Rising majestically to 2,243 meters (7,359 feet) in the misty highlands of Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada (meaning “Sacred Footprint”), is one of the island’s most revered pilgrimage sites and a symbol of unity among faiths.
At the mountain’s summit lies a sacred footprint impressed in stone — venerated by Buddhists as the footprint of the Buddha, by Hindus as that of Lord Shiva, and by Christians and Muslims as the mark of Adam or St. Thomas. For centuries, pilgrims have climbed the long stairway of over 5,000 steps, often beginning their ascent in the night to reach the peak in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise and the mystical triangular shadow the mountain casts on the clouds below.
The journey itself — passing tea estates, forests, and mountain shrines — is as spiritual as the destination. Along the way, small rest stops offer tea, snacks, and moments of reflection amid the chants of fellow pilgrims.
From December to May, during the climbing season, thousands of devotees and travelers undertake this sacred trek. Whether approached as a religious pilgrimage or a highland adventure, Adam’s Peak offers a profound experience of faith, endurance, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
