A sacred mountain called Adam’s Peak is in the middle of Sri Lanka. As there are many beliefs about this place, this place is worshiped by many people. Buddhists believe the footprint on the top of the mountain belongs to Lord Buddha. Hindus believe this belongs to Shiva, and according to Christians, it is Adam’s footprint. So, No matter whether you are a Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, or Hindu. The place is open for you. 

Ascending Adam’s Peak

As we aimed to see the Sunrise (“Ira sevaya”), we started the journey at about 01’o clock early morning. Walking with torches in the middle of the night while all the temples were isolated, businesses were closed, and lights were out was a little strange.

The hike was simple to begin. 

We ascended the stairs gradually while walking on ground level. However, the stairs got steeper the further we went. We occasionally stopped to catch our breath. We passed by poles that counted down to the top as we traveled. The number of people behind the queue gradually increased as time went by. But there was no rush. People just stepped up in the line as we did in our schools. 

There is a period to visit here. The period commences by the poya day of December(Unduvap Poya) and runs until the Poya day of May(Vesak Poya)

One hour before Sunrise.

Climbing Adam’s Peak might be challenging. It can be physically demanding when only getting a few hours of sleep or none at all, combined with the cold on the mountain. The cold at the top was something we had underestimated. We were all shivering at the top because we had to wait until Sunrise. The temperature was still 23 degrees at the trail’s beginning, but 1000 meters higher, where a strong wind was blowing, it was only 5 degrees. 

Bring gloves, a hat, and a heavy jacket if you can, without a doubt!

The climb eventually went more quickly than we expected. We reached the top more than an hour before Sunrise. It was freezing, and the wind was blowing hard. I quickly changed from my damp shirt and wore a long-sleeved, dry T-shirt. I bundled up more, but the cold still made me shiver. 

sunrise

Sunrise 

It started to get lighter gradually. The sky went from black to dark purple, blue, orange, and nothing. We found ourselves rudely immersed in a dense fog bank just before Sunrise. Nothing left to see, the sun, the lovely valley, and nothing. I was speechless!

I almost wanted to get up to start the descent.

But suddenly, we saw an orange dot. It became brighter and fiercer, and it seemed like the sun was trying to shine through the fog bank. And it worked! We saw the sun and the green valley below us for a while. It was beautiful to see!

Descent of Adam’s Peak

When the sun shined brightly in the sky, we began to descend. It was still cold. The 5500 steps we climbed are even heavier to go down. Everyone had trembling leg muscles and cramped calves.

We were sweaty at the bottom of the mountain two and a half hours later. Adam’s Peak was a fun hike with magnificent views. Worth it!

peak

Essentials

Nothing special. But many extras are to be taken up when climbing. Don’t be upset. Here is the list.

  • short-sleeved tee
  • additional long-sleeved t-shirts
  • wool sweater
  • a raincoat
  • Over sports leggings,
  • Socks
  • Shoes for hiking or sneakers
  • Cap
  • Headlight or a lamp
  • Energy Bars or protein bars (even some snacks)
  • Water to drink
  • Camera 
  • Cash
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Walking cane (for during the descent)
  • Knee support (optional)

Ways to get there

By train.

This will take around 5 hours to get there. You can take the train to Hatton from Colombo. Or else you can try another way from Kandy.

By bus

No offense. You can reach Adams peak by bus. But the experience will be a little bit tough. 

By taxi

You can also use a taxi to come here. Depending on the time, you can choose to rest before starting the journey.

ways to get

Journey in summary

  • Starting from the typical hiking location at Erathna, you can drive a motorable concrete road for about two to three kilometers to a temple.
  • This needs to be illuminated. You’ll reserve your energy for the journey.
  • An SUV is the best vehicle to travel up this route with sharp bends, but small cars have also been observed doing so. The final section is not concreted, but it has rough terrain with stones for about half a km. a four-wheel drive allows for passage.
  • Villagers at the starting point won’t be able to provide you with enough information, but you can easily travel 2–3 km through this motorable path.
  • The climb is challenging but tiresome. Requires extreme caution. You could drop hundreds of feet below if you miss a step while walking along the footpath. Step cautiously as the loose stones occasionally could be slippery or partially wash away the muddy pathway.
  • Must carry a reliable torch with long battery life. The walking path is lit but may need more light occasionally.
  • An oversized raincoat or poncho will prevent your rucksack from getting wet during the heavy downpour.
  • Put on high-quality shoes. Your shoes must withstand water, mud, and rough terrain because you must cross ankle-deep rain streams.
Journey
  • Rain is a blessing when walking because it keeps your feet relaxed and acts as a constant ice pack.
  • If you have children, you must exercise caution as you cross the Seetha Gangula river while holding onto a large rope. A single mistake could be fatal.
  • Be cautious in the path because creepy crawlies could be present at any time. Snakes and harmful insects will be present in the dense jungle. It has leaches all over it. So continue to look for bleeding areas.
  • Bring enough painkillers, anti-inflammatory spray, plasters, antiseptics for minor cuts, bandages, etc., with you. Since there are no medical facilities until Heramitipana, you should avoid getting hurt or ill.
  • After 12 MN, it will be cold until around 5 PM, so bring one good warm jacket, mittens, and a cap.
  • Before you reach Rathnapura road, there are about five shops.
  • These will offer affordable prices for hot beverages, fruit juices, warm food, and energizing bites.
  • Additionally, although not very useful, they have polythene grain sacks. Always keep water, sweets, and carbohydrates with you.
  • Restrooms and restrooms are spotless, but we only traveled at the start of the season.
  • Before climbing down the same pathway, it is advised to take the Hatton route or to stop for a few hours at an ambalama.
  • Be prepared for the best adventure. But the scenery and the overall experience are genuinely superb and once in a lifetime.
  • The trip will take 12 to 16 hours, depending on your energy level. You can get to the Peak by six o’clock if you start at three.
  • The Sunrise is particularly impressive from this route because you can see Sri Pada’s shadow in the sky. (Finally, all of your troubles may vanish like bubbles)

Final thoughts

Adam’s Peak is a sacred mountain peak, as was already mentioned. Pilgrims visit Adam’s Peak between the first full moon in December and the first full moon in April. The mountain is very crowded during the pilgrim season, particularly around the full moon and on weekends. We’ve heard tales of hours-long traffic jams that required climbing stairs. The season for pilgrims has the most pleasant weather and well-lit stairs.

This place is a lot more peaceful outside of the pilgrim season. The lights on the way are out. A few stores are still open along the route, so you can stop and get some hot tea.

But climbing Adams’s Peak in the off-season also may be fun.