the top of a flight of 1840 steps and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The Mihintale Vihara is an ancient monastery complex that was built around the 2nd century BC and has several ruins of temples, monasteries, and meditation halls. The complex is also home to several rock inscriptions, which date back to the 3rd century BC and provide valuable insights into the early history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Mihintale is considered to be a sacred place by Buddhists in Sri Lanka, and it attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. The site is also a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to admire the ancient architecture, the stunning natural scenery, and the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.