Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. It is one of the most popular outings when staying in the Highlands city of Nuwara Eliya. There is a pleasant 6-mile hike with some spectacular views at the World's End viewpoint.
Sri Lanka: Mihintale – Birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
It was during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (250 – 210 BC) that the Arahat Mahinda, son of the great Buddhist Emperor Asoka, led a group of missionaries from North India to Sri Lanka. He, along with his group of followers, settled in caves on the hill of Mihintale.
1. BLACK WATER POND
Before heading to the main site at Mihintale we stopped to visit the lovely Kaludiya Pokuna, a natural black water pool where the reflections of the surrounding forest and rocks provide a beautiful setting. As well as the natural wonders there are some ruins of a small monastery that sat on the banks of this that are interesting to meander through. This is a great place to explore and spend a little time contemplating life.
2. MIHINTALE – THE CRADLE OF BUDDHISM IN SRI LANKA
Not too far (about 12.5km or 7.8 miles) from the ancient city of Anuradhapura is the “Missaka Pabbata” a 1,000 feet (300 m) peak that is known as Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism, in modern lingo. At this place the belief that
According to Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa, Thera Mahinda, a famed Buddhist monk and son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, came to Sri Lanka from India on the full moon day of the month of Poson (June) and met King Devanampiyatissa. From here he preached the doctrine of Buddha and effectively launched the faith in Sri Lanka. No wonder this place is so revered by the Buddhist faithful in Sri Lanka. This meeting has a big impact on King Devanampiyatissa who subsequently renounced war and took it upon himself to spread the word of Buddha within his kingdom.
This is a large complex that housed a large number of monks over the centuries. At the base of the mountain, there are a number of ruins of what was once a hospital, a large circular stupa (Kantaka Cetiya Vaahalkada) and a spacious refectory.
The current day real action at Mihintale takes place at the top of the mountain. To get there you have to climb a series of steps. There are quite a few steps but they are deep and wide and in fairly good condition. Of course in the humidity of Sri Lanka, you’ll have worked up a sweat by the time you get to the top. Before entering the holy area at the summit you’ll need to drop your shoes off at the booth before heading in.
3. AMBASTHALA DAGABA
Ambasthala Dagaba, is a small stupa surrounded by stone pillars. The Stupa is believed to house the relics of the monk Mahinda. It is at this spot that it is said King Devanampiyatissa first met Arahant Mahinda.
4. ARADHANA GALA
This is where the monk landed. According to legend he literally landed, transported through the air from India. As there were no helicopters in those days it is more likely that he climbed the rock. Today, its symbolism is not lost and pilgrims who come to Mihintale follow in the footsteps of Mahinda. We are not Buddhists but the draw of climbing these steps to the top of the rock was too tempting. The steps are very worn, almost non-existent and covered in sand – which makes them very slippery. There is a single railing to hold on to, but there is no one-way system, so those on the way up and on the way down have to share. I decided I didn’t fancy negotiating the crowd, but Karen, as usual, was game for the challenge. She got to the top – but did admit afterwards it was hairy – but the views at the top with the sun-setting were worth it.
5. BUDDHA STATUE
To the side of the Ambasthala Dagoba is a flight of rock-carved steps leading to a large white Buddha statue. These steps are not a challenging as those to the top of Aradhana Gala but are slippery in a couple of places. But again worth climbing.
6. MAHA STUPA
As if we were not done with climbing we still had to climb to the very summit of Mihintale Hill to reach the Maha Stupa. More steps but much better than the ones we had just done before! This is a whopping Stupa, built by King Mahadathika Mahanaga (7-19 AD). The base of this is 136 ft (41 m) in diameter. For many years this Stupa lay in disrepair but has been lovingly restored.
In Summary …
This was a magical place to visit, even if you are not a Buddhist. Sunset is a great time to go as the temperature is falling and if you are lucky you will get to see a spectacular sunset. I think I mentioned that there were a lot of steps, which in some places were sketchy, but if you felt able to negotiate these hazards the rewards were great.
Should definitely put this place on your itinerary if you are visiting the Anuradhapura area.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a variety of different tropical climates where rainfall periods and amounts of precipitation determine the distinction between a rainforest climate, tropical Savannah climate and tropical monsoon climate. Sri Lanka can be visited year round, however because of the two rainy seasons there is a lot of confusion as to when is the best time to visit. Here is a peek into the various monsoon periods: You have the Yala Monsoon; this means rain in the west, southwest and inland from the end of April to September. The other is the Maha Monsoon; this means rain on the east coast from October to March.
Are you planning to travel to the west and south coasts or inland? Then you have the highest chance of pleasant weather from December to March. Are you going to the east and north coasts? Then you have the highest chance of good weather from April/May to September.
Where to stay in Anuradhapura
1. ARYANA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Set in Anuradhapura, 3.7 miles from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Aryana Boutique Hotel offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a shared lounge. Offering a garden, the property is located within 4.3 miles of Kuttam Pokuna, Twin Ponds.
The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire and car hire are available at the accommodation.
2. SWEET HOME TOURIST REST
Set in Anuradhapura, 4.3 miles from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Sweet Home Tourist Rest offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi.
3. CEYLONMIA HOME REST
With garden views, Ceylonima Home Stay is located in Anuradhapura and has a restaurant, room service, snack bar, garden and terrace.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is 5.6 miles from Ceylonima Home Stay, while Kuttam Pokuna, Twin Ponds is 6.8 miles away
More to Explore
