Are you searching for an exciting addition to your 2023 Sri Lanka tours, a destination that promises both cultural richness and legendary history? If you’re yearning for a unique travel experience, look no further than Mihintale, a sacred mountain in Sri Lanka. This hallowed site is not only an emblem of colorful culture but also the birthplace of Buddhism in this captivating country. Embark on a challenging and thrilling adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your journey through the beauty and heritage of Sri Lanka.
1. General information about Mihintale- Sacred mountain and origin of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Mihintale is a 1019 feet high mountain in Anuradhapura District, North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Mihintale is about 13 km east of Anuradhapura city. Mihintale is believed by Sri Lankans to be the meeting place between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, which gave birth to the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Today, Mihintale is a pilgrimage site, and home to many abandoned religious and historical buildings.
2. The right time to visit Mihintale- a place with a comfortable climate
You can visit Mihintale any time of the year, but the best time is in June, when the Poson festival takes place, commemorating the meeting between Mahinda and Devanampiyatissa. At this time, thousands of pilgrims from all over the island come to Mihintale to pray, burn incense, and admire the sparkling lights on the mountain. You will feel the solemn and sacred atmosphere of this place, as well as witness the unique rituals and cultural activities of Sri Lankans.
3.Ten special reasons make Mihintale so famous and impressive to visitors.
In addition to its spiritual meaning, Mihintale also has many tourist attractions because of its beautiful architecture and nature. Here are ten reasons why you cannot miss Mihintale when coming to Sri Lanka:
Inscriptions:
This is a collection of inscriptions at Mihintale, dating from the 3rd century BC to the 10th century AD. During this time, the Anuradhapura kingdom was growing. After the 10th century, inscriptions were no longer found at Mihintale, possibly due to the migration of the kingdom from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa. The inscriptions contain valuable information about the history, culture, religion, and, and society of Sri Lanka in the past.
Karnataka Cetiya:
This is an ancient temple built in the first century BC, shaped like a large hemisphere, surrounded by a fence of stone pillars. The temple is decorated with beautiful patterns and sculptures, demonstrating the sophistication of Sri Lankan art. The temple is said to contain part of Buddha’s bones.
Ambasthala Dagoba:
This is a smaller temple, located near Kantaka Cetiya. The temple was built in the 2nd century CE and is said to be the burial place of King Mihindu, son of King Devanampiyatissa. The temple also has unique sculptures, including three dragons and a tiger.
The Cave of Arahat Mahinda:
This is a cave located on the mountainside, said to be Mahinda’s residence when he came to Sri Lanka. The cave has a small entrance, and inside there is a stone platform inscribed with Mahinda’s name. You can enter the cave to feel the peace and tranquility of this place.
Many Stupas:
This is the largest pagoda in Mihintale, measuring 41 meters (135 feet) in diameter and 82 feet in height. The temple was built in the first century CE, and restored in the twentieth century. The pagoda has a pure white dome and is surrounded by a high stone pillar fence. The temple also has a wide terrace where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mihintale.
Aradhana Gala:
This is a large stone located on the top of the mountain, said to be the place where Mahinda preached to King Devanampiyatissa and his followers. The stone is shaped like a chair and has a flag flying on it. To climb the stone, you must pass 1840 steps carved into the rock. This is a challenge not for the faint of heart, but once you reach the top you will be treated to a wonderful view of Mihintale and its surroundings.
Kaludiya Pokuna:
This is a blackwater pond located on the grounds of Mihintale. The pond is called Kaludiya Pokuna, or “black water pond”, because the water in the pond is black due to the reflection of the surrounding trees. The pond is said to date back to the Anuradhapura period and was a place where Buddhist monks meditated. You can walk around the pond to see typical Sri Lankan plants and flowers, as well as hear the birds singing and the wind rustling.
Naga Pokuna:
This is another pond in Mihintale, but it is jade green. The pond is called Naga Pokuna, or “snake pond”, because there is a five-headed snake statue carved on a rock in the corner of the pond. The statue is said to be a symbol of the Naga, a mythical creature in Buddhism and Hinduism. The pond also has a natural spring water source and was a source of water for the monks and visitors of Mihintale.
Singha Pokuna:
This is a smaller pond, located near Naga Pokuna. The pond is called Singha Pokuna, or “lion pond”, because there is a lion statue carved on a rock in the corner of the pond. The statue is said to be a symbol of Singha, a mythical creature in Buddhism and Hinduism. The pond also has a natural spring water source and was a source of water for the monks and visitors of Mihintale.
Buddha Statue:
This is a large Buddha statue at Mihintale, about 43 feet tall. The statue was built in the 5th century CE and restored in the 20th century. The statue is made of white stone and has a sitting position with a dot of fire. The statue is placed on a high stone pedestal, and surrounded by green Bodhi trees. You can get close to the statue to make offerings and take photos.
Location of Mihintale is a pilgrimage site, and home to many abandoned religious and historical buildings
Mihintale is a 1019 feet high mountain in Anuradhapura district, North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Mihintale is about 13km east of Anuradhapura city. Mihintale is believed by Sri Lankans to be the meeting place between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, which gave birth to the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Today, Mihintale is a pilgrimage site, and home to many abandoned religious and historical buildings. You can see a map of Mihintale’s location here.
5. Ticket prices and accommodation for world tourists visiting Mihintale
You can visit Mihintale any time of the year, but the best time is in June, when the Poson festival takes place, commemorating the meeting between Mahinda and Devanampiyatissa. At this time, thousands of pilgrims from all over the island come to Mihintale to pray, burn incense, and admire the sparkling lights on the mountain. You will feel the solemn and sacred atmosphere of this place, as well as witness the unique rituals and cultural activities of Sri Lankans.
To visit Mihintale, you will have to pay an entrance fee of 500 Sri Lankan rupees (about 2.5 USD) for certain spots, such as the Ambasthala temple. In addition, you will also have to pay for other services such as renting motorbikes, bicycles, or tricycles to move around the Mihintale campus.
If you want to stay in Mihintale overnight, you can search for hotels or hostels nearby. Room prices range from 10 USD to 60 USD depending on type and amenities. You can also choose to stay in Anuradhapura city or other neighboring cities to save costs.
6. How to get to Mihintale and prices for tourists around the world
To get to Mihintale, you can use many different means of transport, depending on your budget and time. Here are some of the most popular ways:
By air: You can fly to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, and from there travel to Mihintale by bus, train, or taxi. Airfare depends on the airline and when you book, but on average is around 300 USD for a round-trip flight from Hanoi.
By boat: You can take a boat from neighboring countries like India, Maldives, or Indonesia to Sri Lanka’s seaports, and from there travel to Mihintale by bus, train, or taxi. Boat ticket prices depend on the type and distance of the trip, but on average are around 100 USD for a one-way trip.
By car or motorbike: You can rent a car or motorbike to drive from Colombo or other Sri Lankan cities to Mihintale. This is the most convenient and flexible way but also requires you to have an international driver’s license and comply with Sri Lankan traffic laws. Car rental prices range from 30 USD to 50 USD per day, while motorbike rental prices are about 10 USD per day.
By bus: You can take a bus from Colombo or other Sri Lankan cities to Anuradhapura, and from there take a tricycle or another bus to Mihintale. This is the most economical way, but it also takes a lot of time and is not very comfortable. Bus fares range from 1 USD to 5 USD depending on distance and vehicle type.
Conclusion: Mihintale is a tourist destination not to be missed when you come to Sri Lanka.
You will admire beautiful architecture and nature, as well as learn more about the history, religion, and culture of this country. You also have many options for ticket prices, accommodation, and transportation to get to Mihintale. Quickly plan your trip today so you don’t miss the opportunity to explore Mihintale, a sacred mountain in Sri Lanka.
