Sri Pada (Adam's Peak): Pilgrimage & Visitor Guide

Sri Pada rises to 2,243 meters in the hills of central Sri Lanka, its cone shaped summit crowned by a small shrine over a large footprint shaped hollow in the rock. Buddhists revere it as the footprint of the Buddha, Hindus as that of Shiva, and many Muslims and Christians as the mark left by Adam or by Saint Thomas. Few places on earth are shared so openly by so many faiths.

During the pilgrimage season, roughly December to May, thousands climb through the night on illuminated stairs, about 5,500 steps from Dalhousie, to reach the top before dawn. At sunrise the mountain casts a striking triangular shadow across the clouds. Tea shops line the way, and older pilgrims are cheered on by younger ones.

What to see

Sacred footprint shrine at the summit
Sunrise and the triangular peak shadow
Night climb on lit stairways
Bell ringing by returning pilgrims
Peak Wilderness forest and tea country

Visiting Sri Pada (Adam's Peak): practical guide

Best time: December to May (pilgrimage season)
Hours: Open at all times; most climb from about 2 am
Entry: Free
Dress code: Warm layers for the cold summit; modest clothing
Nearest airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB), 140 km

Tips from experienced pilgrims

Allow 3 to 4 hours to climb from Dalhousie
Unduvap Poya in December opens the season
Off season the lights are off and weather is wet

Festivals and special days

Unduvap Poya (season opening)
Vesak Poya (season close)

Etiquette for visitors

Guidance drawn from Buddhism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.

Remove shoes and hats before entering temple halls.
Cover shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing.
Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or monk.
Women should not touch or hand items directly to Theravada monks.
Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
Do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha statues.

Location map

Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions

Frequently asked questions

Where is Sri Pada (Adam's Peak)?

Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) is in Dalhousie (Nallathanni), Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces, Sri Lanka, Asia. GPS coordinates: 6.8096, 80.4994. The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB), 140 km.

What is the best time to visit Sri Pada (Adam's Peak)?

December to May (pilgrimage season)

Is there an entry fee for Sri Pada (Adam's Peak)?

Free Opening hours: Open at all times; most climb from about 2 am

What should I wear when visiting Sri Pada (Adam's Peak)?

Warm layers for the cold summit; modest clothing

Which religion is Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) sacred to?

Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) is sacred to Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.