Walks · 8 of the best in Sri Lanka
Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)
Night climb
About Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)
Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) is a steep, cone-shaped mountain with a footprint-shaped mark at the summit, revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Pilgrims climb thousands of steps through the night from Dalhousie to watch the sunrise and the mountain’s shadow. The pilgrim season runs from the December full moon (Unduvap Poya) to Vesak in May, when the path is lit and tea stalls are open. It is a long, tough climb: start around 2 am, bring warm clothes, and dress respectfully at the top.
Why it's on our list
- Sacred to several faiths
- Night climb for sunrise
- Season about Dec–May
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Horton Plains33 kmCar or taxi 103 min
- Lake Gregory, Nuwara Eliya35 kmCar or taxi 108 min
- Peradeniya Botanic Gardens52 kmCar or taxi 160 min
- Temple of the Tooth, Kandy56 kmCar or taxi 171 min
- Kandy Lake57 kmCar or taxi 173 min