Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak Hike

Adams peak is the 3rd highest mountain in Sri Lanka and its pinnacle is located 2234 meters above sea level. The Sri pada trek begins either in Rathnapura or Hatton. The trek from Ratnapura to Sri pada is believed to be more difficult and time-consuming compared to the route that starts from Hatton. Most pilgrims in Sri Lanka use the trek that starts from Hatton and it will take about 5 hours to reach the pinnacle on this route.

The best time to visit the Horton plains national park is in the early morning while the afternoon makes it difficult to walk through the forest due to the concentration of mist. The park is consist of a huge open area with grass, streams, and isolated trees where you find a large number of sambar deer. Horton plains national park is situated at an altitude of 2100-1300 meters above sea level making it the highest adventure trek on the island, The distance from Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plainsplains is around 30km.

Adams peak pilgrimage

Adam’s peak is most popular as a destination for pilgrimage tours among Buddhists, Muslims, Catholics, and Tamil peoples. All these religious groups have some important reasons to conquer Adam’s peak. But for most foreign travellers this is an adventure trek with exposure to untamed wilderness. The trekking route lies under the green canopy of peak wilderness, which is one of the most valuable patches of rainforests on the island.

Adam’s peak is a popular pilgrimage site among Sri Lankans and attracts hundreds of thousands of people, especially during the pilgrimage season that occurs parallel to the dry season in southwest Sri Lanka, from November to April. The rest of the year the trek is deserted and there is hardly anyone on the way due to the torrential rain in the region, triggered by the southwest monsoon, which could cause a life hazard for the trekkers.

What is the best time of the day for the Adams peak hike?

Usually, the pilgrims start their upward march at midnight hence they can reach the summit before the sun-rise and enjoy the beautiful scenery during the daybreak. At the summit, you can see a Buddhist temple where you find the footprint of Buddha and some believe it to be the footprint of Adam, that’s why it is called Adam’s peak. It is said this trek is in use for many centuries and dating back to the 2nd century BC.

Peak holiday season in Adams peak

During the rainy season, the path is not maintained due to the absence of pilgrims, therefore most parts of the trek are hidden in the jungle making it difficult to find the way up. Furthermore, the presence of wild animals is more frequent than in the rest of the year. Furthermore, there is a high possibility of encountering wild animals such as leopards, elephants, wild boars, and many other wild animals.

What are the adventure activities included in the trip to Adams peak?