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Mihinthale, considered the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, is where the great Mahinda Thero stopped king Devanampiyatissa who was chasing after a deer during a royal hunting ceremony to deliver the greatest gift Emperor Asoka (of India) could offer his friend.
Once the Buddhism was established in the country, Mihinthale was developed throughout the millennia by many kings as massive monastic complex complete with hospitals for the sick bhikkhus.
After the Aradhana Gala, the rock of invitation, Mihindu Guhawa (the Cave of Mahinda Thero) where the place where the great Arahat sat and meditated is one of he most interesting sites on this monastic complex. This rock shelter with a stunning view, has his seat is carved into the rock.
When one climbs down about three hundred yards on to the eastern side passing the site of the Sila Cetiya at Mihintale, one reaches a stone slab sheltered by another rock called Mihindu Guhawa.
When one returns to the Maluwa or the plateau. the Mahasaya, great Stupa and the Mihindu Saya are there on the summit of the mountain to the south.
The rock which has about 110 inbuilt steps besides the steps cut into the rock. Each step is about 12 feet long, 1 feet wide and about 6 inches high.
Also See
Map of the Mihindu Guhawa
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Driving Directions to Mihindu Guhawa
Mihintale can be reached through many routes from Colombo. The two main routes are through Puttalam (Puttalama) and through Kurunegala. Traveling from Puttalam you will pass the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main routes to Mihintale. The most common route is through Dambulla. The other route is through Galgamuwa. Out of all the routes, the most commonly used is the Kurunegala – Dambulla route (Route 2).
| Route 01 from Colombo to Mihintale (A3) | Route 02 from Colombo to Mihintale |
| Though : Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance :231 km Travel Time : 5.15 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Through : Central Expressway – Badagamuwa – Dambulla Distance : 223 km Travel Time : 4.45 hours Driving Directions : see on Google maps |
| Route 03 from Colombo to Mihintale | Route from Anuradhapura to Mihintale |
| Though : Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance : 232 km Travel Time : 5 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Distance :15 km Travel Time : 30 minutes Driving Directions : see on Google map |