Article Summary
If there was one thing that we wanted to do when we visited Sri Lanka, it was to climb Adam’s Peak and join pilgrims on this sacred walk.
Believed to be the place where Adam first stepped foot on earth when he was cast down from heaven.
Dave and I love trekking, and climbing a mountain revered by many religions is indeed a unique experience.
About Adam’s Peak
Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka near the village of Dalhousie, Adam’s Peak is Sri Lanka’s holiest mountain. Each year, pilgrims flock to climb its 5200 steps to the top, reaching 2243 meters high.
What makes Adam’s Peak so unique is its significance across various religions.
Why is Adam’s Peak such a popular pilgrimage in Sri Lanka?
It is believed that Adam’s Peak was where Adam was exiled to the Garden of Eden. Moreover, it is considered the place where Buddha last stepped from the earth before achieving Nirvana.
- In Buddhism, Adam’s Peak is regarded as the footprint of the Buddha.
- Hindus perceive it as the giant footstep of Lord Shiva.
- It is considered the original Garden of Eden.
- Muslims maintain it is the footprint of Adam.
Adam’s Peak, therefore, serves as a pilgrimage site for followers of every religion.
We climbed Adam’s Peak alongside Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus. This harmonious gathering speaks volumes about the spiritual significance of this holy place.
During the pilgrimage season from December to May, believers pay tribute to Peak Sri Pada.
Our Adam’s Peak Hike
We began our climb at 2:45 am, eager to reach the summit for sunrise, which is known to provide breathtaking views.
Feeling refreshed, we captured a quick photo of the mountain illuminated by pilgrims already on their ascent.
This pilgrimage runs year-round, with climbers taking on the trail 24 hours a day.
The trek is unlike anything we had climbed before, blending spirituality with a good physical challenge.
The Path Up Adam’s Peak
The path is adorned with food stands and tea stalls offering snacks like nuts and cakes, as well as souvenirs like plastic dolls and elephant statues.
It is well-marked and maintained, with concrete steps extending all the way to the peak at 2500 meters. While it isn’t the highest climb, it presents its own challenges.
The steep and steady steps can make your legs burn. Consequently, we set a brisk pace, worrying that we might miss the sunrise, but often paused to capture moments on video and in photographs.
Slow Going to the Summit
As we approached the summit, we encountered a queue of fellow pilgrims.
The path narrowed significantly, creating a gridlock situation amidst the jungle of Sri Lanka.
We maneuvered around obstacles, making our way upward amongst descending climbers, eager to reach the top before sunrise.
This pilgrimage lasts for about 2 months, and while not everyone rushes for the sunrise, it was a priority for us.
Some climbers start their journey at 9:00 pm, while others tackle it during the day. Nevertheless, the ascent is a constant flow.
Despite the sweat cooling our bodies, we remained determined and prepared for the summit.
The Wait
The wait at the peak was long, crowded, and cold. People huddled together, gazing in awe at the light rising over the mountains, creating an almost divine atmosphere.
Once the sun rose, it happened quickly, leading to a rush of people heading back down the mountain.
Stalls and Toilets at the Peak
Surprisingly, we found clean public washrooms at the top, with attendants ensuring their upkeep.
After paying 10 Rs, we began our descent with unexpected comfort.
Normally, descending can be the toughest part of hiking, but our descent down Adam’s Peak was smoother than anticipated.
We enjoyed chatting with fellow pilgrims, snapping photos, and before long, found ourselves back at our guest house, refreshed and packed in no time.
By 10 am, we were off in a Tuk Tuk toward the train station to Kandy, hardly feeling the exertion of Adam’s Peak until the next day when pain shot through our calf muscles. Ouch, perhaps the climb was more challenging than we imagined.
What Do Worshippers Think of Adam’s Peak?
- Muslims and Christians believe it is the footprint of Adam.
- Buddhists consider it the site where Buddha took his last step towards Nirvana.
- Hindus assert that Lord Shiva stepped here.
How to Get to Adam’s Peak
The best way to reach Adam’s Peak is by taking the train to Hatton from Colombo, Kandy, or Ella. We enjoyed a beautiful train journey from Ella.
Upon arrival at Hatton station, hiring a tuk tuk to Dalhousie is a convenient option. There is also a local bus available.
What is the cost of Adam’s Peak? – Climbing Adam’s Peak is free of charge.
