Sri Pada

Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak is one of the highest mountains in Sri Lanka. It is a holy site for four religions; to the Hindu, the 2 meter stone at the top is the footprint of Shiva, to Buddhists it is Buddha’s, and to the Muslims and Christians it is Adam’s. Pilgrims of all religions climb to the summit in the early morning, arriving in time to watch the sun rise. The top is crowded with pilgrims filing in barefoot to ring the bell signaling the completion of the climb, and then to find a good position to see the famous triangular shadow of the peak over the valley below. The footprint itself is not visible, covered by a shrine and surrounded by monks chanting through the dawn. The climb takes several hours, but fortunately there is a well-maintained paved set of stairs lined by lights, with occasional naan and tea stalls where you can rest and catch your breath. On the way down, there is an almost carnival atmosphere and the road through the small town at the foot of the mountain becomes a thriving market.