Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada (sacred footstep) and Samanala Kanda (butterfly mountain), is a conical mountain standing at 2,243 metres tall (7,359 feet) in the central highlands of Sri Lanka - is one of the most Sacred places in the country. Trekking up the mountain is extremely popular with both tourists and locals, who are allured by its mystery as well as the enchanting beauty they are rewarded with at the top.
The mountain is named for a point near the summit that is sacred to several faiths: it is a place of worship for Buddhists, who believe that the Buddha’s footprint is located here; Hindus believe the footprint belongs to Shiva; Christians and Muslims believe that it is Adam’s first step after being exiled from the Garden of Eden. The mountain is also known for the spectacular sight of thousands of beautiful butterflies gracing the area annually.
The hike includes 5,000–6,000 steps and incline trekking, but technical climbing is not required. Depending on the trail taken, the crowd and the climbers’ fitness level, the mountain can take approximately two to four hours to climb and one to two hours to descend.
The best time to climb is between December and May when the weather is at its best, but do avoid days nearing the full moon and the week of the Sinhalese New Year (April 13/14) to avoid long queues to the peak. Aim to be at the summit at dawn as the view of the sunrise is known to make hikers quiver in delight. The trek usually begins around midnight and the reward being the beautiful picturesque sunrise you see from the magnificent vantage point which is Adam’s peak
