Mihintale, near Anuradhapura, is where Buddhism first arrived in Sri Lanka and this experience takes you to the heart of that story. By pairing an early ascent of the mountain with an intimate audience with a resident monk, it creates a journey likely to fill a whole page in your travel journal.

You'll begin your climb before dawn, timed so you reach the top of Aradhana Gala as the sun comes up over the surrounding plains, with 360-degree views that stretch for miles. It's a quiet, contemplative start to the day, made all the more special by the almost complete absence of crowds at this hour.

From there, a resident monk welcomes you into a world most visitors never see, sharing insights into meditation and Buddhist philosophy, and answering whatever questions you bring. You'll get an insider's look at the monks' almshouse and access to hidden corners of the Mihintale temple complex not open to the general public. The experience can also be combined with a visit to a nearby forest monastery, where monks continue to live and meditate much as they have for centuries. It all winds down with herbal tea and traditional Sri Lankan snacks, shared with the monk himself.