Sri Lanka Day 2: Mihintale

Checked out of hotel earky in the morning and proceeded to Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism.

At the bottom of the site are the ruins of a hospital/ hospice.

Precursor to the modern spa?

We drove half way up so that we needed not climb so many steps to the top.  You can purchase the ticket at the half way point, which costs Rs500. 

The Alms Hall and the Monk's refectory are located here. This is where the few thousand monks used to have their meals twice a day.

This trough was filled with curry during meal time. 

Kitchen tools

 

Nearby was the Relic House where there are 2 inscribed stones laid down the rules relating to the relic house and the rules and regulations.

A not so steep and tiring climb to the top, especially when we did not climb the first part of the journey.

At the top stood the Ambasthala Dagoba (front of photo) and Hirigaduseya Dagoba (back).  There was a statue of the Buddha which was constructed recently (see photo on top).

We climbed up a little hill (slighgtly challenging) to get a good view of the surrounding.  It was also here that my guide started to talk about tips and how difficult his life was.

Mihintale is more for visitors who are keen to see the place where Buddhism spread to the country.  It does not have special statue or scenery.  If you do not have sufficient time, you may give this place a miss. But if you have time to spare, it will give you a better appreciation of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

For more writeup on Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Travels