The best time
to visit Mihintale.

Best time: June to September.

Weather: Hot, dry 27–34°C; very still at sunset.

Mihintale is a small sacred mountain a short drive east of Anuradhapura, where Buddhism is said to have been introduced to the island in 247 BC. The 1,840-step climb to the summit is a quiet, contemplative pilgrimage — best at sunset, with the dry-zone forest spread out below.

• · Climb in the cool late afternoon, descend in twilight.
• · Wear loose clothes — knees and shoulders covered.
• · Carry water; there are no vendors at the upper terraces.