Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is one of the most important mountains of Sri Lanka, even if it is not the tallest. The 2,243m (7,359 ft) peak is popular with locals and tourists alike, albeit for different reasons. A trip to Adam’s Peak during the Adam’s peak season can be a truly memorable experience.
The best time to climb Adam’s Peak is during the pilgrimage season. When Sri Lankans from all parts of the country and from all religions, cultural backgrounds, ages and sizes flock to the mountain. Buddhists claim the footprint said to be at the top of Adam’s peak is from the left foot of Buddha. The Hindus consider the footprint to belong to Lord Shiva and Muslims and Christians believe it’s Adam’s first step after being exiled from the Garden of Eden.
There are multiple routes you can take to Adam’s Peak, the most common route is from Dalhousie (or Nallathanniya) to Adam’s Peak. This village is located close to Hatton. This route is also known as the Hatton to Adam’s Peak route. From here the route is paved almost all the way and all you have to do is climb steps.
If you’re in Kandy, you can go from Kandy to Adam’s Peak by taking the bus to Hatton and then on to Dalhousie. You can go from Ella to Adam’s Peak by taking the train, a 4.5 hour journey. Nuwara eliya to Adam’s Peak is a simple bus ride away to Hatton also. From Kitulgala, Adam’s Peak is a short drive of 2 hours away.
If you’re inclined to more adventure, consider taking the routes to Adam’s Peak from Ratnapura or Kuruwita. Some pilgrims prefer to take this more difficult, but equally lit and safe, route up to the mountain. If you feel up to it, you can walk up to Adam’s Peak from Hatton and then walk down through Ratnapura for an especially rewarding experience.
During the pilgrimage there are many places to stay when you visit Adam’s Peak. Nearby towns have plenty of guest houses and hotels nearby Adam’s Peak. There are also plenty of interesting tours you can take to Adam’s Peak, please contact IamSriLanka holidays for more information.
Most people climb Adam’s Peak starting from the very early hours of the morning, because the point is to get up there for the sunrise. The sunrise from Adam’s Peak is one of the most beautiful you will ever see in Sri Lanka or anywhere else in the world for that matter. There is a sense of tense anticipation as people wait in the darkness for the sun to show up, and then after it does, they goggle at the massive triangular shadow of the very mountain they stand on, cast across the valleys and plains below.
