Sri Pada / Adam’s Peak

Description

Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak is an ancient pilgrimage site, which has long attracted thousands of pilgrims from all faiths. This conical mountain is 7,360 feet (2,250 meters )high, soaring clear above the surrounding mountain ranges. The mountain is located in the southern reaches of the Central Highlands in the Ratnapura District and Nuwara Eliya district of the Sabaragamuwa Province and Central Province —lying about 40 km northeast of the city of Ratnapura and 32 km southwest of the city of Hatton. The surrounding region is largely forested hills, with no mountain of comparable size nearby.

The region along the mountain is a wildlife reserve, housing many species varying from elephants to leopards, and including many endemic species. The region of Peak Wilderness Sanctuary that encompass the Sri Pada together with Horton Plains National Park and Knuckles Range, all in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is recognized as a World Heritage Site in the year 2011.

There is probably no mountain anywhere more famous than Sri Pada – Adam’s Peak (7362 ft/2250m) for reasons that are cultural and spiritual. It is sacred to three religions at least; to Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus. The mountain is signified by a large depression on the summit that resembles a “foot” to which all three religions draw significance.

The climb takes approximately three and a half hours (the way is paved with steps) and the trail is flanked by the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary – one of Sri Lanka’s highest protected forest reserves. Views from the top are stunning, especially early morning as the warmth of dawn lights up the country in an endless vista of forests, valleys, mountains and lakes.

The “season” to climb is from December to April where pilgrims begin their climb shortly after midnight in order to summit at sunrise. Year-round climbs during the day are possible, although sporadic rainy weather and mist is to be expected.