Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka

In short: From Dalhousie most people need two to four hours for around seven kilometres and about 5,200 steps.

Adam's Peak, in Sinhala Sri Pada (“sacred foot”), is a 2,243-metre mountain in the highlands of Sri Lanka. On the summit there is a footprint revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike. Each religion sees someone else in it: the Buddha, Shiva or Adam.

Most pilgrims climb at night so that they reach the top for sunrise. In the season the light of thousands of lamps on the steps can be seen from far away.

The two routes

Two paths lead up. The Hatton-Nallathanni trail comes from the north, is much easier and has better links to towns. The Ratnapura-Palabaddala trail comes from the south and is longer and more strenuous. For a first climb we recommend the northern route via Dalhousie.

The climb in numbers

When to go and what to take

The season runs from December to May. In the other months it is monsoon season, and rain and wind make the path dangerous. At weekends and on public holidays in the season the steps are very crowded, while on weekdays you have more room.

Pack water and warm clothing, as it gets cold at the summit before sunrise. You will need a headlamp because you walk in the dark. Tea shops along the way sell drinks and snacks in the season.