A night climb of thousands of steps to a 2,243-metre summit sacred to four faiths, rewarded with sunrise and the peak's famous shadow.
Sri Pada, also called Adam's Peak, rises to 2,243 metres from the forests of the central highlands. Near the summit is a large footprint-shaped hollow in the rock that Buddhists honour as the footprint of the Buddha, Hindus as that of Shiva, and many Muslims and Christians as Adam's first step on earth. For centuries, pilgrims of every faith have climbed it together.
The climb
Most people use the Hatton route, starting from the village of Dalhousie (Nallathanni). It is roughly 5,500 steps and takes three to four hours up. Climbers set off in the dark, around 2:00 am, to reach the summit for sunrise.
In season the path is lit and lined with tea shops, so you can stop for hot tea and snacks along the way. The final third is steep, with handrails.
At the top
As the sun rises, the mountain throws a near-perfect triangular shadow across the clouds to the west, one of the most memorable sights in Sri Lanka. Pilgrims ring the bell at the summit once for every climb they have made.
Tips
- Climb during the pilgrimage season (December to May). Out of season the lights are off, shops are closed and weather is poor.
- Weekends and full-moon (poya) days are extremely busy; a weekday climb is calmer.
- It is cold at the top. Bring a warm layer, a rain jacket and a torch.
- Your legs will ache the next day: the descent is harder than it sounds.
- Dress modestly and respect the shrine at the summit.
Getting there
Take the hill-country train or a car to Hatton, then a bus or tuk-tuk to Dalhousie (about an hour). Stay overnight in Dalhousie before the climb.
