Pin as visited
Pin as planned
Mihintale in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka
Pin Mihintale in AnuradhapuraMihintale in Anuradhapura
Sri LankaCountry
InfoPhotosVisited Planned

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.

Explore Near Mihintale in Anuradhapura

Discover 5 attractions and 3 cities within 75km. Perfect for planning day trips, finding connecting flights, or discovering new destinations to explore during your visit.

Nearby Attractions & Places to Visit

5 destinations within 13.6km - 70.6km from your location

Pin as visited
Pin as planned
Photo of Abhayagiri Dagoba
PinAbhayagiri Dagoba
Pin as visited
Pin as planned
Photo of Pidurangala Rock
PinPidurangala Rock
Pin as visited
Pin as planned
Photo of Sigiriya
PinSigiriya
Pin as visited
Pin as planned
Photo of Dambulla cave temple
PinDambulla cave temple
Pin as visited
Pin as planned
Photo of Polonnaruwa
PinPolonnaruwa

Nearby Cities Worth Exploring

3 destinations within 12.2km - 56.5km from your location