Mihintale
MIhintale is believed to be the site at which Arahat Mahinda (an emissary of Indian Emporer Asoka) first met King Devanampiyatissa and preached the doctrine of Buddhism to the King, thus introducing Buddhism to Sri Lanka. In Sinhala, Mihintale means the ‘Plateau of Mihindu’ and this historic site has since been revered by Buddhists.
Converted to a great monastic city of old, Mihintale commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the month of May with the Poson Full-moon festival. Visitor ascend to the top of the rock through many symbolic archeological sites. At the foot of the climb are the ruins of an ancient hospital, while along the flight of stairs you pass Kantaka Ceitya (a circular stupa) believed to from the 2nd century BC and many other sites such as the Mandapaya (a pavillion), the Lion Bath, the Ambasthala Dagoba, and the Aradhana Gala on the summit of the hill.
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