Joining full moon Poya meditation at Mihintale rock

Be prepared for the climb. There are exactly 1840 granite steps to reach the main terrace. Doing it barefoot alongside the pilgrims under the full moon is an amazing experience.

There will be free food stalls called Dansals along the road to Mihintale during Vesak. It is a beautiful tradition of giving.

Do not turn your back to any Buddha statues when taking photos, and never use a flash while people are meditating.

Many local Ayurvedic practitioners in Anuradhapura specialize in herbal steam baths, which is the perfect way to relax your leg muscles after climbing those steps.

Take plenty of water. Even at night, the crowds and the humidity can be quite overwhelming during the climb.

It is customary to observe Sil on Poya days, meaning taking eight or ten precepts, which includes fasting after midday. You do not have to do this as a foreigner, but it is good to understand the context of why the pilgrims are fasting.