Journest
Countries
Cities
Islands
Places
Routes
Journest

Discover amazing destinations around the world. Plan your perfect journey with detailed guides and local insights.

Telegram

Explore

  • Countries
  • Locations
  • Places
  • Routes

Company

  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Support

  • Help Center
  • Privacy
  • Terms

© 2026 Journest. All rights reserved.

Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

The sacred mountain of Sri Lanka, whose summit holds a "footprint" belonging to Buddha, Shiva, Adam, or the Apostle Thomas—depending on who you ask. Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike. Climbing at night to greet the sunrise at the summit is one of the most powerful experiences you can have on the island.

The Sacred Mountain

The Footprint

At the summit (2,243 m) lies a depression shaped like a foot, 1.8 meters long. Buddhists believe it's Buddha's footprint, left during his visit to the island. Hindus attribute it to Shiva, Muslim...

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum5 hours
Recommended6 hours
Maximum8 hours

Entrance Fee

Free

Best Time to Visit

December to May (pilgrimage season) — trail lit, shops open. Start climb 2-3 AM to reach summit by sunrise. Avoid Poya (full moon) days — thousands of pilgrims.

Crowd Level

High — many people
Official Website

How to Get There

Base: Dalhousie (Nallathanniya) village. From Kandy: 3 hours by bus/car. From Ella: 3-4 hours. From Colombo: 4-5 hours. No trains to base — bus or private transport.

What to Expect

5,500 steps over 7km. Start at 2-3 AM to reach summit for sunrise. Trail lit with lights during season. Tea stalls along route. At summit: footprint shrine, panoramic views, dramatic shadow of peak at sunrise.

Best Photo Spot

Summit at sunrise — triangular shadow of peak on clouds. Bell ringing at top. Sea of clouds below.

When to Visit

Best Time

DecJanFebMarAprMay

Avoid

JunJulAugSepOctNov

Connectivity

Wi-Fi
Not available
Charging
No outlets
Mobile signal
Poor

Facilities & Services

restrooms
food stalls
shelter

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 6, 2026
24 hours
Note

Pilgrimage season: December-May (Unduvap to Vesak). Summit illuminated, facilities open. Night climb for sunrise, 4-6 hours. 2,243m. January-February most crowded.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Not accessible
Audio Guide
Not available
Staff Assistance
Not available

faq.title

faq.subtitle Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

Challenging but doable for anyone reasonably fit. 5,500 steps, 4-5 hours up for average person. Take it slow, rest at tea stalls. The hardest part is lack of sleep (starting at 2-3 AM).

Possible but not recommended. Trail unlit, shops closed, high chance of rain and zero visibility. If you must, bring headlamp and rain gear.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

Season: December to May only. Avoid full moon nights and weekends (extremely crowded). Bring warm clothes for summit — it's cold! Headlamp essential off-season. 2-5 hours up, 1.5-2 hours down.

Base: Dalhousie (Nallathanniya) village. From Kandy: 3 hours by bus/car. From Ella: 3-4 hours. From Colombo: 4-5 hours. No trains to base — bus or private transport.

5,500 steps over 7km. Start at 2-3 AM to reach summit for sunrise. Trail lit with lights during season. Tea stalls along route. At summit: footprint shrine, panoramic views, dramatic shadow of peak at sunrise.

Summit at sunrise — triangular shadow of peak on clouds. Bell ringing at top. Sea of clouds below.

Reviews

Weather

Average temperature by month

Nowweather17°
92%8 м/с
Todayweather23°17°
Tomorrowweather23°17°
Thuweather25°17°
Friweather23°16°
Satweather24°16°
Sunweather24°15°
Monweather25°15°
25°
16°Jan
26°
16°Feb
27°
17°Mar
27°
18°Apr
26°
18°May
24°
17°Jun
24°
17°Jul
24°
17°Aug
25°
17°Sep
25°
17°Oct
25°
17°Nov
25°
16°Dec

What else to see

Interesting places nearby

Nine Arch Bridge
17°
Free
Architecture

Nine Arch Bridge

Little Adam's Peak
17°
Free
Nature

Little Adam's Peak

Ravana Falls
17°
Free
Nature

Ravana Falls

Sigiriya Lion Rock
25°
Closed
LKR10500
History

Sigiriya Lion Rock

Yala National Park
24°
Closed
LKR10500
Nature

Yala National Park

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
25°
Closed
LKR2000
Religious

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Galle Fort
24°
Closed
Free
History

Galle Fort

Mirissa Beach & Whale Watching
25°
Free
Beach

Mirissa Beach & Whale Watching