I spent the longest time in this Dagoba, going around it. Actually, a strange feeling akin to dejavu came over me when I visited the place.  There was strong wind blowing since the Dagoba is located on the peak.

 There is a little monastery located next to the Dagoba. When I went in, an old monk actually put out the book and ask for donation. Hmmm….. monks are not supposed to solicit donation in any form according to the Vinaya (code of conduct). Furthermore, it’s sad- the place is so badly maintained.

 Above, lies the statue of the Buddha as he was about to pass away.

 And on the side, it is Venerable Ananda, Buddha’s chief attendant monk. As he watched his teacher passing away to parinibbana, his heart was breaking as one hand was on his heart.  At that time, I could almost feel his pain and felt tears well up in my eyes.  Holy places usually invoke this type of emotion. Perhaps, I was once a Sri Lankan in my previous births.

A closer view of the photo. It’s sad that no one took the time to clean up the place- instead, all they do is to ask for donation.

Many pilgrims visit Mihintale hill because this is the place where Buddhism first arrived in Sri Lanka. It was said that Venerable Mahinda, son of King Asoka first landed here from India (it was said that he flew there). That time, the Sri Lanka King was hunting at the hill here. The King subsequently embraced Buddhism.

I took the opportunity to start my climb barefoot, like a lot of the pilgrims that I see. It was hot in the afternoon but strangely, my feet did not feel burnt by the hot granite steps. The place has a very strong vibe about it- I spent a long time in Mihintale- slowly going around the places at the top till the driver was beginning to wonder if anything had happened to me.

Ancient Hospital built by King Sena II (852- 887) A.C

 When I entered the room, there were even the “Welcome” sign as you see below. During the time I went, the room occupancy was so low because of the war. But at least this hotel have more foreigners compared to other hotels.

Food were laid up buffet style and in the morning when you get up, it is quite pleasant to scroll around. Usually the driver will drop you before it gets dark- so if you are like me travelling alone, you would basically spend the night hole up in the room. There were lots of TV channels to watch from.

Because that time I was afraid of being alone in hotel rooms, I actually left the TV and lights on the whole night.

Waiter service was very good. That time when I was travelling, I was a vegetarian- I had no problem getting vegetarian food- usually the tour guide company will inform the hotel in advance so there would be more vegetarian dishes.

The Cobra Hood Cave

This is known by this name because of the natural cobra hood shape of the cave.

It is a cave with drip ledges that had been used as a dwelling for the Sangha during the first monastic phase before Kasyapa. According to the early- brahmi inscription here, (3-1 centuries B.C), this cave has been donated by the chieftain ‘Naguliya’. It is suggested that the painting on the ceiling with a decorative motif belongs to the 6 to 7 centuries A.D. An excavation carried out in front of the cave revealed nine human skeletons.

 As it goes further, it gets more steep. 

 The man in the picture above is the guide that is introduced to me by my driver. Now, this guide is quite a kind man- he wore nice top but only had slippers- and he climbed the stairs effortlessly. He explained about Sirigiya to me and held my hand at areas which I was afraid.  At the cave painting, because I did not have the guts to climb up the cave, he went up and took pictures for me.

He has a daughter who is very sick. And he was coughing as well. I gave him Robutoson- which I find can be quite effective and a good tip. Many tour guides are very poor. I do hope with the end of the war, more tourist would go and visit the place.

 Back to the climb- well, I did not take pictures at the scariest places because I was so afraid- and yet I challenged myself to climb.

 You know what, I was too afraid to go down from where I came up- and the guide spoke to some staff to let me follow the staff route- not that steep down. Makes me recall about my experience in Angkor Wat- after braving myself to climb down the stairs, I was too scared to go down- at the end, one of the workers came and held my hands and brought me down on a less scarry route.  Else, I would definitely be putting the night there.

You will pass the “Miniature Water” garden as you begin your climb up to Sirigiya:

Below: The view of the Miniature garden taken from almost the peak. Imagine how high the place is.