Mihiintale which is the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is located only 12 kms east of Anuradhapura, close to the Anuradhapura Trincomalee Road. Here on a rock 300 m in height is one of the peaks of a mountainous range known as Mihintale. Mihintale was visited by the directors of our London office on 6 February 2009.

Legend has it that Thera Mahinda came to Sri Lanka from India on the Full moon Day of the month of Poson and met King Devanampiyatissa. The traditional spot where this meeting took place is revered by the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. Therefore in the month of Poson, Buddhists make their pilgrimage to Anuradhapura and Mihintale.

 From ancient times a large number of large steps were constructed to climb Mihintale. King Devanampiyatissa constructed a vihara and 68 caves for the bhikkhus to reside in. At Mihintale there gradually grew a number of Buddhist viharas with all the dependent buildings characteristic of monasteries of that period.

 Starting at the foot of the mountain are the ruins of a hospital, perhaps the oldest in the world with a medical bath or stone canoe in which patients were immersed in medicinal oil. Between the hospital and the steps leading to the rock are the ruins of a large monastery. On the floors of the square building are beautiful carvings and also are stone balustrades and guard stones

 The stairway, in 4 sections, on the eastern side of the slope has 1840 steps made of granite, leading to the summit. The climb is not difficult but be aware of the monkeys who are on the hunt for edibles to eat.

At the end of the first set of steps on the right side of the plain, is a small mountain peak. On this is situated the most famous Kantaka Cetiya. On the four sides of the stupa are the altars decorated with figures of dwarfs and elephants. The stupa has a circumference of 425'1/2". The monks would have resided in the caves close to the what are now the ruins of the stupa

 The Refectory: The Courtyard is situated at the end of the third flight of steps. To the left of the courtyard is the refectory. The quadrangle is surrounded by the storeroom. This is an open building which was constructed on 48 stone pillars. In the middle of the hall is a platform with 4 entrances. To the East of the refectory is a stupa, 88 feet (27 m) in circumference. It has not been identified so far.

 Ambasthala Dagaba is a small stupa surrounded with stone pillars in Mihintale, commemorating the place where King Devanampiyatissa met Arahant MahindaIs. Situated on the plain close to the peak of the mountain, it is said to have been built by King Makalantissa. The ruins show that there has been a house built encircling the stupa. The Dagaba itself is said to enshrine the relics of the great Apostle Mahinda. It is here that King Devanampiyatissa first met Arahant Mahinda. The traditional spot where this meeting took place is marked by the Ambasthala Dagaba.

 The Cave of Arahant Mahinda When proceeding from Ambastala dagaba along the narrow road, on the slope is the cave known as Mihindu Guhawa or the cave of Arahant Mahinda, where he resided. Out of the caves the most famous and incidentally the most sacred to Buddhists is this cave with its flattened slab on which Thera Mahinda was accustomed to rest.

 Maha Stupa This large stupa, on the summit of the Mihintale hill, was built by King Mahadathika Mahanaga in 7 AD. The stupa which was in a dilapidated condition was completely restored.

 Aradhana Gala where the Arahant Mahinda landedWhich faces Maha Seya is on a summit of a hill. Even during very windy weather pilgrims do not fail to visit this rock which fortunately has iron railings to help them to climb, as this is not easy.

There are no luxury hotels in Mihintale, but we stayed at the Mihintale Rest House, which at least has spacious air conditioned ensuite rooms. Alternatively you can stay in Anuradhapura. Tourists should note that alcoholic drinks are not sold at hotels within the bounds of the sacred city including Mihintale.