The Mihintale Wildlife Sanctuary, which is believed to be the first sanctuary in the world. Mihintale Mountain, with the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, began to serve as a residential area for the venerable monks headed by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. With the growth of the community of monks and the pious laymen, there arose the inevitable need of a hospital. The first hospital at Mihintale was founded by King Sena the second (853-887 AC) at Mihintale. The identification was based on a tenth century inscription found at the site. Today, the ruins of a hospital with its layout restored can be seen at the entrance to the site of Mihintale. Followings are can be seen at Minintale, Vedahala – the Hospital at the foot of the mountain Arama: the residence of the monks at the foot of the mountain The great stairway Refectory, the Alms Hall Dage, the Relic House, the Main Shrine Kantaka Chetiya (pagoda) The sixty eight caves Sinha Pokuna (Lion pond) Ambasthala Chetiya (pagoda) Sila Chetiya (pagoda) Mihindu Seya Aradhana Gala (The Rock of Invitation) Mihindu Guhawa, the cave of Mahathera Mahinda Naga Pokuna, the Cobra Pond Atvehera, The Inner Temple Rajagirilena Kanda, the Royal Rock Cave Hill Kaludiya Pokuna, the Black Water Pool