One can call it is the most sacred place in Sri Lanka which is located in a beautiful and fascinating area of the southern Hill Country. This lofty peak has sparked the imagination for centuries. It is known as Adam’s Peak, the place where Adam first set foot on earth after being cast out of heaven. Sri Pada, sacred footprint, left by the Load Buddha as he headed towards paradise. Or Samanalakande, butterfly mountain, where butterflies go to die in peace. Some believe the huge ‘footprint’ on the top of the 2243m peak to be that of the early apostle of India, or even of Lord Shiva.
Whichever legend you care to believe, this place has been a pilgrimage center for over 1000 years. The history reviles that king Parakramabahu and king Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa provided resting places to shelter weary pilgrims up the mountain.
The pilgrimage season begins on full moon day in December and runs until
Vesak festival in May which is the day load Buddha was born, found the enlightenment and left this world.
The busiest period is January and February. At other times the temple on the summit is unused, and between May and October the peak is obscured by clouds for much of the time. During the pilgrimage season a steady stream of pilgrims (and the odd tourist) makes the climb up the countless steps to the top. They leave from the small settlement of Dalhousie, 33km by road to southwest of the tea town of Hatton, which is on the Colombo to Kandy then Nuwara Eliya railway and road. The route is illuminated in season by a string of lights, which look very pretty as they snake up the mountainside. Out of season you can still do the walk; you’ll just need a torch. Many pilgrims prefer to make the longer, much more tiring – but equally well-marked and lit – seven-hour climb from Ratnapura via the Carney Estate, because of the greater merit thus gained.
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