The Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day (22 December 2018; 11 December 2019) marks the beginning of the five-month season (until the May Vesak Poya Day) for climbing Adam’s Peak.
Although it is Sri Lanka’s fifth highest mountain (2,243m or 7,359ft above sea level), Adam’s Peak is the island’s best known and holiest summit, climbed by thousands, even in one night. It’s as much a hike as a climb (with 5,200 stone steps), with the shortest route, being a trail of 7km from Nallanthanniya also known as Delhousie (reached by bus or tuk-tuk from Hatton railway station 31 KM, 1hour journey). A tuk-tuk would cost Rs.2,000 to Rs. 2,500 ($11 to $14)
The spiritually meritorious climb is traditionally undertaken at night (it takes about four hours) to be in time for sunrise (Sunrise time here) and the casting of the peak’s triangular shadow on the surrounding lowlands. There are police posts, tea stops and toilets on the mountainside (use them only if desperate) along the paved trail with the final lap being an arduous 1km climb up a steep flight of rock steps.
An even tougher ascent starts 20km from Ratnapura, on a trail and up ancient stone stairs, which climb around 2,000m over 11km, and was the pilgrimage route of ancient travellers.
To climb Adam’s Peak is an ambition of Sri Lankans of all religions and is open to all faiths. Its Sinhala name of Sri Pada means “Sacred Footprint” and refers to the indentation at the pinnacle which Buddhists worship as being the footprint of Buddha. Hindus believe it is the footprint of the deity Shiva. For Muslims, it is where Adam made his first footfall after being cast out of the Garden of Eden.
It would take less than 4 hours to go up (2 hours if you’re super fit), with lots of breaks, particularly during the final hour and then about 2 hours on the way down. At the top Pilgrims who have made the trip more than three times then ring one of the two bells at the summit, each chime representing a successful ascent.
More photos here
Guru’s Tip:
The mountain is busiest on full moon nights and weekends in late December or March and April, so if you don’t want to dawdle to a frustrating standstill behind thousands of pilgrims, opt to climb on a weekday night in January or February.
Out of season climbing is possible but the trail is not illuminated then and you would need a guide. Wear good walking shoes or hiking boots and wrap up warm as it gets cold. One might feel warmer when climbing. Not a climb for the elderly, infant or unfit, and your legs will probably ache for days afterwards. Carry a head torch/torch and a medical kit just to be prepared. One could climb in shorts or any comfortable clothes.
Avoid long weekends and full-moon days as crowding can occur
A raincoat is advised as rain is a common occurrence
Colombo to Hatton private bus seats could be booked online here and the Government bus seats (SLTB) service here
