Mihintale

13 km East of Anuradhapura lies the holy mountain of Mihintale. It was here that Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka by Mahinda, the son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka when he met King Devanam Piyatissa of Anuradhapura who was out deer hunting at the time. Hundreds of pilgrims visit Mihintale daily to worship at the small stupa located at the summit of the hill. In addition to the religious significance, the view from the summit of Mihintale across the plains which are dotted with the white domes of the many stupas of Anuradhapura is surreal.