Mihintale is a mountain in Sri Lanka that is located close to the city of Anuradhapura. It is a site of immense historical and religious significance to the locals as it is thought to be the place where King Devanampiyatissa and Mahinda, a Buddhist monk, first met. It marks the first time that the principles of Buddhism were preached in Sri Lanka and has now become a popular pilgrimage spot. Mihintale is full of ancient religious structures and tourists who want to learn more about local customs and beliefs will enjoy visiting the place.
Many of the structures in Mihintale were built by King Devanampiyatissa. The king built one vihara (monastery) and renovated several caves so that the monks could live in them. Eventually more monasteries were added. At the bottom of the mountain one can find the ruins of a hospital built by King Sena. It is considered to be one of the oldest hospitals in the world.
In addition to the hospital ruins, visitors will also get the opportunity to explore the caves and residences. An impressive flight of stairs lead up the mountain and one can ascend them without too much of a challenge. An impressive display of the architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lanka, Mihintale is a ‘must visit’ when vacationing in this tropical paradise.
As a top vacation spot, the tourism industry on this tropical island is actually well developed. Good restaurants serving delicious cuisine are easy to find. There are plenty of places to stay and they cater to a range of budgets. The public transport system, although not very comfortable, can be quite handy. It can also be a little difficult (especially for first time visitors) to navigate.
When first entering the island tourists can rely on places which provide airport transfers Sri Lanka. For tourists planning on exploring Sri Lanka car rental is a good idea as it can save a lot travel time. It also means that one can get around comfortably and at one’s own schedule. Malkey Rent A Car is a great place to try. They have a variety of cars on offer and one can pick a vehicle that best suits one’s needs.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
