What to know before you go.
Researched by Sarisara, with sources.
Mihintale is a rocky hill a short drive from the old capital of Anuradhapura. Sri Lankans see it as the place where Buddhism first came to the island, more than two thousand years ago. The story says the king, Devanampiyatissa, was out hunting on this hill when he met a Buddhist monk called Mahinda, who had travelled from India. Mahinda tested the king with a series of questions, and by the end of the conversation the king had accepted the Buddha’s teaching. From that day, Buddhism spread across the whole island.
A wide stone stairway of close to 1,840 steps climbs the hill in stages, past shrines, ponds and the ruins of old monks’ quarters, up to the white stupas on the summit terraces. The main shrine, the Ambasthala Dagoba, marks the spot where the king and Mahinda are said to have met. From the Mahaseya stupa near the top, and from Aradhana Gala, the rock where Mahinda is said to have first stood, you can see for miles across the flat plains around the ancient capital.
Mihintale is still a working pilgrimage site, not a museum. Monks live and pray here, and on Poson Poya, the full-moon day in June that marks this exact story, hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankan Buddhists climb the hill together, day and night. On an ordinary day it is far quieter: a long, warm climb rewarded with ancient stonework and wide views, and a strong sense of why this hill matters so much to Sri Lankan Buddhists.
Entrance tickets are not included in Sarisara prices. Please pay them in cash at the gate.
Last checked: 21 Oct 2026. Prices are set by the temple and can change.
This ticket is not included in your Sarisara price and is paid in cash at the gate. One independent source gives a higher price, LKR 2,000; three other sources agree on LKR 1,000 (about USD 3), which is used here, but your guide will confirm the exact price on the day.
Cover your shoulders and knees. Shoes, hats and caps come off before the shrine terraces near the top.
Not dressed right? Not confirmed whether clothing can be borrowed or bought at the gate. It is best to arrive dressed correctly, to be safe.
Hours are reported consistently as daylight access daily by independent sources; the exact opening and closing minute varies a little between sources, so allow extra time near dawn or dusk.
Central Cultural Fund (not independently confirmed as the managing body for this specific site) Official website
Mihintale, Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka
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Fire dancers light the road before the elephants of the Esala Perahera.
