Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
ශ්රී පාද
Sri Lanka's sacred mountain, at 2,243 metres. A footprint in the rock at the summit is revered as holy. Climbers ascend over 5,000 steps at night to watch the sunrise and the mountain's shadow.
Adam's Peak, also known as Sri Pada, rises to 2,243 metres. The footprint in the rock at the summit is regarded as sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, who associate it with the Buddha, Shiva and Adam respectively. It is the most important pilgrimage site in the country. The classic approach is to set off from the foot of the mountain at Dalhousie (Nallathanni) around 2 a.m., climbing about 5,500 steps in 3 to 4 hours one way, to watch the sunrise and the triangular shadow of the mountain cast onto the clouds. During the pilgrimage season (roughly from the December full moon to Vesak in May), there are lights and tea stalls along the way. Outside this season, there is no lighting and it often rains. The summit is cold, so bring warm clothing and a headlamp. Reaching the top is free, though donations are welcome. It's about 2 to 2.5 hours by car from Nuwara Eliya, and most visitors spend the night before in Dalhousie.
Opening hours
Open all day (suggested to start the climb around 02:00)
Nearby sights
- Aberdeen Falls
- Devon Falls
- St. Clair's Falls
- Kandy–Ella Scenic Train
- Horton Plains & World's End
- Labookellie Tea Centre
- Nuwara Eliya Tea Country
- Nuwara Eliya Post Office