Mihintale is a sacred mountain peak near Anuradhapura, regarded as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is believed that in 247 BCE, the Indian monk Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, met King Devanampiya Tissa at this very site and introduced Buddhism to the island. Mihintale is home to ancient ruins, temples, and monastic structures scattered across its rocky landscape. Pilgrims and visitors climb a grand stone stairway of over 1,800 steps to reach the summit, where they are rewarded with panoramic views and the serene atmosphere of one of Sri Lanka’s most revered religious sites.