About Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)

Adam’s Peak — locally known as Sri Pada — is Sri Lanka’s most revered mountain, famed for the “Sacred Footprint” at its summit and extraordinary sunrise views. Rising above the southwestern highlands, the peak unites pilgrims from multiple faiths and travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime night ascent. Stairways lit with devotional lamps lead through forested slopes to a mountaintop shrine, where dawn unveils a sweeping shadow-triangle and a panorama of valleys and reservoirs.

★ Best Places & Experiences

• Night Ascent to Sunrise: Begin around midnight from Nallathanniya (Dalhousie) to reach the summit before dawn.
• Summit Shrine & Sacred Footprint: A place of worship and quiet reflection at 2,243 m.
• Sunrise Shadow: Watch the mountain cast a perfect triangular shadow over the misty plains.
• Seethagangula Stream: Traditional cleansing point on the approach to Nallathanniya.
• Scenic Reservoirs: Maskeliya, Maussakelle, and Castlereagh shine at first light on the horizon.

★ Climate & Best Time to Visit

The pilgrimage season typically runs during drier months with clear night skies.

• December – May: Main season; cool nights, clearer sunrises; waystations open.
• June – October: Off-season; heavy rain and strong winds are common; fewer services.

Tip: Aim for weekdays and avoid full-moon Poya nights if you prefer smaller crowds.

★ Elevation

The summit reaches approximately 2,243 m (7,359 ft) above sea level.

★ Distances & Travel Times

• Colombo → Nallathanniya (Dalhousie): ~145–160 km / 4.5–6 hrs by road (via Avissawella–Hatton).
• Kandy → Nallathanniya: ~95–110 km / 3.5–4.5 hrs by road.
• Hatton Station → Nallathanniya: ~32 km / ~1–1.5 hrs by car or bus.
• Ratnapura Route (Kuruwita): Longer, tougher historical trail used by experienced hikers.

Times vary with mountain traffic, weather, and night-time conditions.

★ Transport Options

• Train to Hatton, then bus or taxi to Nallathanniya trailhead.
• Intercity buses to Maskeliya/Hatton with local connections onward.
• Private car/taxi offers flexibility for late-night arrival and return.

★ Food & Local Flavors

• Simple pilgrim stalls on the main season route: tea, roti, hoppers, kottu, and snacks.
• Hearty rice & curry and hot beverages available at guesthouses near Nallathanniya.
• Pack energy snacks and warm drinks for the night climb.

★ Accommodation Types

• Budget: pilgrim lodgings and basic guesthouses in Nallathanniya.
• Mid-range: small hotels and lakeside stays around Maskeliya/Hatton.
• Luxury: tea-estate bungalows and boutique retreats near Castlereagh/Maskeliya.

★ Adventure & Activities

• Night trek to summit for sunrise.
• Tea-country walks around Hatton and Castlereagh valley.
• Photography: dawn skies, reservoir reflections, and mountain silhouettes.

★ Emergency & Help

• Police Emergency: 119
• Ambulance / Suwa Seriya: 1990
• Tourism Hotline: 1912
• Maskeliya Police: +94 52 225 8222
• Nearest Hospitals: Dickoya Base Hospital; Nawalapitiya District General Hospital

Phone coverage can drop along sections of the trail; inform your stay of start/return times.

★ Traveler Guidelines

• Begin around midnight to reach the summit by dawn; pace yourself on 5,000+ steps.
• Wear warm layers, a rain jacket, non-slip shoes, and carry a headlamp.
• Respect sacred spaces and modest dress near shrines; keep noise low.
• Stay on lit, marked stairs; avoid risky shortcuts, especially in wet weather.
• Carry water and light snacks; keep cash for small purchases.

★ Environmental Protection Note

• Pack out all waste — use bins near waystations where available.
• Avoid plastic bottles; refill at your hotel and carry reusable containers.
• Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation along the trail.
• Support community-run lodgings and responsible tour operators.

★ Service Partners (Coming Soon)

We are verifying trusted travel partners — transport, guides, and tea-country stays — to support safe and meaningful pilgrimages to Sri Pada. Certified listings will appear here after approval.

★ Data Sources — Official

• Sri Lanka Tourism Board
• Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority
• Department of Meteorology — Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Railways (for Hatton)

Disclaimer

Information is compiled from official tourism, transport, and meteorological sources plus verified traveler input. Access, seasonal services, and safety conditions can change without notice.

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. Third-party image rights remain with original creators. Please verify critical details directly with official providers to avoid inconvenience.

Last updated: November 2025