Adam’s Peak

Adam’s peak, also known as Sri Pada, the islands sacred mountain where legend and folklore has it, that Lord Buddha’s ‘footprint’ is imprinted at its summit. Adam’s Peak nestles in the center of Sri Lanka and attains an altitude of 2,243meters.

The pilgrimage season commences each year from the Unduvap full moon day in December and ends on the Vesak full moon in May. Pilgrims ascend the mountain to pay homage to Lord Buddha’s footprint.

Ancient Arabic seafarers who traded with Sri Lanka in spices, gems, and other exotic commodities used Adam’s Peak as a point of reference to navigate and confirmation of safe arrival to the island. The extraordinary Moroccan explorer and scholar Ibn Batuta (1304-1377) ventured to reach its summit, and before him the renowned Venetian merchant traveler Marco Polo ascended the peak to pay homage to the foot print of Adam (according to Islam Adam is the father of the human race).

The best time to ascend to its summit is just before day break, in order to witness the beautiful spectacle of sunrise and its shadow falling on other peaks, the vista from atop is astounding. A truly must visit venue!! Ascending to its peak is no easy task, however, there are quite a few resting spots where tired pilgrims can rest. It takes a few hours to reach its summit.

A trekkers delight is to ascend Adam’s Peak by up to 6 different trails: Hatton-Nallathanni; Ratnapura-Palabaddala; Kuruwita-Erathna; Murraywatte; Mookuwatte; Malimboda. Adam’s Peak is also a bird watchers utopia. Additionally 4 of Sri Lanka’s major rivers originate from Adam’s Peak, these are the Kalu ganga, Mahawale ganga, Kelani ganga, Walawe ganga. These rivers support the country’s agriculture and hydro power requirements.