Discover the Serenity of The Alms Hall in Mihintale
Explore the historical and cultural significance of The Alms Hall in Mihintale, a serene landmark of Sri Lankan heritage.
The Alms Hall, known as 'දානශාලාව' in Sinhalese, stands as a significant historical landmark in the sacred city of Mihintale, Sri Lanka. This ancient structure has long been a place of reverence where visitors can witness the unique cultural practices of the local Buddhist community. The hall is not merely a building; it is a symbol of generosity and a space where offerings are made to the monks, embodying the spirit of giving that is deeply rooted in Sri Lankan tradition. The architectural beauty of The Alms Hall is complemented by its serene surroundings, making it an ideal spot for reflection and meditation. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the tranquil atmosphere, allowing them to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The experience is enhanced further by the lush greenery that envelopes the site, providing a picturesque backdrop for photography enthusiasts. For tourists, a visit to The Alms Hall is more than just sightseeing; it is an opportunity to engage with local customs and learn about the historical significance of the area. Engaging with local monks and observing the rituals can provide invaluable insights into the Buddhist culture that flourishes here. Moreover, the hall is easily accessible, and no entry fee is required, making it a delightful addition to any travel itinerary in Sri Lanka. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful day out, The Alms Hall promises an enriching experience.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and witness morning rituals.
- Dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a sacred site.
- Take time to walk around the surrounding area; the views and natural beauty are breathtaking.
- Bring water and snacks, as facilities are minimal in the vicinity.
- Engage with local monks if possible; they often share interesting stories about the site's history.
A brief summary to The Alms Hall (දානශාලාව)
- 9G28+Q58, Mihintale, LK
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving from Anuradhapura city, take the A9 highway towards Mihintale. After approximately 15 kilometers, take the exit towards Mihintale. Follow the signs directing you to Mihintale town. Once you enter Mihintale, keep an eye out for the local signs indicating 'The Alms Hall (දානශාලාව)'. It is located at the coordinates 9G28+Q58. There is parking available nearby, and no entry fee is required.
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Public Transportation
To reach The Alms Hall by public transport, first, take a local bus from Anuradhapura city to Mihintale. Buses frequently depart from the Anuradhapura central bus station and the fare is typically around 30 LKR. Once you arrive at Mihintale, ask the bus conductor or locals for directions to 'The Alms Hall (දානශාලාව)', which is a well-known landmark. The site is about a 10-15 minute walk from the main bus stop in Mihintale.
Attractions Nearby to The Alms Hall (දානශාලාව)
- Mihinthale Udamaluwa
- Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya
- Lion's Pond (සිංහ පොකුණ)
- Mihindu Pagoda | මහා මහින්ද මහ රහතන් වහන්සේ ගේ ස්තූපය
- Maha Stupa මිහින්තලා මහා සෑය
- Mihintale Buddha Statue - මිහින්තලය බුද්ධ ප්රතිමාව
- Sela Chetiya Mihintale - සේල චෛත්ය
- Mihintale Rock
- Mihindu Cave මිහිඳු ගුහාව
- Archaeological Museum Mihintale - මිහින්තලේ පුරාවිද්යා කෞතුකාගාරය
- Mihintale Junction | මිහින්තලේ හංදිය
- කලුදිය පොකුණ | Kaludiya Pokuna | களுடியா குளம்
- Rajagiri Caves
- Kaludiya Pokuna rock inscription
- Mihintale
Landmarks nearby to The Alms Hall (දානශාලාව)
- Old Sinhala Inscription සෙල්ලිපි/අභිලේඛන
- Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge
- WAWE
- North Central Provincial Council Administrative Building Complex
- Singha Kanuwa, සිංහ කනුව - Anuradhapura
- Buddhist Railing
- Anuradhapura Newtown
- Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
- Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
- Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
- King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
- Isurumuniya clock Tower ඉසුරුමුණිය ඔරලෝසු කණුව
- Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
- Unidentified structure
- North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]