A friendly hostel in a colonial house in Anuradhapura, with a social area and staff full of local tips.
- Budget
Why we marked it
- Where Buddhism came to Sri Lanka
- Ancient stone stairway
- Hilltop stupas and views
- Centre of the Poson festival
Mihintale, a short drive from Anuradhapura, is where the monk Mahinda is said to have introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC.
What to expect
A long stone stairway climbs past shrines and stupas to rocky summits with views over the plains. It is the centre of the Poson festival in June.
Good to know
- Shoes come off near the top shrines; the rock gets hot.
- Go early morning or late afternoon.
- Very crowded around Poson.
Where it is
Mihintale, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
More spots in Anuradhapura
All of AnuradhapuraSri Lanka’s first great capital, with giant stupas and the Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented human-planted tree.
- Upscale
- Experience