Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)

Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) is a popular pilgrim place in Sri Lanka. It is located in Ratnapura 94km from Colombo. It’s the 4th highest mountain in Sri Lanka being 2,244 meters high. It is surrounded by forested hills and the most popular and easily accessible routes are via Hatton-Nallathanni and Palabaddala. According to the historical data, the Buddha was at Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) during his last visit of Sri Lanka. However, there is no universal truth about the sacred footprint on the summit of the mountain. Buddhist pilgrims believe that it is Buddha’s footprint, made at the request of the deity of Adam’s Peak, God Maha Suman Saman. The Christians and the Muslims believe that it is the footprint of Adam, the first ancestor, who trod here after he had been exiled from the Garden of Eden. Hindu pilgrims believe that is the footprint of Lord Shiva. There are also many stories regarding the name of Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada). Samantakuta (Peak of Saman) refers to the mountain as the adobe of god Maha Suman Saman. The name Ratnagiri (jewelled hill) refers to the gems found in this mountain. Samanala kanda (hill of butterflies) refers to the butterflies that come to the mountain regularly during their annual migrations. Adam’s Peak is covered with stone tablets. There is Sama Chatiya, the World Peace Pagoda, which was built by the famous Japanese Buddhist monk Ven Nichi Fuji in 1976. The pilgrim season is from December to April. There are some basic facilities available, but travellers have to bring their own equipment (blankets, sleeping bags) and food. It is possible to trek to the summit both by day and at night, however, it is necessary to check the weather forecast before the ascent because it is not pleasant to walk in the rain.