Summit Adam's Peak

At 2243m, Adam’s Peak is a unique mountain in that it is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus alike. The official pilgrimage season runs from approximately December to May and during this time the trail leading up Adam’s Peak is lit with sparkling lights.

Begin your hike in Dalhousie (Delhouse), 33km South-West of Hatton. If you want to make the hike for sunrise, it is suggested to begin around 2am. The ascent took us approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. The entirety of the hike is well-marked. It begins gradually with only a slight incline while the second half of the walk consists of stairs, stairs and more stairs. Steep stairs, small stairs, large stairs, crumbling stairs, rocky stairs, concrete stairs. 5200 of them. As the incline of the stairs increases, thankfully so do the designated rest-stops. When you’re doing it a bit tough, take note of the 80-something year old pilgrims next to you who are making this journey barefoot and keep pushing.

Once you reach the summit, settle in with a view towards the east, layer up your clothes and await a spectacular sunrise that will make your burning thighs worth the journey. Ring the bell to indicate how many times you have summited, pay homage to the giant footprint that is said to belong to Buddha, or Adam, or Shiva, or perhaps St Thomas and then slowly begin your descent back to Dalhousie for a well-earned breakfast.

Whether it’s because this is such a holy site (pilgrims have been making their way up this mountain for more than 1000 years) or whether it’s because everyone is too out of breath to make conversation, this is a peaceful hike that is extremely rewarding.