The sacred mountain
Located about 122 kilometers due east from Colombo is the sacred mountain Sri Pada. It is situated in the southern reaches of the Central highlands, and adjacent to extensive wildlife reserves. With no other comparable mountains nearby, Sri Pada rises prominently above the surrounding area, soaring to a height of 2,243 metres above sea-level.It is easily Sri Lanka’s most revered site, considered sacred not only by Buddhists, but also by Christians, Muslims and Hindus.
At the top of the mountain is a slab of rock with a large indentation believed to be the Buddha’s footprint, which he left during his legendary third visit to the island. Centuries later, Christians and Muslims developed the belief that this indentation was the footprint of Adam. Thus, Sri Pada is also commonly known as Adam’s Peak. The Hindus, according to their own belief, revere the spot as the footprint of Shiva.
At the top of the mountain is a slab of rock with a large indentation believed to be the Buddha’s footprint, which he left during his legendary third visit to the island. Centuries later, Christians and Muslims developed the belief that this indentation was the footprint of Adam. Thus, Sri Pada is also commonly known as Adam’s Peak. The Hindus, according to their own belief, revere the spot as the footprint of Shiva.
The climbing season is between December and May, as the heavy rains and strong winds during the other parts of the year make the ascent difficult and very risky.
Climbers usually set off in the night to take advantage of the cool temperatures, and time their ascent to reach the summit before daybreak. The trek starts off in a gradual fashion but becomes more and more strenuous as the climb becomes an almost continuous journey of going up steep, but usually broad steps.Along the way are dozens of small but colorful and brightly lit tea houses and shops which break the monotony of the climb, and actually make it quite interesting. These are useful places to take a rest and sip a hot drink. On reaching the peak, there will usually be a huge crowd queuing up to pay respects at the shrine housing the footprint. Sri Pada from a nearby rest house Listening to a dharma talk along the way After witnessing the magical sunrise on Sri Pada, the crowd disperses and makes its way down. The whole trek may take about five to six hours for the fit, but many people opt for a more leisurely walk of about eight to ten hours.
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Climbers usually set off in the night to take advantage of the cool temperatures, and time their ascent to reach the summit before daybreak. The trek starts off in a gradual fashion but becomes more and more strenuous as the climb becomes an almost continuous journey of going up steep, but usually broad steps.Along the way are dozens of small but colorful and brightly lit tea houses and shops which break the monotony of the climb, and actually make it quite interesting. These are useful places to take a rest and sip a hot drink. On reaching the peak, there will usually be a huge crowd queuing up to pay respects at the shrine housing the footprint. Sri Pada from a nearby rest house Listening to a dharma talk along the way After witnessing the magical sunrise on Sri Pada, the crowd disperses and makes its way down. The whole trek may take about five to six hours for the fit, but many people opt for a more leisurely walk of about eight to ten hours.
View Larger Map
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