Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s peak, is one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka and is situated in the southernmost part of the central highlands. Its holiness is primarily due to the folklore that surrounds it. The “holy footprint,” which Buddhists believe to be the footprint of Lord Buddha, is what first springs to mind. Of course, there are some other beliefs to talk about here as well. The legend surrounding this famous location has recently become a major draw for foreign tourists from all around the world.
The sacred left footprint of the Lord Buddha, which is visible as a rock formation close to the peak, is the place’s symbol, according to “Sri Lankan” Buddhist history. Lord Buddha was invited by the deity Sumana Saman to leave his sacred footprint on the mountain so that people could worship it.
The Christians hold this view towards it. Adam was banished from paradise after eating the forbidden fruit, and he then plummeted to earth from the mountain’s summit, where he stood for a thousand years on one foot. Because of this, Adam’s agony on the hilltop for a thousand years left this 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) rock formation close to the summit. On the other hand, the Hindus regard it as Lord Shiva’s footprint. According to Muslim mythology, it is the 30-foot-tall Adam’s footprint (Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka – قمة آدم في سريلانكا). All of these facts imply that Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s Peak, is a location that people from various nations and religions travel to with holy sentiments or ideas.
When to visit Sri Pada?
This is one of the most important things to take into account if you travel to Sri Lanka to stand on this sacred mountaintop. Don’t worry, though! December to May is the “PILGRIM” season or the time when you can visit the sacred mountain. The pilgrim season begins on the “Unduvap” full moon day in December and finishes on the Wesak full moon day in May. In the off-season, it is said that animals, especially elephants, come to this sacred site to worship. Sri Pada is therefore inaccessible in the off-season.
A quick tip: During the pilgrimage season, Sri Pada will be packed, especially on full moon days. So prepare yourself for hours of waiting in a line that never moves. Nevertheless, ascending the mountain will be a special/memorable experience that you will never forget.
Guidelines for climbers
Below are some expert tips and facts for foreign travelers:
- The conical mountain is 2,243 m (7,359 ft) tall.
- The holy mountain is in an exceptionally-dense forest region.
- Weekends and full-moon days during the pilgrim season can get overly crowded; hence avoid such days.
- Don’t rush, climb at a leisurely pace.
- Since rainfall can make your trip experience a miserable one, check the weather report.
- Bringing your own snacks and water is highly advisable.
- A raincoat, umbrella, and warm clothes are necessary items to bring.
- As a foreign traveler, you will benefit from booking a tour as they can educate you more on the holy journey.
Pick a path you like to travel to Siripada.
During the Siripa pilgrimage, which starts on the day of Unduwap Poya, there are six paths available to worshippers traveling from far-off places. However, there are just three main thoroughfares: lighting, restrooms, sinks, and security.
They are only on Hatton, Kuruwita Erathna, and Ratnapura Palabaddala roads. Deraniyagala Maliboda road and Halugastenna Mukkuwatta road join Kuruwita Erathna road. Malwatta Road (Rajamale Road) joins Hatton Road near of the Ahala Post (Ehela Kanuva).
Hatton Sripada Road.
You can travel to Hatton by train or bus, then catch a bus to Nallathaniya. You must use the walkway to cross the Siripada from Nallathanni.
The mountain can be reached by climbing the mountain for about six kilometers to the summit using the set-up stairs. The road that is closest to Mount Siri pada is Hatton Road.
Cross the Sitha Gangula at Nallathanniya to reach the rites at the Japanese Peace Chaitya, Makara Thorana, Asumaha Shravaka Maha Buddha Mandir, Kalpavruksha Maha Viharaya, and Kalpavruksha Maha Viharaya.
Kuruwita Erathna Road.
The oldest Siripa road is Kuruwita Erathna Road. According to legend, tigers who passed through these territories were the first creatures to discover the Siripa Maluwa. But now the route has changed. The road ahead is lit up.
The settlement of Kuruwita is situated 88 kilometers from Colombo along the main Batticaloa-Batticaloa road. From Kuruwita town to Erathna, it is 11 kilometers.
For an additional 1.5 kilometers, there are public passenger transportation options to Kekunahinna. Olso can take a private vehicle to Kekunahinna.
The march starts at Kekunahne. The Siripa Maluwa is around fifteen kilometers away from there. Although the drive is far distant, the scenery is stunning.
Rajamawatha or Palabaddala road in Ratnapura
By traveling by car to Malwala, Gilamele, and then Palabaddala, you may reach Rathnapura. Up to Palabaddala, there are public transportation options available.
The Sitha Gangula is encountered along the route from Palabaddala to Pawanella, Doralakade, Kokktiyakanda, Lihinihela, Katukithula, Gonatalla, Getanitula, Kodiya Hela, Dharmarajagala, Galpotta Kade, and Sewalagala. The Kalu Ganga is above this chilly river. He then heads to meet Haramitipana after crossing the Heen Ganga. Galvangediya is located around 13 feet below the Haramitipana Passage. The Erathna road intersects with Kuruwita. Additionally, there is electric lighting along this road. There are roughly fifteen kilometers on the way to Palabaddala.
Deraniyagala Road or Maliboda Road
A car can then drive through Pandina and across the jungle to reach the Erathna route from Deraniyagala to Udamaliboda. Upstream of the Karu River is a road with the name Maliboda Road. No Ambalam or electricity, only temporary stores until Medahinna
Mukkuwatta Road
From Ratnapura Malwala Junction, go up to Galabada Junction via the Wewelwatta Road, and then continue to Hapugasthanne Haddaragangawatta.
After passing Botiyadola (Botiyadola), Beruhinna subsequently encounters Urumale or Gettampana. When a second ascends and merges with Ratnapura Road close to the Ehala Post (Ehela Kanuwa). On this route, neither shops nor power is present.
Rajamale Road or Merewatta Road
On the side of Rajamale, Marewatta, and Maskeliya is a woodland road. Near Ehelakanuwa, this route merges with Hatton Road (Ahala Post). However, since this road traveled through a corporate estate, only the wealthy can travel there.
