Adam’s Peak (Sri Lanka) is a unique place recognized as sacred by four religions in the world. There are different names for the attraction-Adam’s Peak, Sri Pada (Sacred Trail) or Adam’s Peak. So, let’s find out why millions of tourists from different countries and different faiths annually make a pilgrimage to the top of the mountain and how to get there.
General information
The mountain is 139 km from Colombo and 72 km from Nuwara Eliya in Delhusi Village. The height of Adama Peak (Sri Lanka) is more than 2.2 km above sea level. Locals revere this place, believing that the footprint of the Buddha himself left here. Muslims revere the mountain, believing that it was here that Adam got after the expulsion from Eden. Christians worship the footprint of one of the disciples of Jesus Christ on the summit, and Hindus see the footprint of Shiva in a small plateau.
The Buddha is known to have visited Sri Lanka three times. A church was opened in Kelaniya in honor of the event. For the second time, the enlightened one appeared in the area of Mahiyangan. And for the third time, the locals asked the Buddha to leave his mark on the island.
Muslims stick to their own legend. They believe that this is where Adam’s foot first touched the ground after his expulsion from Paradise. Regardless of religious beliefs and legends, the footprint exists and is recognized as the most visited attraction on the island.
Please note! The period of climbing the mountain is between the full moons from December to April. It is best to start the ascent at night, between one and two o’clock, so you can meet the dawn in one of the most amazing places on the planet. You will have to cover almost 8,5 km, it will take from 4 to 5 hours. Travelers call this path, first of all, a challenge to themselves.
Why tourists recommend visiting Adam’s Peak:
- an incredible amount of energy and strength accumulates here;
- you will be above the clouds;
- this is a great place to think about important issues, ask for forgiveness or to forgive;
- sunrise from the top of the mountain looks magical – you will see how the whole world comes to life.
Even if you do not experience enlightenment and purification of karma, you will enjoy the enchanting scenery and take photos of the most beautiful surroundings in the rays of the rising sun. By the way, the locals have a proverb: “If in your whole life you have not made the ascent to the top of Adam’s Peak, you are a fool.”
How to get
The nearest transport interchange is located in the village of Hatton. There are buses from major settlements of the island — Kandy, Colombo, “city of light” Nuwara Eliya.
When looking at how to get to Adam’s Peak, please note that from December to April, special buses run from Hatton every 20-30 minutes to the village of Delhusi. The fare is 80 LKR. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
There is a direct train service to Hatton from major towns and cities. See the official website of the Sri Lanka Railway for train schedules. www.railway.gov.lk. In Hatton, it is most convenient to rent a tuk-tuk or taxi to Delhusi (costs an average of Rs 1,200). Feel free to bargain. Given that you will be traveling to the foot of the mountain at night, buses will no longer run. The 30 km drive will take about an hour.
Where is the best place to stay?
Guest houses are located along the main road of the village of Dalhousie. There are about a dozen of them, but in many of them the living conditions leave much to be desired. Many tourists celebrate two guest houses-Slightly Chiled Hugging Clouds. It is quite clean and delicious food.
On a note! When booking a place in the village of Delhusi, be careful, because there is a city with the same name on the island.
Since there are no attractions in the village itself, it is better to stay in Hatton: here the choice of housing is greater and transport accessibility is better. Room rates start at$ 12 with breakfast included. The most expensive accommodation will cost $ 380 per night-in 5***** The Governor’s Mansion — with three meals a day and a Deluxe room decorated in a colonial style.
The ascent
Be prepared for the fact that the ascent of the mountain will take a long time, because the height of Adam’s Peak is more than 2 km. The length of the road depends on individual physical fitness, time of day, and season of the year.
On weekends and during the full moon, the number of pilgrims increases dramatically. Along the way, you will probably meet elderly people, pilgrims with infants. If you are in good physical condition, you can start climbing at 2 am. If you feel that your strength is not so much, it is better to start getting up in the evening.
Do not be afraid of night travel, because the whole way is illuminated by lanterns. From a distance, the path to the top looks like a snake of lights. If necessary, you can relax, there are places to relax all along the way. The higher you go, the colder it gets, and it’s harder to maintain a high walking pace.
It is important! Pay special attention to the choice of shoes and clothing. Shoes should be comfortable and have a massive sole, and clothing should be warm and not restrict movement. At the top, you can use a hooded top or a hat.
Despite the fact that the ascent from the outside seems difficult and exhausting, every day disabled people, families with children, and elderly tourists climb to the top. Convenient areas where you can stop and rest are located every 150 meters. They also sell food and drinks, but keep in mind that the higher you climb, the more expensive you will have to pay for a snack, since all the provisions are lifted up by local residents on their own.
Useful to know! You can take snacks and warm drinks with you or not carry too much weight, because along the way you will meet many locals selling food, tea and coffee.
After climbing to the top, visit the temple, where the sacred trail is located. Even though the foot print is protected by a special coating, you will still feel the flow of energy. At least, that’s what eyewitnesses say. Pilgrims present lotus flowers as a gift.
Important! You can only enter the temple by taking off your shoes, so stock up on a few pairs of warm socks. Photos and videos are not allowed on the premises.
At the very top there is a kind of checkpoint with monks. Their main task is to collect voluntary donations. To do this, each pilgrim is offered a special book, where they enter the name and amount of the contribution.
The reception is designed for human psychology – when you open the page, you involuntarily see what donations were left by other pilgrims. The average amount is 1500-2000 rupees, but you are free to leave as much money as you see fit. By the way, the locals of Sri Lanka have learned to masterfully beg for money from tourists, so a donation of 100 rupees is quite enough.
Some statistics
- How many steps to Adam’s Peak-you will have to overcome 5200 steps.
- Elevation changes – be prepared for changes of more than 1 km.
- The total length of the route is more than 8 km.
Interesting to know! The first part of the ascent-to the stairs – is quite simple, along the way there are Buddha statues, you can take many interesting photos, but wait – the best photos of Adam’s Peak (Sri Lanka)are undoubtedly obtained on the top of the mountain.
A few words about photos
First of all, choose a place for photographing in advance, because there will be hundreds of people who want to capture wonderful shots. It is not so easy to break through the crowd of tourists, so when you reach the top, immediately evaluate the terrain and take a favorable place.
The first rays of the sun appear in the sky at approximately 5-30 in the morning. The sight is incredibly beautiful and fascinating. It’s time to start photographing the sunrise. Prepare to withstand the onslaught of a hundred cubits.
Please note that after sunrise, the mountain casts an almost perfect shadow on the horizon. The sight is no less delightful than the dawn.
Descent and after it
The descent is much faster and does not cause any special difficulties. On average, you can go down to the bottom in 1.5 hours.
Many tourists complain that after climbing 2-3 more feet hurt, but you will never regret the trip, because you will be lucky enough to see the most wonderful sight not only in Sri Lanka, but also around the world.
After a rest, when the characteristic tension in the legs disappears, you can continue your trip to Sri Lanka. It is best to head south towards Nuwara Eliya, Happutala and scenic Ella. A train, bus, tuk-tuk or taxi goes in this direction.
Kitulgala, an active recreation center, is 50 km from Adama Peak. Udawalawe National Park is 130 km away.
Practical recommendations
- From May to November, the island has a rainy season, even for the beautiful views from the top, you should not climb the wet stairs. Firstly, it is dangerous, and secondly, the lighting along the stairs is turned off for this time. A flashlight won’t save you in the pitch dark. There are no people who want to conquer the mountain during the rainy season. There will be no one to ask how to get to Adam’s Peak (Sri Lanka).
- Start the ascent in the village of Delhusi, where you can spend the night, relax just before and after the ascent. If you want to go up during the day, it doesn’t make sense to stop at the settlement, because there is nothing to do here.
- Some of the steps are very steep, and there is not a handrail everywhere, which can make it difficult to climb.
- At the bottom of the path, the cost of a cup of tea is 25 rupees, and at the top you will have to pay about 100 rupees. Snacks and tea are sold along the way.
- Take with you drinking water — 1.5-2 liters per person.
- Take a change of clothes with you when traveling, as you may need to change into dry, warm clothes at the top.
- Quite often, a lot of people gather at the top, and it is very difficult to get to the observation deck.
- The best place to take photos is to the right of the exit from the observation deck.
- At the top, you will have to take off your shoes, this is strictly monitored by the police. To stand on a stone floor, take a few pairs of woolen or thermal socks.
Adam’s Peak (Sri Lanka) – an amazing place, well, if you are lucky enough to visit here. Now you know how to get here, where to stay, and how to organize your trip as comfortably as possible.
