Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) Pilgrimage Season

The Adam's Peak pilgrimage season is the months-long period, from the Unduvap full-moon poya in December to the Vesak full-moon poya in May, when Sri Pada ("sacred footprint") is climbed in a steady stream by pilgrims and travellers. The mountain, 7,359 ft (2,243 m) high, is sacred to four religions: the rock-formation near the summit is revered as the footprint of the Buddha by Buddhists, as that of Shiva by Hindus, and as that of Adam by Christians and Muslims. During the season the steps are lit, tea-houses open along the path, and the shrine at the summit is accessible, making it Sri Lanka's biggest and most atmospheric pilgrimage.

History and belief

The mountain's sanctity is ancient. The 5th-century chronicle the Mahavamsa records it as the site of the Buddha's left footprint, and Sinhala tradition names Saman as the guardian deity of the mountain, which is why it is also called Samanalakanda ("Mountain of Saman"). Hindus call it Sivanolipaathamalai, the "Mountain of Shiva's Light". Travellers from Faxian in the 5th century to Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta have visited, and inscriptions below the summit at Bhagavalena ("Cave of the Blessed One") date from the reign of King Nissanka Malla (1187–1196). The mountain has long been shared by several religious communities.

The season

Sri Lankans refer to the weeks from December to May as the Sri Pada season. It opens on the Unduvap poya and ends on the Vesak poya. The busiest period is from January to February, with the peak mid-season around the Medin poya (March), and weekends in the season can see around 20,000 climbers. In the off-season, the peak is hidden in cloud for much of the time between May and October, the path is not lit, the tea stalls are shut, and the shrine on the summit is locked.

The climb is traditionally made at night, so as to reach the summit before dawn.

The climb

Three main routes lead to the top, each beginning at the foot of the mountain:

• Hatton–Nallathanniya, the popular route, reached via Hatton.
• Ratnapura, on the Sabaragamuwa side.
• Kuruwita, also on the south-western side.

The path is a continuous flight of steps, with resting places and tea shops. Most climbers start around 3 a.m. to reach the summit for sunrise. At the top, pilgrims visit the footprint shrine and watch the sun rise over the surrounding hills; on a clear dawn there is a chance of seeing the peak's famous shadow.

Practical advice

• Choose your night. Avoid long weekends and full-moon days, when the path is at its most crowded.
• Dress for the cold. It is cold and windy at the summit, so bring a jacket, hat and gloves, and carry a torch.
• Pace yourself. The climb is hard on the knees, so go slowly, rest often, and carry water.
• Respect the pilgrimage. Dress modestly, remove footwear at the shrine, keep your voice low, and give way to the elderly.

The weather is best from December to April, when the chance of a clear sunrise is highest.