The Ancient Cities - Sri Lanka - page 512

2 Ambasthale Dagoba D2
3 Aradhana Gala D2
Assembly Hall C2
4 Bodhi Tree D2
5 Buddha Statue D2
6 Et Vihara B3
7 Hospital B1
8 Indikatu Seya Complex A2
9 Kaludiya Pokuna A3
10 Kantaka Chetiya B2
11 Mahaseya Dagoba C2
12 Mahinda's Cave D2
13 Museum B1
14 Naga Pokuna C2
15 Quincunx C1
16 Rajagirilena A2
17 Sela Chetiya D2
18 Sinha Pokuna B2
19 Statue of the King D2
Exploring Mihintale (US$4; 24hr) involves a steep climb, so you may wish to visit it
early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Wannabe guides charge about Rs 800 for a two-hour tour that is exhaustive in detail. If
the guide follows you up the steps, you're committed, so make your decision clear before
setting out. Single women are advised not to tour alone with a guide.
Stairway STAIRWAY
In a series of flights, 1843 ancient granite slab steps lead majestically up the hillside (if
you lose count, you have to go back to the bottom and start over). The first flight is the
widest and shallowest. It's possible to avoid more than half the steps by driving up Old Rd.