Adventures of trekking the Adam’s Peak
Are you a spiritual hiker? Do your interests lie in bonding with nature and at the same time feeling the eternal presence of godliness? If so trekking the Adam’s Peak, which is the one destination, that you cannot miss. What’s even more thrilling is this is the right time to do so.
Adam’s Peak, in southern Sri Lanka, emerges from the morning mists.
Adam’s Peak or as the locals call it Siripada or (seldom used) Samanala Kanda is considered a religious and sacred site in the island. All religious groups have their own claims for this scenic mountain that has ancient legends surrounding it.
According to local history Adam’s Peak is venerated as Lord Buddha left his footprint, now preserved and safeguarded by relevant authorities, during his visit to the island. This is how the mountain got its infamous name ‘Sri Pada’ which translates in English into ‘Holy Footprint’. Muslims believe that the footprint belong to Prophet Adam, hence its name Adam’s Peak, while Christians claim it belongs to Saint Thomas and Hindus to Shiva.
Irrespective of who the footprint belongs to, every month during the Adam’s Peak season thousands, approximately 20,000 per year, of local and foreign tourists visit the sacred evergreen mountain and partake in the climb of nearly 2300 meters to witness the rare experience it has to offer.
The Adam’s Peak hiking season starts in December and ends in May in par with the Vesak festival. This is because the period offers the ideal weather conditions to conquer the mountain. During the other months the peak is isolated and the temple in the summit is also deserted as the place is concealed by clouds. An off season climb is not encouraged as the lighting is poor, there will be almost no place to buy food and the climb will be extremely hazardous.
There are few routes to enter the mountain. One is through Ratnapura (in the Sabaragamuwa Province) and the other via Hatton (Central Province). Both offer unique and distinctive experiences. Most trekkers, however, opt to use the 8 to 12 hour climb from Ratnapura.
Ratnapura is a two to three hour ride from Colombo. It will take a further half an hour to reach the base or the entrance of the mountain. From here it is a climb of nearly 5500 steps, so be prepared.
During this climb you will be encountered by wild animals, mostly endemic to Sri Lanka and even more interestingly to the Adam’s Peak itself! Be warned of blood sucking leeches (we have listed below of precautionary measures to take to avoid such hazards).
Most locals have sing a phrase when climbing the sacred mountain. This is to interact with fellow trekkers.
The phrase goes as (from descenders to climbers) “Wadinna yana me nadeta buddhan sarane saranai” which translate to “Blessings of the Buddha for this group that is going on a pilgrim” and (in reply from climbers to descenders) “Wedala bahina me nadeta buddhan sarane saranai” that is “Blessings of the Buddha to this group that is climbing down from the pilgrim.”
Adams peak,sun set in the morning https://flic.kr/p/qThfo1
Planning your trek
It is essential to plan your trip way ahead in order to get the best out of it. Following is a list that will help you to prepare for your trek through the evergreen sacred mountain.
Time your trek
Timing is quite essential when climbing the Adam’s Peak as there is a trekking season (starting from the Full Moon Poya Day of December till the Vesak Festival in May). This is the best time as the weather is in its prime.
The climb to the summit will take between seven to twelve hours, depending on your space and how the climate allows you. Getting the summit in time for the sunrise is the ultimate goal of all trekkers. All who has seen the sunrise here claims that is the most breathtaking view. We advise you not to miss out in that.
Set your budget
Trekking the Adam’s Peak is not expensive, even though food and other products available in shops on the mountain are sold at a slightly higher price. However, you will probably have to rent a room or hotel to stay in before the trek.
Take your own food
Do not rely on the food that is sold on the mountain. Especially because nothing much is sold. Take enough food for you to last for the time you wish to spend there. Take enough water bottles to keep hydrated for the climb. The Sri Lankan Government discourage the use of plastic and polythene at the sacred site so be mindful of that too.
Gear up
Make sure that you have all the necessary gear you need for the trek. You will need a headwear or an umbrella, proper shoes, a sleeping mat and most importantly a first aid kit.
There are locally produced mosquito repellents that will help you to keep those pests at bay. Try to get your hands on a bottle of herbal oils for the leeches. Most of the time leeches hide on plants so try avoiding them.
Keep your camera charged
What is the use of visiting a picturesque site if you fail to bring evidence to brag about it to friends? So keep your camera charged and ready to take photographs of the wild animals you see and the most talked about sunrise you witness (if you plan right).
Now that you are ready go and trek in Sri Lanka’s most sacred mountain. Do not forget to share your experience with us after your journey.
For more information email: [email protected] Call 00 9411 2462 7739 or visit our website for more information: www.srilankatailormade.com
