Minhinthale,12 K.m East Anuradhapura.The cradle of Buddhist in Sri lanka.It was in the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 B.C) that the Arahath Mahinda,son of the great Buddhist Emperor Asoka,led a group of missionaries from North India to Sri Lanka.With his followers he setted in a heritage of caves on the hill of Mihinthale-whose name derives from Mahindas own.
On the western slope of the mountain is the main flight of steps thst would take you to Ambastala plain. It is a wide flight of steps,perhaps the widest in Sri Lanka,and is considered symbolic of the spiritual ascent of man.It has 1840 stone steps arranged in three flights.Shaded by temple trees on either side,a slow and leisurely climb along the steps listening to birdsongs on a sunny day is a memorable experience.
In Mihinthale you find a network of monasteries,rock cells,religious monuments and waterworks that bespeak the aesthetic sensitivity and the technological skills of the ancient architects and artists. Some of the important monuments are briefly introduced below.
Kantaka Cetiya,Ambastala Stupa,Maha Thupa,Mihindu Seya,Mihindu Guha,Aradhana Gala,Kaludiya Pokuna (Black Water Pond),Slab Inscripions and Monks Hospital.