Mihintale

Sri Lanka's Buddhist history began in Mihintale, 13 kilometers east of Anuradhapura. The Buddha's message was conveyed to Lanka by the Indian Emperor Asoka's ambassador Mahinda more than 2,000 years ago. Devanampiyatissa, the King of Sri Lanka, met Mahinda in Mihintale (also known as the Mountain of Mahinda), heard his story, and became a Buddhist after that. The rest, as they say, is history, and Mihintale draws hordes of pilgrims because of its past

Mihintale, which was once a significant monastic center, holds an annual Poson Full-moon Celebration in May to mark the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Mihintale is best experienced by climbing the cliff and exploring the nearby archeological sites. An old hospital's ruins are located at the base of the mountain, and the Kantaka City, the Mandapaya (Pavillion), the Lion Bath, the Ambasthala Dagoba, the Aradhana Gala, and the 1st Century BC Maha Seya Dagoba can be found as you ascend the mountain.