Situated in a picturesque setting on the southern highlands of the island, this has excited the imagination of many for centuries. It's been called Adam's Peak (the place where Adam first set foot on earth after being from paradise), Sri Pada (the sacred footprint left by Buddha on his way to paradise) or Sama Sama. on his way to paradise) or Samanalakande (the butterfly mountain where butterflies die). Some believe that the huge "footprint" at the top of the peak (2243 metres) belongs to St. Thomas the Apostle. St Thomas the Apostle from India, or even to Shiva.
Whichever legend people believe in, this place has been a centre of pilgrimage for over 1,000 years. King Parakramabahu and King Malla of Polonnaruwa Nissanka set up ambalamas (a place for tired pilgrims to rest) on the mountain. В Nowadays, the influx of pilgrims starts on the day of "Poya" in December and continues till the "Vesak" festival in May. the Vesak holiday in May. The busiest period is in January and February. The rest of the time the temple on the peak is not used, and from May to October the peak is hidden under the clouds most of the time.
During the pilgrimage season, a steady stream of pilgrims and tourists climb the countless steps to the summit. They come out of the small settlement at Dalhousie (del-home), 33 kilometres south-west of the town of Hatton. In season. the road is lit up with lights that look very pretty, like a serpentine trail going up up the slope. You can also hike to the peak out of season, but then you you'll have to use a torch. Many pilgrims choose to take the longer. longer, much more strenuous - but equally well-travelled - seven-hour climb from Ratnapur up the Karni, as this is considered to have more merit.
From the top of Adam's Peak, one can watch the sunrise, which is simply breathtaking. As the first rays of dawn light up the mountain. a breathtakingly beautiful view as a scarlet ball appears somewhere in the distance, illuminating the peaks of neighbouring mountains and rising above the clouds. Colombo is 65 kilometres from Adam's Peak and is clearly visible on a clear day.
