Is Mihintale a difficult stairway climb?

Going up to Mihintale means ascending exactly 1,840 granite steps, so it turns into a moderately demanding physical climb, especially when the daytime heat is intense. Still, the stairway is quite wide; there are shaded areas in places, and it can be done gradually by people with average fitness.

Mihintale is often treated as the historic origin spot of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The ascent is naturally separated into three different stages, so visitors can pause in between terraces where ancient stupas and ruins are found. Also, to prevent heat exhaustion and burnt feet (because shoes must be taken off close to the upper temple precincts), you really want to begin the climb at sunrise, or you should wait until late afternoon.