Travel Guide to Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya
Discover the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka at Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya, where history and tranquility converge in a stunning temple setting.
A brief summary to Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya
- 9G28+C9R, A9, Mihintale, LK
- +94705555213
Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya: The Cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism
Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya stands as a beacon of tranquility and historical significance in Mihintale, Sri Lanka. Revered by locals and visitors alike, this Buddhist temple is not only a place of worship but also a monument to the introduction of Buddhism to the island by Mihindu Thero. Perched on a hill, the temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for reflection and meditation. The architecture is a marvelous blend of ancient craftsmanship and religious symbolism, inviting tourists to explore its intricate designs and serene surroundings. As you wander through the temple grounds, you'll encounter several significant sites, including ancient stupas, meditation caves, and the revered Bo tree, said to have been planted by Mihindu Thero himself. Each corner of Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya tells a story, steeped in the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan history and spirituality. Visitors are often struck by the peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. The temple is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, allowing ample time for exploration. Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of Buddhism, appreciate stunning vistas, or simply enjoy a moment of peace, Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya provides a unique sanctuary that transcends the ordinary travel experience. Immerse yourself in the spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka and take home memories of this sacred place that has inspired countless souls throughout the centuries.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the temple grounds require some walking and climbing.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views and unique architectural details.
- Respect local customs; dress modestly and be mindful of your surroundings.
- Take time to explore the meditation caves, which offer a unique glimpse into the spiritual practices of ancient monks.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving from Anuradhapura, take the A9 road towards Mihintale. Continue on A9 for approximately 14 km until you reach the junction for Mihintale. Turn left onto the Mihintale road (9G28+C9R) and follow the signs for Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya. The temple is located at the end of this road with plenty of parking available.
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Public Transportation
From Anuradhapura, you can take a bus to Mihintale. Buses leave regularly from the Anuradhapura bus station. Look for a bus headed to Mihintale, which should cost around LKR 30-50. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Once you arrive at the Mihintale bus station, you can either walk (approximately 1.5 km) or take a tuk-tuk (around LKR 150) to reach Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya.
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Tuk-Tuk
From any location in Mihintale town, you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you directly to Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya. The fare should be around LKR 200-300, depending on your starting point and negotiation skills. This is a convenient option if you are carrying luggage or traveling in a group.
Attractions Nearby to Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya
- Mihindu Pagoda | මහා මහින්ද මහ රහතන් වහන්සේ ගේ ස්තූපය
- The Alms Hall (දානශාලාව)
- Maha Stupa මිහින්තලා මහා සෑය
- Mihinthale Udamaluwa
- Lion's Pond (සිංහ පොකුණ)
- Sela Chetiya Mihintale - සේල චෛත්ය
- Mihintale Buddha Statue - මිහින්තලය බුද්ධ ප්රතිමාව
- 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 Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya
- Mihintale Rock
- කලුදිය පොකුණ | Kaludiya Pokuna | களுடியா குளம்
- Rajagiri Caves
- Old Sinhala Inscription සෙල්ලිපි/අභිලේඛන
- Mihintale
- Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge
- WAWE
- North Central Provincial Council Administrative Building Complex
- Singha Kanuwa, සිංහ කනුව - Anuradhapura
- Buddhist Railing
- Jetavanarama Museum
- Anuradhapura Unesco Signage
- Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House of Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර ගෙඩිගේ ප්රතිමා ගෘහය
- Dalada Maligawa Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර පුරාණ දළදා මාලිගාව
- Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)