Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is a well-known mountain in Sri Lanka, standing at 2,243 meters (7,359 feet). The mountain is important not just because of its height but also because it is a sacred place for many religions. Located near the town of Nallathanniya, Adam’s Peak has been a pilgrimage site for over a thousand years, attracting Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.
At the top of the mountain, there is a large rock with a footprint-like mark. Buddhists believe it is the footprint of the Buddha, while Hindus think it belongs to Lord Shiva. Some Muslims and Christians believe it is the footprint of Adam, marking his first step after being sent out of the Garden of Eden. This shared reverence makes Adam’s Peak a unique place of religious harmony in Sri Lanka.
© Egle Sidaraviciute | unsplash.com/@egle_sidaraviciute
There are six trails to reach the top of Adam’s Peak: Ratnapura–Palabaddala, Hatton–Nallathanniya, Kuruwita–Erathna, Murraywatte, Mookuwatte, and Malimboda. The most popular routes are Nallathanniya and Palabaddala, while the Kuruwita–Erathna trail is used less often. The Hatton–Nallathanniya trail is the steepest but also the shortest by about five kilometers, so many people prefer it. Climbers often go up via Hatton and come down via Ratnapura. The other trails are rarely used but do connect with the Palabaddala route partway up the mountain.
The village of Nallathanniya at the foot of the mountain, where the stairs begin © Bernard Gagnon | commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bgag , creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
Once you reach one of the starting points like Nallathanniya, Palabaddala, or Erathna, the rest of the climb is on foot. The path is made up of thousands of steps, built from cement or rough stones, that go through the forest. During the pilgrimage season, which lasts six months from December to April, the trails are lit with electric lights, making it safe to climb at night, even with children. Along the way, there are rest stops and shops where you can get refreshments and supplies.
Adam’s Peak is open all year, but the pilgrimage season is the best time to visit because more facilities are available. Whether you’re drawn by its spiritual significance, the challenge of the hike, or the stunning views, Adam’s Peak is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.
Route from Colombo
To get to Adam’s Peak from Colombo, you can start by taking a bus to Hatton, the closest major town. Bus route no. 18 from Colombo to Hatton takes about 5-6 hours and offers beautiful views of Sri Lanka’s countryside. From Hatton, you can continue to Nallathanniya, the base town for the climb, either by bus or tuk-tuk. Nallathanniya is where the hike begins, and it has basic accommodations, food stalls, and supplies.
