Mihintale
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Plan your visit
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
5 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Maureen GVenice, Florida93 contributionsPeacefulWe hired a tuk-tuk in Anuradhapura to take us to Mihinthale one morning. There was a ceremony taking place when we arrived and it was really lovely to watch. Such a peaceful place. Fewer tourists than at Anuradhapura sites.Visited February 2023Written March 28, 2023
- Samira d2 contributionsMust do definitely when in Sri LankaGreat expectations, but wowww... must do if you visit Sri LANKA. Please we advice you do this with a guide, mister ATHULA he 's amazing. He's knowledge, kindness, tips for beautiful places to make extra ordinary pictures. You can find him at the ticket service. Or by what's app: + 94 72 406 7795 A friend for life...he's wisdom and frienship makes this trip an extra dimensional high level. Family Beerens from BelgiumVisited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 13, 2023
- Lonely Laowai37 contributions*Not* touristy but worth it nonethelessSomeone needs to remove the “not touristy at all” refrain from the first few hits this place brings up in google. While not crawling per southeast, it definitely has a good crowd going, for the sunset hike at least. I accepted the services of a guide named Ruan. Guy was a bit annoying at first but ended up giving me such a thorough history lesson and a terrific little hidden sunset spot (better than where the throngs headed), I ended up paying him $20 not just the $10 he’d originally asked.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten February 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,411 reviews
Excellent
945
Very good
416
Average
40
Poor
7
Terrible
3
Rambling R
Melbourne, Australia124 contributions
Dec 2019
After a wonderful experience at Sri Maha Bodhi, we arrived in Mihintale to walk around the stupa. We walked up to the second landing, where we were accosted by the rudest people we have ever come across. After accusing us of not paying the entrance fee, we walked over to a hidden demountable ticket office to pay the fee. However, when we were vilified for being white, we decided not to stay. There is no fee for non-white people at this place and the touts are extraordinarily rude. However, if our driver had warned us about the wannabe guides, we may not have had these problems.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan C
Hong Kong, China371 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Important religious site in Sri Lanka. However, even if you are not religious well worth a visit to take in the spectacular views back to the ancient city of Anuradhapura and also to Ritigala. In fact you have 360 degree views from the Stupa and even better from the top of the rock. The latter is quiet tricky to climb even when there are no people around, but yourselves. Entrance fee LKR1000. Approximately 30-45 minute drive from Anuradhapura, but well worth it.
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fern T
12 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We visited Mihintale with a really great tour guide, he was super friendly and showed us all over the mountain and had so much knowledge about the monks who occupied the area and how they lived. We arrived at 3ish and arrived at the top to watch the sunset. Highly recommend using O.V.Athulawansa, you can contact him via WhatsApp +94 72 406 7795
Written January 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wasantha dissanayake
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka8 contributions
May 2020 • Family
Oldest sthupa in the world and it's just 5.2 kms away from waterfront home stay in anuradhapura. It has a large number of relics inside. Built in 242 BC by King dutu gamunu after defeating the then ruler "elara".first anuradhapura known as "anuradha grama "later became anuradha nagara, and now called as anuradhapura.
Written May 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe91
Perth, Australia4 contributions
Jan 2020
We have been to Mihintale in a evening around 4 pm, we believe it is the great time to climb the rock, not too hot and nice wind blowing through you. Absolutely amazing view from the top. Also the feeling you get around is so spiritual.
Mihintale is about 13Km far from the city. But do not miss this place if you are panning your trip to Anuradhapura.
Mihintale is about 13Km far from the city. But do not miss this place if you are panning your trip to Anuradhapura.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kai Wah
Malaysia2,803 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This cultural site holds significant Buddhism history in Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhism Pilgrimage site where is believed that Buddhist monks met up with the King as far back as 300BC and the Buddhism was inaugurated in Sri Lanka. Foreigners fee of LKR1,000 per person per entry. It took us about 30 mins to walk up the staircase to the site with some notable ruins. There are 3 other sites which include the access to the massive white stupa, a massive Buddha statue and clim-up to the top of the rock which provides stunning panoramic views. The climb up to the rock is not so straight forward for people afraid of height since it is not easy to climb up bare footed even most of the path is built with railing as some part are quite steep and much precaution is required. Proper dressing is necessary to cover shoulder and pants/ dress below knee with no shoes allowed at the site. It is easier to visit during morning or late afternoon when the ground is not too hot for the bare foot walking. Recommended for anyone into cultural/ historical sites in Anuradhapura.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dianedinky
Dunfermline, UK791 contributions
Jan 2020
For the well travelled this was a little disappointing - you've seen one large white stupa before so not too impressed. The old city ruins are also very sparse and not much to see. Was a fairly easy climb up all the steps but wear socks if you can rather than going barefoot. The reclining Buddha inside is nice but not stunning. There is a mini stupa at the bottom to look at rather than do the steps. If you have time go, if pushed for time then there are more worthy things to go visit, I think.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albia-Newton
Evanton, UK3,991 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Great experience. Lots of history to explore as well as climbing up to the temple area which is still a holy site for Buddhists today. Nice to see active pilgrims still enjoying this famous and historical site for family devotions and enjoyable days out
Make sure you explore the whole site and don’t just visit the top temple part
The ancient hospital is fascinating. Don’t miss the medication bath by the entrance
Make sure you explore the whole site and don’t just visit the top temple part
The ancient hospital is fascinating. Don’t miss the medication bath by the entrance
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sleepybexhill
Bexhill-on-Sea, UK1,555 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
It can get very crowded so you might not be able to stand on the small summit. Still, there are other places to go for a view. If you want to see the Buddha in sunlight go at sunset. For the stupa visit at sunrise. Tip - take a pair of socks since it’s no shoes for the upper part of the climb.
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice S
Lund, Sweden602 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Beautiful place, located on a little hill. For sunset you'll have a stunning view and a nice calm atmosphere. It is a bit pricey to go inside is you are a tourist. The stupa and Buddha Statue looks nice in the evening light. I really enjoyed our visit. It was quite empty except for a few monks, local devotees and some few tourist so maybe that added to the good experience.
Written December 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agnès B
4 contributions
peut on garder ses chaussures de marche
Djcosacasa
Catalonia, Spain184 contributions
Una vez accedes al recinto te hacen quitar los zapatos, como mucho te dejan ir con calcetines
CGChong
Singapore, Singapore5 contributions
May i know if there're many steps to get to up? thank u!
My humble opinion
Edinburgh, UK797 contributions
I would say that if you have limited mobility this might be quite hard to climb as you have to do the majority in bare foot.
JoD
France272 contributions
Bonjour combien avez vous payé l’entrée et le guide sur place?
Merci
jansvis
Malden, The Netherlands72 contributions
Will the temple complex be open to visit on friday March 2, Holi feast?
Julie072010
Canberra, Australia92 contributions
Hi Robert,
just curious how much time did you spend at Minhintale? also what else did you do that same day? I want to go to Minhintale, Ritigala and Polonnaruwa in one day i am wondering if this is possible?
thanks Julie
ShamiraPremachandra
Dubai, United Arab Emirates24 contributions
No you won’t be able to cover hose 3 places in one day. You will need at least two days but even that would be very difficult.
Desiree-Her
The Netherlands147 contributions
Wij willen volgend jaar naar Sri Lanka, wat zou een ideale "centrale plek" zijn van waaruit je Anuradhapura, Mihintale en de belangrijkste highlights daar kunt bezoeken? Of is alles gemakkelijk met een tuk tuk of taxi te bereiken? of wat is een leukere bestemming qua restaurantjes, stadscentrum? Mihintale of Anuradhapura?
Hierna willen we dan misschien ook nog Polonnaruwa aandoen voordat we naar Trincomalee door gaan.
Tips welkom! bedankt!
Tjm-93
Utrecht, The Netherlands11 contributions
De meeste toeristen verblijven in new town in anuradhapura, daar zijn veel hotels en ook redelijk wat eettentjes. Voor de gemiddelde Nederlander is het vanaf daar goed te fietsen naar de oude stad, waar de meeste bezienswaardigheden zich bevinden. Mihintale is goed te bereiken met een tuktuk of taxi. Wij hebben 1500 LKR, ongeveer 8,50, betaald voor een tuktuk heen en terug, de chauffeur heeft op ons gewacht.
Mixa207
Island of Malta, Malta18 contributions
Hi, I would like to know how many steps do I have to climb to visit the complex.
Many thanks!
Patrick G
Vienna, Austria202 contributions
I don't know the exact number of stairs but if you drive there with a van or tuk tuk there are some main stairs to climb and then some stair to the three main attractions on top! Should be doable with some fitness! Do mine that you have to climb without shoes as you have to take them off beforehand.
sarahthompsontravels
London, UK
Would you recommend a female solo traveller to visit here alone at sunset? I really want to go!
whenyouwishuponastar
Island of Hawaii, HI336 contributions
I would feel safe, but am not sure how late it is open. There are guards around.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingMihintale, Anuradhapura
Frequently Asked Questions about Mihintale
- Hotels near Mihintale:
- (1.14 mi) Saji - Sami Hotel
- (0.59 mi) Hotel Mihintale
- (2.21 mi) Hotel Black & White
- (1.14 mi) Miheen Hotel & Resort
- (7.65 mi) Little Paradise Tourist Guest House and Holiday Home Anuradhapura
- Restaurants near Mihintale:
- (7.65 mi) Little Paradise Anuradhapura
- (8.41 mi) Bamboo Restaurant Juice Bar
- (7.80 mi) Palhena Restaurant
- (9.24 mi) Mango Mango
- (7.10 mi) Hotel Shalini Restaurant
- Attractions near Mihintale:
- (0.27 mi) Travel With Lampa
- (7.72 mi) Navin Lanka Tours
- (1.18 mi) Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond
- (8.27 mi) Ruwanwelisaya
- (1.37 mi) Travel Zoom Tours