Sri Lanka: Mihintale

Mihintale is a sacred mountain in Sri Lanka rising 1840 steps above the surrounding flatlands. The staircase made from granite leads to the top and is a major pilgrimage obligation for every Sri Lankan. It is thought that Buddha mediates on top. There are three important monuments at the end – the ancient whitewashed Ambasthala Dagoba, Maha stupa built in 7AD (yes 2 thousand years ago), and finally the Aradhana Gaia or the true top of the mountain. You need to scramble on slippery rocks to get here but the views are beyond panoramic and truly 360.