A Pilgrimage to Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya: The Birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Discover the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka at Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya, where history and serenity come together in a breathtaking setting.
Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya is a historic Buddhist temple located in Mihintale, Sri Lanka, revered as the site where Buddhism was first introduced to the island. This sacred place offers tourists a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich spiritual heritage, featuring ancient ruins, breathtaking views, and serene surroundings that invite reflection and peace.
A brief summary to Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya
- 9G28+C9R, A9, Mihintale, LK
- +94705555213
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a cooler climate.
- Wear modest clothing to show respect in this sacred space.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities in the temple area.
- Take your time exploring the ruins and enjoy the stunning views from different vantage points.
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.
Discover more about Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mihinthalaya Rajamaha Viharaya
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Old Sinhala Inscription සෙල්ලිපි/අභිලේඛන
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Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge
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WAWE
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North Central Provincial Council Administrative Building Complex
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Singha Kanuwa, සිංහ කනුව - Anuradhapura
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Buddhist Railing
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Nakha Vehera
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Royal palace of the anuradhapura kingdom
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Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House of Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර ගෙඩිගේ ප්රතිමා ගෘහය
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Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
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Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
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Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
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Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
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King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
13.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lion's Pond (සිංහ පොකුණ)
0.2 km
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Mihintale Rock
0.3 km
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කලුදිය පොකුණ | Kaludiya Pokuna | களுடியா குளம்
1.0 km
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Kaludiya Pokuna Rd
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Rajagiri Caves
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Mihintale
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Ahas Bokkuwa (අහස් බොක්කුව )
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Yapane handiya යාපනේ හංදිය අනුරාධපුර
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Nuwarawewa bund viewpoint
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Nature Park Anuradhapura
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Thimbiri Pokuna - තිඹිරි පොකුණ
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Jetavanarama Museum
12.4 km
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TUK TUK Hithawath Darme
12.4 km
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Anuradhapura Unesco Signage
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Mahapali Refectory
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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
10.8 km
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Green Way Restaurant
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Original Nelum Kole Bath Kade
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The Grand Family Restaurant
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Sri Gayathri Cafe
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HotPot Family-Restaurant
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The Walkers Restaurant
11.4 km
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Rangiri Restaurant - Anuradhapura
11.4 km
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Vishwa Villa Restaurant
11.5 km
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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
11.7 km
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Big Mama
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
CLOTHING STORE ANURADHAPURA
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N O Wjesinghe DAress Point
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420 Rolling Papers
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Diliganz Fashion | Anuradhapura
11.1 km
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Walk Way Fashion
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Summer gift shop
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Multi Emporium
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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
12.4 km
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ASB Fashion
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
නිපාලගෙ ගෙදර
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Avasta Resort and Spa
10.9 km
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CHILL (Restaurant and Sport corner)
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Yummy Restaurant & Juice Bar
11.2 km
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New Victoria wine stores
11.2 km
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Poshana Mandiraya Ayurvedic Hospital Anuradhapura
11.2 km
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Hudo Lounge
11.3 km
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Bar & Resturant
11.8 km
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Anu Café and Juice Bar
11.9 km
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Creston Park
12.3 km
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Restaurant & bar
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Bar
12.6 km
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Danawwa Restaurant & Juice Bar
12.7 km
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Rajasewana Resturant
12.9 km
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Juice Bar
13.0 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Recreation Club
11.1 km
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Panorama Rest Anuradhapura
11.4 km
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Club House
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Piyantha Gemini my.ara
13.1 km
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Dumils spot
14.2 km
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Jayampathi Kula Dheiva Koyil
20.1 km
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Ashawari Nalindu Music Club
40.2 km
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Mahoora Tented Safari Camp - Wilpattu
42.5 km
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BILSULSLA MUSICAL
43.5 km
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Soththi jeyanthan house
44.9 km
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One More Night Hostel
51.0 km
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Island Vibes Lounge
51.2 km
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Sigiriya Cool Place
51.6 km
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