Complete guide
Mihintale,
a luxury guide.
The cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism, climbed 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.
Best time: June to September. Duration: 1 night (often a day-trip).
See our full Mihintale destination page for hotels, experiences and a sample itinerary.