Sri Pada — The Sacred Footprint Mountain
Adam's Peak — known in Sinhalese as Sri Pada ("sacred footprint") — is a conical mountain in the central highlands reaching 2,243 metres. At the summit is a hollow rock formation known as the Sri Pada, said by Buddhists to be the footprint of the Buddha, by Hindus the footprint of Shiva, by Muslims and Christians the footprint of Adam. This multi-faith reverence has made Sri Pada one of the most climbed religious mountains in the world for over a thousand years.
The climb is made at night to reach the summit by dawn. The trail (roughly 7 km and 5,200 steps from the main entrance at Dalhousie) is lit by a chain of fairy lights and lined with tea stalls and rest stops. The sunrise from the summit — and the perfect conical shadow that the mountain casts over the mist-covered plains below — is one of the great natural spectacles in Sri Lanka.
Sunrise from the Summit
One of the great natural spectacles in Sri Lanka — and on a clear morning, the perfect shadow of the peak cast over the clouds below.
Multi-Faith Pilgrimage
Sacred to four religions, Sri Pada draws Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian pilgrims — a unique convergence of faith on a single summit.
Night Climb
The ascent is made in darkness, with the lit staircase stretching ahead — an unforgettable experience as thousands of pilgrims climb together.
Best Time to Visit
December to May is the pilgrimage season when the staircase is illuminated. Outside this season the peak is often closed or shrouded in mist.
Getting There
The main trail starts at Dalhousie village — approximately 5 hours from Colombo, 3 hours from Kandy or Ella.
