Adam’s Peak is a 2,243 m (7,359 ft) tall sacred mountain located in central Sri Lanka. The mountain with many names; Adam’s Peak, Sri Pada (Sacred Footprint), and Samanala Kanda (Butterfly Mountain) is a large part of the lives of all Sri Lankans regardless of their religion. It is known for the “sacred footprint”, a 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) rock formation near the summit, which in Buddhist beliefs is said to be the footprint of the Lord Buddha, in Hinduism that of Shiva and in Islam and Christianity that of Adam, or St. Thomas.
The climb to Adam’s Peak is ideally done during the months of December to May every year and is considered a spiritual experience by devotees and hikers alike. The mountain can be accessed from two main sides Palabaddala (Ratnapura) or Nallathanni (Hatton) which is 5 kilometres shorter but a much steeper climb. The ascent usually starts after midnight so you can reach the peak for a breath-taking sunrise.
Your guide will escort you to the base of the climb and wait there for your descent to take you back. The complete hike normally takes about 5 hours but this depends on your level of fitness. There are roughly around 5,500 steps and the climb will be tough at times while in some places there are concrete paths and steps, some places will be uneven and more strenuous. If you are feeling adventurous you could get something warm to drink on the way, as there are food stalls and shops dotting the ascent at sporadic intervals for most of the season. The path will be well lit for the most part and at the summit, you will come into a temple built around the imprint of the foot that gives the mountain its name.
Highlights
Hiking up a mountain drenched in mystery to witness the most spectacular sunrise you will see in Sri Lanka.
Before your climb listen to your guide’s stories about the long and well-drawn-out history of the mountain and the legends that surround it.
Observe the unique characteristics of pilgrims from all faiths and walks of life.
Includes
Water, A trekker to accompany you on the hike can be arranged on request.
Kid-Friendly
Recommended for teenagers but not for small children
Difficulty & Accessibility
Strenuous. The climb consists of roughly 5,500 steps and the last part of the climb is particularly difficult as it is very steep.
Not recommended for travellers with limited mobility or any serious health conditions.
Timings
Can be discussed with your guide. We recommend you start the climb after midnight to experience the spectacular sunrise. If you opt to climb during the day, we recommend you start by mid-day to catch the sunset.
Things to Keep in Mind
Wear comfortable hiking clothes. A windbreaker, or raincoat and a scarf would come in handy as it can get chilly in the early hours of the morning. If it rains you can expect leeches. Carry sufficient water and something to snack on coming in the off-season is not recommended due to bad weather, lack of lighting and safety.
During the peak season (December to May) the trails are often crowded, or you can expect large crowds particularly in April during Sinhalese & Tamil New Year, full moon (Poya) days, and the weekends.
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