Adam's Peak (சிவனொளிபாதமலை)

The holy mountain of Adam's Peak is also known as Samonalakanda (Butterfly Mountain, for the butterflies that frequent the mountain), Mount Malaya, Malayagiri, Mount Rohana, Mount Lanka, Samanthakūta and Ratnagiri. It has been a place of pilgrimage since the 10th century and still, pilgrims converge there to climb it between December and April.

Legend says that the Buddha rested his foot here on his way across Sri Lanka, leaving a large footprint behind on its pinnacle. This footprint is known as Sri Pada (Holy Foot) and both Christians and Muslims believe that the print belongs to Adam who was led here by angels after being expelled from Eden, while Hindus venerate it as the footprint of the God Shiva. Holy to all major faiths, this beautiful mountain is a major site for pilgrimage and worship.

Adam's Peak is one of the highest mountains in Sri Lanka at 2,243 m (7,359 ft) and it is situated within the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. The peak is surrounded by superb tropical montane forest and the views from the summit are absolutely magnificent. The climb is well worth the effort, even if you don't believe in the 'foot' stories. It takes about four hours to get to the top if you start from the town of Dalhousie.

At dawn, the mountain casts a beautiful shadow over the surrounding mountains. Once you have successfully conquered the Peak, you will be entitled to ring the bell at the top, once for each ascent you have made. At the summit is the 'holy foot', which is actually just a 1.8 m (5.1 ft) rock formation that resembles a footprint.

There are 6 different trails with steps up the mountain:

Hatton-Nallathanni
Kuruwita-Erathna
Malimboda
Mookuwatte
Murraywatte
Ratnapura-Palabaddala

There is a Peace Pagoda about half way up the mountain.

It is fairly simple to get to the base of Adam's Peak. Buses arrive at Dalhousie from Colombo, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya during the pilgrimage season. During the rest of the year you can get as far as Hatton or Maskeliya, from where you will have to rely on a taxi. Many people prefer to ascend Adam's Peak during the night, so they can see sunrise from the top and be back before dusk.

Adam's Peak is located in central Sri Lanka, some 70 km east of Colombo.

Hotels in Adam's Peak

Images

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