Exploring the Mystique of Rajagiri Caves
Discover the ancient serenity of Rajagiri Caves in Mihintale, a historic site steeped in Buddhist tradition and breathtaking natural beauty.
Nestled in Mihintale, the Rajagiri Caves are a must-visit historical site offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's ancient heritage. These caves, steeped in history, provide a serene atmosphere perfect for exploration and reflection.
A brief summary to Rajagiri Caves
- 8GX4+XM9, Mihintale, LK
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and requires some climbing.
- Bring water and snacks, as facilities near the caves are limited.
- Take your time to explore each cave and appreciate the historical context of the inscriptions and carvings.
- Respect the sacred nature of the site; maintain silence and avoid littering.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are starting from the Anuradhapura city center, head towards the main bus station (Anuradhapura Central Bus Stand). From there, walk east along the Habarana Road for about 1.5 km until you reach the Mihintale junction. At the junction, turn left onto Mihintale Road and continue straight for approximately 3 km. You will see signs directing you to the Rajagiri Caves as you approach Mihintale.
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Tuk-tuk
From your accommodation in Anuradhapura, you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you to the Rajagiri Caves. Simply tell the driver 'Mihintale Rajagiri Caves.' The journey will take about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. The driver will drop you off at the entrance area, from where you may need to walk a short distance to the actual caves.
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Bicycle Rental
If you prefer cycling, rent a bicycle from a local shop in Anuradhapura. Start by heading towards the Anuradhapura Central Bus Stand. From there, take Habarana Road heading east for about 1.5 km, then turn left onto Mihintale Road. Continue cycling straight for about 3 km. Keep an eye out for signs pointing to the Rajagiri Caves. The journey will be scenic and enjoyable, taking around 30-40 minutes.
Discover more about Rajagiri Caves
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Old Sinhala Inscription සෙල්ලිපි/අභිලේඛන
1.2 km
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Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge
7.2 km
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North Central Provincial Council Administrative Building Complex
10.3 km
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Singha Kanuwa, සිංහ කනුව - Anuradhapura
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Buddhist Railing
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WAWE
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Royal palace of the anuradhapura kingdom
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Anuradhapura Newtown
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Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
11.9 km
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Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
12.0 km
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Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
12.0 km
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King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
12.1 km
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Isurumuniya clock Tower ඉසුරුමුණිය ඔරලෝසු කණුව
12.2 km
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Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
12.3 km
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Unidentified structure
12.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Kaludiya Pokuna Rd
0.3 km
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කලුදිය පොකුණ | Kaludiya Pokuna | களுடியா குளம்
0.4 km
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Kaludiya Pokuna rock inscription
0.5 km
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Mihintale
0.7 km
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Kaludiya Pokuna Thapowanaya caverns
0.7 km
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Lion's Pond (සිංහ පොකුණ)
0.8 km
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Mihinthale Udamaluwa
0.9 km
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Archaeological Museum Mihintale - මිහින්තලේ පුරාවිද්යා කෞතුකාගාරය
1.0 km
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The Alms Hall (දානශාලාව)
1.0 km
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Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya
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Mihindu Pagoda | මහා මහින්ද මහ රහතන් වහන්සේ ගේ ස්තූපය
1.1 km
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Mihintale Junction | මිහින්තලේ හංදිය
1.1 km
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Maha Stupa මිහින්තලා මහා සෑය
1.1 km
Experience the spiritual serenity of Maha Stupa, a stunning Buddhist temple in Mihintale, Sri Lanka, rich in history and breathtaking views.
Mihintale Buddha Statue - මිහින්තලය බුද්ධ ප්රතිමාව
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Sela Chetiya Mihintale - සේල චෛත්ය
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Essential places to dine
Nilpawana Restaurant
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Saliya Garden Sea Food Restaurant & Pool
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Avasta resturant and bar
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Green Way Restaurant
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The Grand Family Restaurant
10.2 km
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Sri Gayathri Cafe
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HotPot Family-Restaurant
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The Walkers Restaurant
10.3 km
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Rangiri Restaurant - Anuradhapura
10.4 km
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Rangiri Restaurant
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Vishwa Villa Restaurant
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Rasa Gedara ( The House Of Taste )
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Restaurant family
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Alankulama Casserole Restaurant Bank Side
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Big Mama
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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N O Wjesinghe DAress Point
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420 Rolling Papers
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Diliganz Fashion | Anuradhapura
10.1 km
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Walk Way Fashion
10.2 km
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Multi Emporium
10.2 km
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Summer gift shop
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Nirmani Dress Point
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Araliya Gift Center
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The Lover - Anuradhapura 01
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Signature Showroom
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Volls
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CIB Shopping Center - Anuradhapura
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Saylee Clothing- Branded Collection
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ASB Fashion
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Avasta Resort and Spa
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CHILL (Restaurant and Sport corner)
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New Victoria wine stores
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Poshana Mandiraya Ayurvedic Hospital Anuradhapura
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Yummy Restaurant & Juice Bar
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Hudo Lounge
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Bar & Resturant
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Anu Café and Juice Bar
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Creston Park
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Restaurant & bar
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Bar
11.7 km
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Danawwa Restaurant & Juice Bar
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Rajasewana Resturant
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Juice Bar
12.0 km
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