Revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale is where the Indian missionary monk Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa in 247 BC, leading to the king's conversion and the establishment of Buddhism as the island's dominant faith.
220 kmDistance from Colombo
~4.5 hrsTypical drive time
A steep stone stairway climbs the sacred hill past ancient stupas and monastic ruins to a summit stupa with sweeping views over the surrounding plains — a pilgrimage site as much as a historical one.