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Offered languages
- English
There is much more to see in Mihintale than you find in most guidebooks. This tour is designed to see not only the famous pilgrimage site, where Buddhism was introduced in Sri Lanka, but also the nearby off-the-beaten path locations and some more highlights to the north of Mihintale. Local lunch is included.
Our experienced drivers are known for careful driving. They have been doing these tours for 5 years. Their cultural & historical expertise well-founded.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will be welcoming you in the lobby of your hotel or for your convenience at a meeting point of your choice in Anuradhapura New Town or Mihintale Town. Departure time is immediately after pick-up time in case you reserved this tour exclusively (no other persons in the same vehicle that day)
Itinerary
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1
After pick-up at your hotel in Anruradhapura we will first visit the famous Ambasthala Dagoba below Aradhana Rock, where Mahinda, the Buddhist missionary from India, won over the Sinhalese king for Buddhism. Ambasthala is nicely located in a saddle of the Mihintale hills. The stairways to the sanctuary are an attraction in itself and many other remnants of significance are situated close-by, such as Mahinda's stone bed in a rock shelter, the white landmark dagoba known as Mahaseya, the Cobra Pond, the amazing view point at Eth Vehera, the refectory with rice boat, and inscriptions hall.
4 hours • Admission ticket not included -
2Mihintale
For lunch in a local style, you will be invited to First House Mihintale, for having an impression of how the cooking is done (demonstration in the kitchen) and enjoying the taste of original Sri Lankan cuisine. You will also be able to relax and refresh and First House, before starting your afternoon program.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3
After lunch, you will first visit Sri Lanka's best preserved ancient dagoba which was excavated in its original shape, Kantaka Chetiya. This stupa is famous for its rich decorations in particular. Nearby is the so-called lion well known as Sinha Pokuna in Sinhala. You will also see the excavation of an ancient Ayurvedic hospital at the foot of the hills. Then we proceed to the quaint Darkwater Pond, Kaludiya Pokuna being an entire monastery in itself.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
To the north of Mihintale, we will see the best preserved ancient stone bridge of Sri Lanka, the Gal Palama. Nearby is the Mahakandarawa Wewa, which is known as Crocodile Lake in English. Here you will enjoy a catamaran ride of about 20 minutes. The area is well-known for birdwaching. With a little luck, you can also observe crocodiles and elephants in the late afternoon.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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