There are popular tourist spots unique to each of the countries in the world. Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka is a spot like that, and It has gained the attention of both local and foreign tourists. There are many reasons why this mountain is so popular and why tourists come here to hike. So in this article, we are talking about important things like why is that, and how to climb the mountain, etc. Okay, now let’s go to the article
Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka
Adam’s peak is a place of pilgrimage for devotees of all religions around the world Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. this place has also received the attention of tourists who want to climb mountains because of its 2243 meters height.
Considering its location, it is a single mountain And its shape is conical. Due to its shape and height, this mountain can be seen from most parts of Sri Lanka on fog-free days. It is popularly known as one of the most popular mountains in Sri Lanka due to the difficulty of the journey, environmental beauty, and religious background
History
According to the Deepavansa, The oldest book of Sri Lanka, Adam’s Peak is known as “Samantakuta” and according to the Mahavansa, another oldest book of Sri Lanka, it is mentioned that the Buddha had visited there.
An Italian merchant Marco Polo mentioned this peak as an important place in Sri Lanka while describing his journeys. An Arab traveler Ibn Battuta has reported that climbed a mountain in Serendib through a difficult route. he introduced Sri Lanka by the name of Serendib. John Davy, the brother of the chemist Humpty Davy, visited Adam’s Peak in 1817 and claimed to have seen a large gem-encrusted footprint on the rock.
Thus, it can be considered that the history of Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka goes so long back
Legends
According to Buddhists, This mountain has a footprint which is of Buddha. They believe it is to be the left footprint of Buddha. In Sri Lankan Buddhists’ opinion, it is believed that the Buddha left his footprints as a symbol of an occasion when he came to Sri Lanka at the invitation of the god Saman who is the deity in charge of the protection of Sri Lanka.
According to Hinduism, the footprint is that of the God Shiva. They also believe that this place was also known as Ravana’s ‘Trikuta Pavwa’ during the legendary Ramayana.
Some Muslims and Catholics believe this footprint to be that of Adam. According to them, they believe Adam left his footprints when he come to earth from the Garden of Eden.
Ignoring all those legends, all the local and foreign tourists who are not religious or religious come to this place to experience the beauty and the nature
Importance Of Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka
Adam’s Peak is important as a religious heritage in Sri Lanka. Apart from this, The mountain is a sensitive eco-region. This area which has a very high level of biodiversity is considered to be the starting point of several rivers in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the mountain is very important as the original water source for the rivers that fulfill a large amount of Sri Lanka’s water needs.
Also, it plays an important role as a home for Sri Lanka’s indigenous flora and fauna, as well as many wild animals, including a small number of mountain elephants that remain in Sri Lanka.
Location
Adam’s Peak is located between two grant districts of Sri Lanka and thus belongs to Ratnapura and Nuwara Eliya districts. The mountain has located 40 km from Ratnapura city and 32 km from Hatton main city.
Hike season
Adam’s Peak Pilgrimage season begins in December each year and continues until Vesak Poya Day in May of the following year. During the other months of the year, trekking to the top of the mountain is difficult due to bad weather conditions. It is due to heavy rain, strong winds, and foggy weather. April is the best time to hike this mountain. At this time, Sri Lanka gets good sunlight, and it leads to a good view of the morning sunrise.
Best Time to Hike Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka is early morning in April. The reason for this is that the sun passes directly over Sri Lanka during this period, so there is very good sunlight. During this period, the fog is less and you can see the morning sunrise clearly from the top of the mountain. At the same time, you can see the shadow of the mountain falling in the form of a triangle on the other side of the mountain.
Things to do in Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka
Bathe in Seetha Gangula river
One of the most popular things to do in Adam’s Peak for local travelers is to take a dip in the Seetha Gangula River. They believe that the source of that stream is the top of the mountain, so its water is holy water. Because of this, many tourists who come here take a bath on this river before to start climbing the mountain. You can also try this but its water is so cold.
Watching Morning sunrise
It is correct to say that seeing the sunrise in the morning is something that many tourists who climb the top of Adam’s Peak hope for. The reason is that it is a very beautiful scene. Since this scene can be seen very clearly on less foggy days, Many tourists who go here start climbing the mountain as analyzing the time they can reach the top in time to see the sunrise in the morning.
You can check the sunrise time for Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka by clicking here
Worship the footprint
First, you can see local tourists worship the footprints that are believed to be there as soon as when they reach the top of the mountain. You can also be a part of this and what you have to do is follow the path of local pilgrims and worship the place where the footprint has been.
How to get to Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka
Nallathanniya Trail
The Nallathanniya trail is considered to be the most popular and easiest route to climb Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka. This route is used by most domestic and foreign tourists and is also the busiest. Let’s Consider the possible ways to enter this trail
By Train
If you are using the train for this trip, take the train from Colombo/Kandy or Ella/Nanu Oya to Hatton and then you have to take a bus or taxi from Hatton to Nallathanniya. Then from Nallathanniya, you can start climbing the mountain. The average train journey takes about 4-5 hours from Colombo and 2-3 hours from Kandy. It takes 4-5 hours from the Ella.
By Bus
Buses run from Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, or other major cities to Nallathanniya or Hatton. Bus travel time depends on your location and road conditions. If you take a bus to Hatton first, you have to get another bus to Nallathanniya from Hatton.
By Car
You can hire a car with a driver from anywhere in Sri Lanka to take you to Nallathanniya. This is the most comfortable way and We can also arrange that if required. Contact us for that. This method will make you super comfortable and this gives you unlimited chances to feel the beauty on the road.
Rathnapura Palabaddala Trail
If You choose the Ratnapura Palabaddala trail. You can find the necessary guidelines here.
By bus
You should first take a bus from anywhere in Sri Lanka to Ratnapura and then take a bus from there to Palabaddala. After that, you can start climbing using the start point near Balabaddala Rajamaha Vihara temple.
By car
For this, you have to take a taxi from anywhere in Sri Lanka and reach Palabaddala Rajamaha Vihara temple.
Kuruwita Erathna Trail
The most difficult, longest but most beautiful way is the Kuruvita Erathna route. The trail is not hustle and bustle but it’s just the wild and you. The road is very long and the environment is stunning. Okay, now let’s see how it goes if you want to go this way
By Bus
You have to come by bus to Ratnapura Kuruwita town and from there you can get the bus to Erathna from the main bus stand. The first bus leaves from Kuruvita at morning 6 am. It travels up to Erathna village and halts at the last stop. Then from there, you can see the starting point of the trail
By Car
If you are coming by car, you should come from Kuruwita town on Eratna road to Erathna village. Then from there, you can start climbing
How to ready to hike Adam’s Peak?
If you are a healthy person with no physical problems or diseases, Physically you will be fit and ready to hike this mountain. Not only that but also, You should wear clothes that withstand the cold very well and are suitable for mountain climbing and they should also be suitable for entering the worship ground on the top of the mountain. Our recommendation is long pants and a long-sleeved top.
In addition to this, you should have a jersey, hiking shoes, a raincoat, and a hat that can be worn to cover your ears. It will also be convenient to have a bag that can carry water bottles and snacks. You can get snacks along the way from small restaurants along the way and they also provide hot tea and coffee. For that, you must have enough Sri Lankan money. Also, carrying a balm used for leg pain, and medicines that are considered essential will help to avoid inconveniences during the journey.
Conclusion
Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka is not just a hike but a transformative experience for the mind and spirit. The enduring memories, the sense of unity among diverse pilgrims, and the natural beauty of Sri Lanka make this adventure truly special. We encourage all travelers to embark on this journey of a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Adam’s Peak?
Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka is located on the southwest border of central highlands on the border between Ratnapura and Nuwara Eliya districts. It belongs to both these districts and Rathnapura, Kuruvita, and Nallathanniya can be mentioned as the nearest towns.
- How long does it take to hike Adam’s Peak?
The average time to climb from Nallathanniya is about 4-5 hours. It is the same time on the Rathnapura Palabaddala trail. But it takes about 5-7 hours to climb the mountain on the Kuruvita Erathna trail.
- What is Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka famous for?
The peak is famous as a place of worship. The majority opinion is that Gautama Buddha’s left footprint is marked there. However, it is also known as the best destination for mountaineers
- What is the best time to visit Adam’s Peak?
The best time to visit is early in the morning of April. The best time to climb the mountain is between 2-3 in the morning because, starting the climb at that time, you can reach the top of the mountain at sunrise. And during that time, the morning sunrise can be seen very well.
- Why is it called Adam’s Peak?
Catholicism, Islam, and other religions believe that the footprint is in here belongs to Adam. Accordingly, they believe that this is where Adam put his first step when he first came to earth.
- How many stairs are there in Adam’s Peak?
If you choose the Nallathanniya trail to climb, you will find the route as a continuous series of steps. There you will have to climb 5503 steps to reach the top.
- How difficult is Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka?
Climbing Adam’s Peak Sri Lanka is a mid difficult task for you and this will be a test of your ability to overcome challenges, endurance, physical strength, patience, and resilience at the same time. You will have to climb the mountain with extreme cold, occasional cold rains, and minimal sanitary facilities. Therefore, it must be said that this is a very difficult mountain climb for a first-timer. But in the end, you will be able to pride yourself as a person who is ready for any challenge.