Sri Lanka: Sri Paadaya Peak (Adam's Peak) from Nallatanniya

Loop trail from Nallatanniya passing through:
- Sri Paadaya Peak (5.6 km) One Way.
5500 steps

Sri Pada is a 2,243m high pilgrimage site, Buddhists believe the footprint belongs to Buddha, Hindus believe it belongs to Lord Shiva and Muslims and Christians believe it’s Adam’s first step after Eden.

Regardless of their faith, all pilgrims climb in harmony and pay their respects at the top.

Great hike.
Temple will be open only for six months. Late December to June every year.
So plan accordingly.

Hike will take around 2 to 5 hours based on individual’s fitness.
Hike is no doubt challenging.
Normally for sunrise people start hiking around 2:30 in the morning. Carry torch if going in the off season.
You can see many tourists going up from 3 onwards.
In off season there is no shop on the top so carry some snacks and hot drinks. Hot drinks if it will rain or it will be foggy.
Top is very chilling the day visited the place because for rain and fog.

One of the all time favourite destination. The peak and the religious relationship goes thousand years back. Peak will visible to western province southern province when sky is less cloudy.
There are 06 routes to visit Adams peak. Most famous one is hatton nallathanniya route. And other one is rajamawatha which directs to Sri Palabaddala. Other routes are Kuruwita, Sandalagathenna, Uda Maliboda and Mukkuwatte.
Most famous sun rise is eye catching and lot of tourists coming to see this. Nallathanniye route has lot of facilities and places to stay and other facilities as well.
The journey has to season; season period which start from December poya day till next year May poya day.

In the weekend very crowded and thousand of people worship Adams peak daily. Some times people have to wait hours in one step due to high crowd. Off season which is other months of the year does not have lot of facilities like washroom, electricity etc. Less crowded o some time no one at all. This is the rainy period for the area.

Adam's Peak Hiking Trail - Sri Lanka
Overview:
Name: Adam's Peak Hiking Trail
Location: Central Highlands, Sri Lanka
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) one way
Elevation Gain: 2,243 meters (7,359 feet)
Duration: 5-7 hours (depending on fitness level and pace)
Best Time to Hike: December to May (during pilgrimage season)

Introduction:
Adam's Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is one of the most revered mountains in Sri Lanka. The peak is famous for the "Sri Pada" or "Sacred Footprint," a depression at its summit that is considered sacred by multiple religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. The trek to the top is a spiritual and physical journey, attracting pilgrims and hikers alike.

Trail Description:
Starting Point - Nallathanniya:
The trail officially begins in the town of Nallathanniya, also known as Dalhousie, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. You can easily reach Nallathanniya by bus or car from major cities like Colombo or Kandy.

Start Time: It's recommended to begin the hike in the late afternoon or early evening if you plan to reach the summit for the sunrise.

Trailhead: The trail begins near the Sri Pada pilgrim's rest, marked by a large entrance gate. You'll find signposts guiding you through the town towards the start of the trail.

The Initial Ascent:
The initial part of the trail is a series of well-maintained stone steps. As you ascend, you'll pass through lush tea plantations, small villages, and dense forests. The cool air and serene surroundings make for a pleasant start to the trek.

The Seven Virgins:
Around halfway through the hike, you'll encounter a unique rock formation known as the "Seven Virgins." This is a great spot to rest and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Sri Pada Pilgrim's Rest:
Further along the trail, you'll reach the Sri Pada Pilgrim's Rest, a popular resting point with basic facilities like food stalls and restrooms. Pilgrims often take a break here before the final ascent.

The Final Ascent:
The last leg of the journey involves climbing a steep set of stairs known as the "Samanala Kanda" or "Butterfly Path." The path is illuminated with lights during the pilgrimage season, creating a mesmerizing scene as you climb towards the summit.

Summit - Sacred Footprint:
Reaching the summit is a spiritual experience, especially if you time it for the sunrise. The "Sacred Footprint" is housed in a small temple, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the sunrise and the surrounding landscape.

Tips and Recommendations:
Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip as the trail can be uneven and slippery.

Clothing: Dress in layers as the temperature can vary. Bring a jacket for the chilly summit.

Water and Snacks: Carry an ample water supply and some snacks for energy.

Flashlight/Headlamp: If you're hiking at night or early morning, a flashlight or headlamp is essential.

Respect the Pilgrimage: Be mindful of the pilgrimage season (December to May) when the trail is more crowded. Respect the religious significance of the site.

Conclusion:
Hiking Adam's Peak is not just a physical adventure but also a cultural and spiritual journey. The breathtaking views and the sense of accomplishment at the summit make it a memorable experience for all who undertake this trek. Enjoy the journey, respect the surroundings, and savor the unique blend of nature and spirituality that Adam's Peak offers.