Sacred to devotees of three of Sri Lanka’s major religions, Adam’s Peak is one of the island’s most important pilgrimage sites. The giant ‘footprint’ on the summit is believed to be an imprint left by either the Buddha (hence ‘Sri Pada’, or ‘Sacred Footprint’) or Siva (Sivan Adipadham) by Hindus, or Adam by Muslims. Regardless of belief, the perfectly conical shaped mountain is worth the climb, both for the buzz and for the magnificent views, especially in the first rays of dawn.
At the top, there are some breathtaking views across the surrounding hills, though the peak itself, only 50m sq, is not particularly impressive. Steps lead up to the sacred footprint, on top of a 4 meter rock, which is covered by a huge stone slab in which has been carved another print. Pilgrims cluster round, throwing offerings in to the 1 meter hollow, before moving to the Saman shrine up another flight of stairs where thanks are give. Pilgrims then rong one of the two bells at the summit, each chime representing a successful ascent. There are three official processions a day (during the season) – at dawn, midday and dusk – with music, offerings and prayers.