The caves at Mihinthale, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

Caves used by Buddhist Monks in ancient times.

Stone stairway leading to the 'Kanthaka Chaithya'.

‘In the 3rd century BC, area of Mihinthalawa was a thick jungle area inhibited by wild animals and was a hunting ground reserved for the royals. All this changed in 250 BC when the son of the Indian Emperor Asoka, Mahinda Maha Thero arrived at the Missaka Pauwa to meet king Devamnampiyatissa for the first time and asked the famous questions to decide whether he is intelligent enough to understand the philosophy of the Buddha. Initially Mahinda Maha Thero’s residence, but later Mihinthale became a main centre for Theravada Buddhism. Mihinthale is a collection of four mountains each about 1000 feet in height. They are 1.    Mihinthalawa 2.    Ath Vehera mountain 3.    Anaikutti mountain 4.    Rajagiri Lena mountain Mihinthalawa is the main mountain and where the Aradhana gala (The rock of invitation) and the main Mahaseya stupa is situated’.

http://www.angelfire.com/planet/heritagesl/mihinthalawa/mihinthale.htm

A flower seller at the beginning of the ascent to Mihinthale.