Adam’s Peak Pilgrimage – A Sacred Climb

Adventure travelers will love this impressive trek and the feeling of conquering the peak. Adam’s Peak is Sri Lanka’s holiest mountain and each year pilgrims flock to climb its 5200 steps. This is the perfect excursion for visitors who love a challenge and the bountiful beauty of nature.

Adam’s Peak has a boulder at the top, with a mark that looks like the dent of a footprint. Many religions have interpreted this indentation differently. Some Muslims and Christians avow that Adam’s Peak is where Adam first stepped foot on earth when he was cast down from heaven. Buddhist hold belief that it is the place where Buddha last stepped on earth before reaching Nirvana, while Hindus believe it is the footprint of Lord Shiva. What is incredibly unique about Adams Peak is that it is a pilgrimage site for each of these faiths. You can climb beside Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and Hindus.

Your journey will start at about 2 am, so you can arrive at the top just in time for the magnificent sunrise. The path is lit at night during the pilgrimage season but is dark during the rest of the year. For that reason, it is too dangerous for visitors to climb on their own. The climb may take 3-4 hours so you do have to be physically fit to conquer the thousands of steps, some of which are quite steep.

When the sun appears, a bell is rung at the summit and a priest will bring out an offering of rice that is placed on the rock. Marvel at the dedication of this heritage and the spectacular views.