Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is an important landmark in Sri Lanka. The mountain is well over two thousand metres tall and belongs to the Sumanala Mountain Range. Four of the island’s principal rivers originate from here, including the Mahaveli, the country’s longest. The mountain is considered sacred by many people in the country due to a footprint shaped indentation found on a rock situated at the top of the mountain. In fact, the term ‘Sri Pada’ is derived from Sanskrit and roughly translates to the ‘Sacred Foot’.
Buddhists believe that the footprint belongs to the Buddha, while Hindus attribute it to the Hindu deity, Shiva. The island’s Christian and Muslim population believe that the footprint belongs to Adam, the first man to be created and claim that Sri Pada was where he first placed his foot on Earth after being exiled from heaven. Nevertheless, Adam’s Peak remains a highly important pilgrimage spot for Buddhists, many of whom climb the mountain each year. The pilgrimage season lasts between the months of December and May, reaching a peak during April. Tourists who happen to be in the country at this time should definitely consider making the climb as it is an experience to remember.
While many people, including children, perform the climb, it can be a bit of a challenge. The climb can take several hours to complete and is usually done at night so as to reach the summit by sunrise. The path up the mountain is illuminated by regularly spaced lights. Adam’s Peak is situated in the Central Highland region, roughly forty kilometres from Ratnapura. The region is known for its dense vegetation and for the presence of a number of exotic wildlife such as leopards and elephants.
One of the advantages of visiting Sri Lanka is its small size, which allows tourists to traverse across the country with ease. While Sri Lanka travel may not always be comfortable one can overcome such obstacles by signing up with a tour operator like Jetwing Travels. Here one can choose a comprehensive Sri Lanka tour package that does not skimp on comfort, giving tour goers a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
