Sri Pada

Sri Pada (ශ්‍රී පාද), also known as Adam's Peak, is a sacred mountain in the southern part of Sri Lanka's central highlands, rising to 2,243 metres. Its summit holds a footprint shaped hollow in the rock that is revered by Buddhists as the footprint of the Buddha, by Hindus as that of Shiva and by many Muslims and Christians as that of Adam.

For centuries pilgrims have climbed the mountain, mostly at night, to reach the summit shrine before dawn. Thousands of steps lead up past tea houses, small shrines and resting places, lit by a chain of lights during the pilgrimage season. At sunrise, clear weather can reveal wide views over the highlands and the mountain's triangular shadow cast across the clouds to the west. Bells rung by pilgrims who have climbed before add to the atmosphere. Show more

The mountain lies within the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, part of the Central Highlands World Heritage property, with cloud forest and many endemic species. The most popular route starts at Nallathanni near Hatton in the tea country, while the longer and steeper Palabaddala trail climbs from the Ratnapura side.

The pilgrimage season runs from the December full moon to the Vesak full moon in May, when the weather is drier and facilities are open. The climb takes several hours each way and is demanding. Outside the season, paths are quieter but wetter and services limited.