Sri Lanka Attractions

Venue: Adam's Peak    When: Daily

Join a 1000 year-old pilgrimage shared by Sri Lanka's main religions. Legend has it that the footprint on top of the 2224-metre Adam's Peak was made by Adam when he was cast out of heaven. Reach the summit at dawn during the main pilgrimage period (December to April) to experience the splendour of an eerie natural phenomenon. Or make the climb in peace at any other time of the year.

Legend also has it that the footprint belongs to Buddha and the Hindu Lord Shiva. This explains why Sri Lankans of all faiths make the seven-kilometre climb up this beautiful mountain. Alhough the views from the summit justify the early start, it is the strange phenomenon just after dawn that really intrigues - a perfect shadow of the peak cast onto the clouds races toward the base of the mountain as the sun rises.

It's worth beginning the ascent at around 2am to catch sunrise. There are tea stalls on the path, which is lit by lanterns most of the way, and lots of pilgrims to climb with. Try to avoid poya (full moon) days, as the path may be very crowded. To really bank some karma you might consider making the longer seven-hour climb from Ratnapura.

Adam's Peak is close to the delightful hill towns of Ella and Nuwara Eliya.