Another day, another sunrise in Sri Lanka. We were unsure whether we should climb Adam’s Peak and considered skipping it and just doing ‘Little Adam’s Peak’. After some debate, we thought ‘Go big or go home’ and decided to give it a go. The sense of achievement when we reached the top and were greeted by the beautiful sunrise nestled beneath the clouds and over the mountainous landscape was definitely worth it. I am super thankful that we made this decision…even if I did ache for about 3 days afterwards!

What is Adam’s Peak?

Adam’s Peak is a 2243m (7,359ft) mountain located in the highlands of Sri Lanka. It is a holy and important pilgrimage site for many different religious groups and because of this, it is regarded as the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka. The mountain is also known as ‘Sri Pada’ because of the sacred footprint that is situated in the temple on top of the mountain. The footprint measured 5,7 by 2,6 suggesting that it was from a 90ft tall individual- giant right?

The religious significance of this site differs depending on the religion: Christians and Muslims believe that Adam took his first steps here after being exiled from the garden of Eden, Buddhists believe that the footprint is the left foot of Buddha and Hindus believe the footprint belongs to Lord Shiva.

Every year, this site attracts a large number of tourists and locals who begin the climb in the middle of the night, ready to reach the peak by sunrise.

Where is it located?

Adams Peak is located in the hill country in central Sri Lanka. The closest town is Dalhousie and the nearest city is Hatton which is 31km away.

How to get there?

As stated in my 4-week Sri Lanka guide, most people will travel by train from Colombo, Kandy or Ella and get off at Hatton and then take the bus, tuk-tuk or taxi to Dalhousie. It is approximately a 60-90-minute tuk-tuk/car journey to Dalhousie from Hatton. The bus leaves every 10-15 minutes and costs approximately $2 but will take slightly longer than a car/tuk-tuk.  

Where to stay if you want to climb Adam’s Peak?

We stayed at Subash hotel which was located next to the Masekeliya reservoir, a 15-minute drive to the start of Adam’s Peak. The hotel owner organised a tuk-tuk to pick us up and take us to the start. We were able to leave our belongings in the room and check out and have breakfast when we arrived back from the climb.

If you are looking for accommodation closer to the start, check out White House Adams Peak or Mountain Villa Adams Peak.

Is the climb difficult?

I would personally say the climb is moderately difficult depending on your level of fitness. It is a gradual slope for the first half an hour or so and then the higher you go up, the steeper the stairs get until it becomes a continuous uphill climb. 5500 steps later combined with the altitude, you may feel a little breathless. Thankfully there are lots of rest points and hand rails which you can use to pull yourself up if needed! It is not the easiest climb, but I did see lots of elderly, sick and young children climbing it and this was very motivating for me. If they could do it, I could right?!

Going back down is much easier but it can be a tough on the knees. Trust me, you’ll definitely be aching the next day!

How long does it take?

It should take around 2-4 hours to climb up and around 1-2 hours to come down. This will differ depending on what time you begin, your level of fitness and whether it is peak time. Thankfully, we completed the climb on a weekday and set off at around 2am so there were no ques and we were able to reach the top easily without any wait. Peak time is weekends, full moon and Sri Lankan New Year where it can take over 5 hours to reach the peak due to the crowds.

When is the best time to climb?

Between January to May would be the recommended months to climb due to the fact it is pilgrimage season and you are likely to experience good weather. You can climb it during the other months- just be prepared with a torch light, food and drinks. The holidays, weekends and during the New Year in April are particularly busy times. If you want to see the sunrise, I would aim to begin the hike early morning around 2 am. This means you will arrive at the top for around 4.30/5.00 to find a good spot to watch the sunrise at approximately 6.00am.

How much is it?

Great news, it is absolutely free. They do ask for a donation if you wish to give one.

What to take?

• Water/fluid
• Warm clothes. It is freezing at that time of morning. You will get warm when climbing all the stairs, however it is bitterly cold at the top so be prepared.
• Snacks. You can buy drinks and snacks on the way up from the trail-side venders if you wish.
• Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes. You will see lots of locals completing the climb in flip flops or even bare footed so yes it can be done, however I personally would not recommend it. You will probably end up with some killer blisters and also numb toes. the temperature at that time of morning is pretty cold!

Suggested Itinerary

1 and a ½ days

-Arrive in Hatton mid-afternoon/evening and find your accommodation in or near Dalhousie.

-Enjoy a good evening meal and get an early night before the big climb.

-Wake up early morning at around 1.30 am ready to begin the hike at 2am.

-Arrive at the top around 4.30/5.00 am and find a good spot to watch the sunrise. Check out the temple and the footprint.

-At around 7am head back down.

-Take a tuk-tuk back to your accommodation. You will finish and be back at your accommodation around 10 am depending how long you spent at the top and coming down.

Tips for climbing Adam’s Peak

• During high season the path is lit and therefore you do not need to bring a head torch.
• Wrap up warm and be prepared.
• Set of early to avoid the crowds.
• You must take your shoes off to go inside or around the temple.
• Go all the way around the temple in a clockwise position and find a seat on the stairs to watch the sunrise.
• There is a huge bell at the top that you can ring depending on the amount of times you have climbed Adams Peak. Once was enough for me!