Hill Country
Nuwara Eliya
Cool highland air, emerald tea estates and colonial-era bungalows high in the hills.
Hill Country
Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
Adam's Peak, or Sri Pada, is a sacred mountain revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians for the footprint-shaped mark at its summit. Pilgrims and travellers climb through the night to watch the sunrise.
Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) at a glance
- Where
- Hill Country, Sri Lanka
- Best for
- Mountains & tea country, Culture & history, Adventure
- Time needed
- One night near the trailhead at Nallathanniya (Dalhousie), climbing in the early hours.
- Best time
- The pilgrimage season traditionally runs from the December full moon to the Vesak full moon in May.
- Nearby
- Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains & World's End, Kitulgala, Kandy
- Visit with us
- Private tour with your own vehicle and driver
Why visit Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)?
It is both a demanding hike and a moving cultural experience, climbing alongside families and pilgrims of all ages.
On clear mornings the peak casts a triangular shadow across the clouds at sunrise.
Top attractions and things to do
Sunrise at the summit
The main reason for the night climb, weather permitting.
The pilgrim trail
Lit steps, tea stalls and rest houses line the route in season.
The summit shrine
A small temple houses the sacred footprint.
A sacred mountain
Adam's Peak, or Sri Pada, is a 2,243-metre peak in the south of the central highlands. At its summit is a large footprint-shaped mark revered by several faiths: Buddhists see it as the footprint of the Buddha, Hindus as that of Shiva, and some Muslims and Christians as that of Adam.
For centuries pilgrims have climbed to the summit, and the climb remains as much a pilgrimage as a hike.
The pilgrimage season
The main season runs from the Unduvap full moon in December to the Vesak full moon in May. During this time the path is lit at night, and tea stalls along the way are open.
Weekends and full-moon days are very crowded. A weekday is more comfortable.
The climb
Most people climb from Dalhousie, near Hatton, setting off in the middle of the night to reach the top for sunrise. The path is several thousand steps, steep in places, and most people take between three and five hours to go up.
At sunrise on clear days, the mountain casts a triangular shadow across the clouds and hills to the west. Bring warm layers for the summit, a torch and water. The descent is hard on the knees.
Where to stay
Guesthouses in Dalhousie are close to the start of the path, and hotels around Hatton and the Castlereagh and Maskeliya reservoirs are a short drive away. Plan a restful day after the climb.
Planning your visit
- Suggested time
- One night near the trailhead at Nallathanniya (Dalhousie), climbing in the early hours. (Guidance only.)
- Best time to visit
- The pilgrimage season traditionally runs from the December full moon to the Vesak full moon in May. Outside the season the trail is quieter, facilities may be closed and weather is less reliable. Confirm conditions before planning.
- Getting there
- The usual trailhead is Nallathanniya (Dalhousie), reached by road from the Hatton area in the hill country.
Check current details before travelling: prices, opening hours, access and seasonal conditions change.
Visitor tips
- Start in the early hours to reach the top before sunrise; pace yourself on the steps.
- Bring warm layers for the summit and a torch for the off-season.
- Weekends and full-moon days are very crowded in season.
- Remove shoes at the summit shrine and respect pilgrims at prayer.
Experiences around Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
Plan with our guides
Adam's Peak (Sri Pada): frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Adam's Peak climb?
It is a long, steep climb on steps that takes several hours for most people. It is achievable for fit walkers who pace themselves.
Can I climb Adam's Peak outside the season?
It is possible, but stalls and lighting may be closed and weather can be poor. Go with a local guide and check conditions.
Which route should I take?
Most travellers use the Hatton (Nallathanniya) route, the shortest and most popular. Longer routes exist from the Ratnapura side.
How do I get to Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)?
The usual trailhead is Nallathanniya (Dalhousie), reached by road from the Hatton area in the hill country.
How much time do I need at Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)?
One night near the trailhead at Nallathanniya (Dalhousie), climbing in the early hours. This is guidance only; we can adjust it to your pace.
Can you include Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) in a private tour?
Yes. We can add Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) to a private route planned around your dates, and drive you there in our own vehicle. Tell us what else you'd like to see and we'll suggest how it fits.
Nearby destinations
Hill Country
Horton Plains & World's End
A high plateau of grassland and cloud forest ending at the dramatic World's End escarpment.
Hill Country Edge
Kitulgala
Rainforest and river rapids on the road to the hill country, Sri Lanka's rafting base.
Hill Country
Kandy
The last royal capital, home to the Temple of the Tooth and a lakeside town ringed by hills.
Plan a trip that includes Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you love, and we'll suggest a route that fits. There's no obligation.