Asia
Sri Lanka
Sabaragamuwa Province
Things to Do in Sabaragamuwa Province

Adam's Peak (Sri pada), Sabaragamuwa Province: Address, Phone Number, Adam's Peak (Sri pada) Reviews: 4.5/5

See all things to do

Adam's Peak (Sri pada)

See all things to do
See all things to do
Adam's Peak (Sri pada)
4.5
1,675
#4 of 51 things to do in Sabaragamuwa Province
Mountains
Read more
Write a review
About
This 7,300 foot tall mountain in the jungle of Sri Lanka is sacred to several different religions!
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Adam's Peak (Sri pada)
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,675 reviews
Excellent
1,021
Very good
400
Average
145
Poor
55
Terrible
54
Hansi W
Darwin, Australia16 contributions
Go in season for sunrise (and don't forget the mountain's shadow)!
Highlight of the experience has to be the sunrise and the shadow of the mountain (breathtaking views!) on the west side which occurs at around 5:30-6am. The climb is relatively okay, with steps and railing the whole distance on the Hatton trail. Can be a tough experience if prone to knee pains e.c.t. We gave ourselves about 5 hour to climb up as we were going in a larger group but most moderately fit people can do it in about 3 hours. I recommend going in season as there is lights and lots of shops to grab a bite/ drink tea situated all the way up the mountain (so no need to carry lots of food). Had no problem with and food/drinks that we bought. However, be sure to avoid poya (full moon days) as they are more busy. Also be sure to have a driver to drive you home/to next destination or stay a day in a hotel around Sri Pada as you will be too sleepy/tired to drive!!!
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jirka Kotek
Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic145 contributions
Hard but worth it
Couples
We didn't go for the sunrise and instead started our climb around 11am. We would be able to get to the top in 90minutes, but traffic jam in last section slowed us a lot.
The climb is quite hard. 5200 steps and over 1km of elevation. You really walk on concrete steps all the way, with railings and plenty of kiosks where you can rest, buy refreshments or use toilet.
Views are magnificent although in our day it rained a lot and valley was often not visible.
At the top you must remove your shoes, so count with it.
Written February 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christina P
69 contributions
A different way- not all about the top! A cultural experience
When we arrived in Dalhousie at the foot of the mountain (from Hatton train station there are regular buses which cost the equivalent of about 50p), we had just completed a big trek the previous day in Knuckles. The plan was to get up at 2am and meet a guide to walk up to the top for sunrise. We ended up cancelling this because we were still shattered from the previous day but seeing the lights in a trail up the mountain, curiosity got the better of us. We decided to do it differently and instead started at 5am while it was still dark and just walked up as far as we wanted (until after sunrise- we stopped about two thirds of the way up which took us a bit over an hour) and I’m so glad we did it. Most of the reviews just talk about the view and the sunrise and how cold it is waiting at the top, but it’s such a brilliant opportunity to be immersed in a cultural experience and religious pilgrimage which is additional to all of these things. You don’t need a guide, just follow the path lined with stalls, follow the lights and the Sri Lankan people. Going up at 5am and then coming back down part way meant we shared the walk with other people but we were the only tourists and we didn’t get held up or stuck in queues by the sheer number of people. I have no doubt the view at the top is beautiful, but for me the experience of Adam’s Peak was about the incredible views and sunrise on the way up, the silhouettes of the monkeys jumping in the trees against the pink sky, trying the sweets from the stalls, the scent of citronella and incense everywhere, the shrines and the lights, someone playing a plastic container as a drum, fresh hoppers for breakfast, the soundtrack of chanting and waterfalls, seeing the families from babies to elderly grandmothers helping each other up and down the steps and feeling the religious significance of this day for so many people walking. We almost didn’t go because we have lots of walks with beautiful views planned but it’s so much more than that. Is it worth it? Yes definitely, but walk it your way and as an experience rather than just a hike.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jack K
Zurich, Switzerland34 contributions
To be avoided
Couples
My wife and I decided to climb the adam's peak at the end of our trip to Sri Lanka. We had quite high expectations since many travelers posted great pictures and feedback about the climb.
Now our personal experience was the following, we woke up at 2am to try to summit by 6am at the latest. The trip began with a short walk in the village of dalhousie until we finally reached the beginning of the path (Hatton path).
The amount of trash there was just insane, it really looks like a junkyard, people are irrespectful of the nature. We didn't bring any water/food since we were told that everything was available for purchase there (which is true) however the level of hygiene in these shacks is really questionable.
Many locals climbed at the same time than us and while most of them just stare at you, some of the people there were quite scary, my wife fell particularly unsafe when some guys (a group of 10/12 young adults) were circling us, staring at her and yelling at us (we failed to decipher what they said but I doubt that it was any friendly).
Now when you finally reach the summit (after waiting in a queue that can last after 1 or 2 hours), the crowd prevents from seeing anything, unless you spend the night there camping like some of the locals. Even though, the weather is quite misty there so you're unlikely to see this breathtaking view that is advertised everywhere.
That being said, sport-wise it is a good challenge, it is very hard to make it to the top (some people will tell you that 80 years old people make it, it is true however they climb in 8/10 hours, not 2/3 like you will)
Also worth mentioning that we've met fantastic people everywhere else in Sri Lanka and never felt unsafe anywhere else.
Written March 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
YDS
Sydney, Australia24 contributions
Breathtaking sunrise
Family
We climbed Adam’s Peak on 28Dec19 night. We stayed at Delhousie Galle Hotel which was 500m from the starting point for the hike. The hotel staff advised us to commence our climb by 11pm as there was a crowds expected at the peak and likewise it was very crowded in the last stretch where we literally moved at snail space. The sunrise is simply amazing... The sunrise can be seen from the side that you ascend to the peak. It took us 5 hrs to ascend and 3 hrs to descend. The season for climbing starts from full moon day in Dec and ends in full moon day in May. Best to climb up on a weekday and avoid weekends/long weekends to avoid the crowds. There are plenty of small shops to buy water and toilets at the peak.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nimasha vithanage
Yatiyantota, Sri Lanka9 contributions
Adam' peak
Family
My family and i have recently started the pilgrimage to sri pada in the cold December at the end of the year 2021 with great devotion. When we doing sri paada karuna the most beautiful sight that caught my eye when we were doing grace was that spectacutar view of the mountain rising from the sun and looking down. " very beautiful " i was told at the time.
Another thing i saw on this trip was definitely worth mentioning. A group of teenagers are collecting rubbisg left by people on the way back to siripa. In fact, it is a virtuous act. This is the same filth that people who worship siripa throw awat. Why do people who come to performa righteous deed collect evil spirits from such deeds? Somehow the faith in the hearts of those young people could be seen in action. After went to courtyard placing the pasaga on the sri paada paadama of the buddha and placing my head on the sales of my feet and worshiping it three times, I then offered the flower lamp and went to one side of the courtyard and saw a very beautiful view. There are so many words to say. The emotional relief felt is high. I wondered hiw lucky we were to be able to worship siri paada from so far away.
Written January 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DarioSaraB
Rome, Italy3,003 contributions
OMG
Get ready for an infinite flight of stairs -5k and some more!- that will destroy your legs and knees for days (coming down is worse that going up!) unless you are really, but really!!, trained and fit. Leave at about 2:30 am to be able to get to the top before dawn, because that’s the aim and the temple closes at 6am. The atmosphere on top is magic and the dawn is a breathtaking experience. Get dressed in layers because while ascending you will sweat, but at the top, waiting for the sun to rise, is freezing cold.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nir0sh
Colombo, Sri Lanka920 contributions
Off season Sri Pada Hike in mist
Sri Pada (Inappropriately mentioned as Adam's peak) is the most sacred peak in the world. Thousand of devotees climb this mountain to worship Lord Buddha's foot print. The season last from December full moon poya day to May full moon poya day.
Officially the gates of foot print (Uda maluwa) are closed in off season but hike in off season carries a great experience.
My latest off season experience occurred in September 2020 amid of Corona threat. We did a night hike along the easiest route-Hatton Sri Pada route. (There are six routes to hike Sri Pada and ultimately only two routes bring devotees to the foot print). We two were the only human existence at that time. There were no lights along the path like season. No shops were open. We slept at an Ambalama and reached Uda Maluwa in early morning with hope of Sun rise. But it was mist and gloomy weather. In off season you can expect torrent rain and thick mist. But the environment is fresh and you can enjoy some waterfalls as well.
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terry M
Hamilton, Canada3,788 contributions
TOUGH SLOG, GREAT EXPERIENCE
One of the three pilgrimage sites for Sri Lankan Buddhists, the climb was a very tough slog. We left at 0200, the group making it to the top before sunrise after 0600. There are roughly 5,700 steps, the biggest and most challenging ones naturally near the summit. There is sufficient lighting for the ascent in the dark. It was about 9C in the cold of the night. Some shops were open heading up, many more when coming down, the descent taking 2.25 hours. At the top there was a chance for a quick look at Buddha’s footprint, suggesting a deity of gigantic, rather than human, dimensions. People waited for the sunrise, the cold secondary at that stage. An unusual feature was the shadow of Adam’s Peak reflected on the western side of the mountain top. You will feel the climb in your quads and calves for several days later. This is one of those climbs where there are as many (or more) devotees as tourists so be respectful.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ridmi a
Beliatta, Sri Lanka6 contributions
No words to explain this serene experience.
Friends
It is a place of worship that every Buddhist hopes to visit at least once in his life.Pilgrims for the first time are known as "Kiri Kodu". I am one of them. This is my first pilgrimage to Sri Padasthanaya.That experience is indescribable. To complete that pilgrimage, one must travel with great devotion. Also, all those difficulties were brought about by a set of experiences that could never be obtained. The feeling of calm there is indescribable. I saw many people who worshiped without any religious affiliation. It is a pilgrimage that brings comfort to life.
Written January 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 1,078
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Frequently Asked Questions about Adam's Peak (Sri pada)
We recommend booking Adam's Peak (Sri pada) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 31 Adam's Peak (Sri pada) tours on Tripadvisor
According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Adam's Peak (Sri pada): See all Adam's Peak (Sri pada) experiences on Tripadvisor