Pilgrims, hiker’s, trekker’s, lovers of natural wonders and even Sindbad the Sailor have all fallen under the spell of the singular beauty of Adam’s Peak. The intrepid hiker is lured by the challenge of what might possibly be the world’s longest stairway up Sri Lanka’s Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak.

At 7,500 feet or 2280 metres in he    Read more...

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ight, the island’s second highest mountain, Adam’s Peak, is sacred to all of Sri Lanka’s four major religions. Buddhists call the mountain “Sri Pada” (the Sacred Footprint”) and believe the large footprint at its summit to be that of the Gautama Buddha himself. To Hindus it is “Shivan Adipatham” (“the creative dance of Shiva”) and the footprint is that of Lord Shiva. Muslims believe it to be the place where Adam first set foot on earth and many Roman Catholics say the footprint impressed in the boulder is that of St. Thomas, the early Christian apostle who preached in South India.

Ceylon Tea Trails is by far the best place to stay and start the hike to Adams peak as it is only 16 km from Norwood bungalow. By starting your journey from Ceylon Tea Trails around 1 am you will be sure to catch the sunrise at the summit of Adams Peak.

The hardy trekking aficionado, lovers of a good hike and the adventure traveller are all greeted at the summit by the unceasing clanging of a bell, reverently tolled by old and young, to signify the completion of a pilgrimage.

For trekkers up Adam’s Peak, it is considered incorrect to inquire from fellow pilgrims and climbers, how far it is to the top, or how much longer you might need to climb to reach the summit. Instead, just exchange the traditional greeting “Karunavai” (peace) or simply climb in silence. More than just a hike or trek, this is a sacred journey up a mountain revered since the mists of time.

A Demanding excursion. Leave bungalow at at 0100 hrs during the pilgrim season Dec-April (the best weather for the climb) and at 0500hrs at other times. Travel time from bungalow to base of mountain approx 1 hour, ascent 3 hours, descent 2 hours.

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