Mihintale Rock Temple

The final, frangipani-edged staircase leads to the Ambasthale Dagoba, the place where Mahinda converted King Devanampiya Tissa to Buddhism. Nearby, the statue of the king wearing the traditional dress stands where the meeting with Mahinda took place. The name Ambasthale means ‘mango tree’ and refers to the riddle used by Mahinda to test the intelligence of the sovereign.
On the side, at the top of a stairway carved into the rock, is a giant white Buddha statue.
The Bodhi Tree or Bodhi Fig Tree to the left of the staircase, which leads to the Mahasaya Dagoba, is considered one of the large and ancient sacred fig tree in Sri Lanka. The tree is surrounded by a fence decorated with prayer flags left by pilgrims.

Immediately below the monks’ refectory, on the second plateau (and near the entrance if arriving from Old Road), a small basin surmounted by a rampant lion 2 m high is considered one of the most beautiful animal subject sculptures in the whole country. Resting your hands on the lion’s paws, you find yourself entirely in line with the mouth of the fair, from which a jet of water emerged. Around the pool, you can admire some beautifully decorated friezes.

To the east of Ambasthale Dagoba, a steep path of rocks heated by the sun rises to a point from which you can admire magnificent views of the surrounding valley. Along the way, there are railings. Aradhana Gala means “rock of meditation”.

Along the downhill path that starts from the back of the courtyard of the relic house, to the north-east of the Ambasthale Dagoba, in 10 minutes you will reach a cave with a large flat stone. It is said that Mahinda lived here. The path is slightly bumpy and painful to walk barefoot.