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If you’re planning to visit Sri Lanka between December and May, there’s one experience you cannot miss – climbing Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s Peak.
Rising 2,243 meters above sea level, this sacred conical mountain is one of the most popular and rewarding travel experiences in the country. You don’t have to be religious to enjoy it – the climb itself is an adventure, and the view from the top is unforgettable.
The Sri Pada season officially starts after the December Poya day, and during these months, all pathways are lit, shops stay open all night, and thousands of local and foreign travelers visit the mountain daily.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler, a nature lover, or a culture explorer, this guide will help you prepare for one of the most inspiring journeys in Sri Lanka.
🌄 Why Sri Pada Is Famous
Sri Pada is one of the most culturally important mountains in Asia. The name “Sri Pada” means “Sacred Footprint”, referring to the footprint-shaped mark on the summit.
This isn’t just another mountain. It’s a spiritual beacon that has drawn pilgrims from multiple faiths for over a thousand years. The name Sri Pada, which translates to “Sacred Footprint,” refers to the iconic footprint-shaped indentation found at its summit. Buddhists believe it’s the footprint of Lord Buddha, Hindus attribute it to Lord Shiva, while Christians and Muslims believe it belongs to Adam, the first man.
Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, an adventurous challenge, or simply want to witness one of nature’s most spectacular sunrises, Sri Pada offers an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.
🛕 1. Sri Pada Temple (On the Summit)
At the top, you’ll find the temple that houses the sacred footprint. During the season, monks perform rituals and travelers quietly observe.
🌅 2. The Breathtaking Sunrise (“Ira Sewaya”)
Most travelers start the climb at night to reach the top before sunrise. Watching the sun rise above the clouds is a magical moment.
📸 3. The Shadow of the Mountain
When the sun rises, you can see a perfect triangular shadow of the peak fall across the clouds – a rare and beautiful sight.
🌿 4. The Natural Beauty
The climb takes you through forests, waterfalls, and misty mountain air.
🧘 5. A Peaceful, Unique Atmosphere
Even with large crowds, the climb feels calm, positive, and meaningful.
Image credit: thilinakaluthotage.com
🚶 Routes to Sri Pada: Which One Should You Choose?
There are four main routes, but three are commonly used. Below is a simple guide to help travelers choose the best one.
🟩 1. Hatton–Nallathanniya Trail (Most Popular)
🚶Distance: ~5 km
🚶Climbing Time: 3–5 hours
🚶Starting Point: Nallathanniya (Dalhousie)
🚶Best For: First-time travelers, families, tourists
⭐ Why Choose This Route?
✅Shortest and fastest
✅Fully lit pathways
✅Plenty of food stalls, tea shops, and resting points
✅Steps are well maintained
✅Easy to descend (2–3 hours)
⏱️ Approximate Time Up & Down
✔️Up: 3–5 hours
✔️Down: 2–3 hours
✔️Total: 5–8 hours
🌿If you’re traveling with kids, elders, or just want a comfortable experience, Hatton route is the best choice.
🟧 2. Ratnapura–Palabaddala (Longer but Peaceful)
🚶Distance: ~8.5 km
🚶Climbing Time: 8–12 hours
🚶Best For: Nature lovers, people who prefer less crowded paths
⭐ Why Choose This Route?
✅Beautiful forest trails
✅Waterfalls and wildlife
✅A more gradual climb (less steep than Hatton)
⏱️ Approximate Time Up & Down
✔️Up: 8–12 hours
✔️Down: 5–7 hours
✔️Total: 13–19 hours
🌿This is a perfect route for those who want a quiet, scenic, full-day hiking experience.
🟥 3. Kuruwita–Erathna Trail (Longest Route)
🚶Distance: ~12 km
🚶Climbing Time: 10–14 hours
🚶Best For: Experienced hikers, adventure travelers
⭐ Why Choose This Route?
✅Least crowded
✅Pure adventure
✅Passes through forest reserves and streams
⏱️ Approximate Time Up & Down
✔️Up: 10–14 hours
✔️Down: 6–8 hours
✔️Total: 16–22 hours
🌿If you love long hikes and untouched nature, this is the route for you.
🏨 Facilities Available During the Season
Sri Pada is well prepared for the season, especially via the Hatton route.
✔️ Lighting throughout the night
✔️ First aid + police points
✔️ Shops with food & hot drinks
✔️ Washrooms at intervals
✔️ Resting spots with chairs
✔️ Accommodation near base (hotels, guest houses)
✔️ Waste bins (please help keep the mountain clean)
🚂 How to Reach Sri Pada (Hatton-Nallathanniya Route)
The Hatton-Nallathanniya (Dalhousie) route is the most popular starting point for climbing Sri Pada. Here’s your complete guide on how to get there from Pettah, Colombo:
🚆 By Train
Step 1: Pettah to Hatton by Train
Starting Point: Colombo Fort Railway Station (located near Pettah)
Address: Railway Station, Colombo 01 (5-minute walk from Pettah Market)
Train Schedule & Booking: Best Trains to Hatton
➡️Night Mail Train (No. 45): Departs 9:30 PM, arrives Hatton around 3:30-4:00 AM (Perfect for starting climb immediately)
➡️Podi Menike (No. 1005): Departs 5:55 AM, arrives Hatton around 11:45 AM
➡️Udarata Menike (No. 1015): Departs 9:00 AM, arrives Hatton around 2:30 PM
➡️Badulla Express (No. 1007): Departs 8:30 AM, arrives Hatton around 2:00 PM
Ticket Prices (Colombo Fort to Hatton)
💵3rd Class: Rs. 180-220 (Non-reserved, first-come-first-served)
💵2nd Class (Reserved): Rs. 320-380
💵2nd Class (Observation/Compartment): Rs. 450-550
💵1st Class (AC): Rs. 900-1,200
How to Book
🌟Online: www.railway.gov.lk (book 30 days in advance)
🌟At Station: Colombo Fort booking office (opens 5:30 AM)
🌟Counter 15 at Fort Station specifically handles upcountry bookings
🌟Phone: +94 11 243 4215
🌟Journey Duration: 5.5-6.5 hours (depends on train)
Pro Tips:
✔️Book 2nd class reserved seats at least 3-5 days before during pilgrimage season
✔️3rd class gets extremely crowded-arrive 30-45 minutes early to find a seat
✔️Sit on the RIGHT side of the train for best mountain views
✔️The journey through tea plantations is spectacular—keep your camera ready!
Step 2: Hatton Railway Station to Nallathanniya (Dalhousie)
Once you arrive at Hatton station, you have three options to reach Nallathanniya:
A) By Local Bus (Cheapest)
✔️Location: Buses depart from outside Hatton Railway Station
✔️Frequency: Every 30-45 minutes (especially frequent after train arrivals)
✔️Route: Hatton → Dikoya → Maskeliya → Nallathanniya
✔️Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Cost: Rs. 75-100 per person
✔️Bus Numbers: Look for buses marked “Dalhousie” or “Nallathanniya”
Note: Buses may be crowded during pilgrimage season; arrive early
B) By Three-Wheeler/Tuk-Tuk (Faster)
✔️Location: Available right outside Hatton Railway Station
✔️Duration: 50 minutes to 1 hour
✔️Cost: Rs. 1,200-1,800 (negotiate before starting)
✔️Capacity: 3 passengers comfortably
✔️Advantages: Direct, faster, door-to-door service to your guesthouse
✔️Bargaining Tip: If traveling in a group, you can negotiate better rates
C) By Taxi/Private Car
✔️Duration: 45-50 minutes
✔️Cost: Rs. 2,500-3,500
✔️Capacity: 4-5 passengers
✔️Book Through: Your guesthouse can arrange pickup
✔️Best For: Groups or families with luggage
🚌 By Bus
Starting Point: Central Bus Stand, Pettah (Bastian Mawatha)
During Pilgrimage Season (Dec-May): Special Direct Buses to Dalhousie
➡️Departure: Daily at 8:45 AM from Pettah Central Bus Stand
➡️Platform: Usually Stand No. 137 (confirm at information counter)
➡️Duration: 6.5-7.5 hours (includes rest stops)
➡️Cost: Rs. 400-500 per person
➡️Bus Type: Regular CTB or private luxury coaches
➡️Stops: Limited stops-usually Avissawella, Ginigathena rest area
How to Find the Bus:
- Go to Pettah Central Bus Stand (Bastian Mawatha)
- Look for signs saying “Sri Pada,” “Dalhousie,” or “Nallathanniya”
- Ask conductors or information desk for “Sri Pada bus”
- Board early (7:30-8:00 AM) to get good seats
Advantages:
👍Most economical option
👍Direct journey—No transfers needed
👍Meets fellow pilgrims on the bus
👍Conductors are familiar with the route
Disadvantages:
👎Limited departure times
👎Can be crowded
👎Less comfortable for long journey
👎Not available outside pilgrimage season
Outside Pilgrimage Season (June-Nov):
No direct buses available. You must:
- Take a bus from Pettah to Hatton (6-7 hours, Rs. 300-400)
- Transfer to local bus/tuk-tuk from Hatton to Nallathanniya
🚖 By Private Vehicle
Booking Options:
A) Through Taxi Services:
➡️PickMe: Book via app (pickme.lk)
➡️Uber: Available but may charge premium for long distance
➡️Kangaroo Cabs: +94 11 258 8588
➡️Quick Cabs: +94 11 263 3333
B) Private Car Hire:
✔️Through Travel Agencies: Rs. 12,000-18,000 (includes driver, fuel, parking)
✔️Through Your Hotel: Most Colombo hotels can arrange
C) Private Tour Operators:
✔️Many offer complete Sri Pada packages including transport, accommodation, guide
Route from Pettah to Nallathanniya:
🌟Distance: Approximately 150 km
Route Details
➡️Pettah → Colombo-Avissawella Road (A4) – 30 km
➡️Avissawella → Hatton via Ginigathena – 80 km
➡️Hatton → Nallathanniya via Dikoya & Maskeliya – 30 km
Journey Duration: 4-5 hours (depends on traffic and road conditions)
Cost Breakdown:
💵Car (4 passengers): Rs. 12,000-15,000
💵Van (8 passengers): Rs. 18,000-22,000
💵SUV: Rs. 20,000-25,000
💵Cost includes: Driver, fuel, highway tolls, parking
Rest Stops Along the Way:
✨Avissawella: Quick refreshment stop (many roadside restaurants)
✨Ginigathena: Major rest area with restaurants and toilets
✨Hatton Town: Can stop for meals or supplies
Advantages of Private Vehicle:
👍Flexibility: Leave anytime (important for night climbs)
👍Comfort: Most comfortable option for long journey
👍Luggage: Easy to carry extra bags/supplies
👍Convenience: Door-to-door service to your guesthouse
👍Group Travel: Cost-effective when split among 4-6 people
👍Return Journey: Vehicle waits or picks you up after the climb
⏰ Best Time to Climb & Timing Strategy
Pilgrimage Season
The annual Sri Pada pilgrimage season, which began on 14th December 2024, will conclude on 13th May 2025. This period coincides with favorable weather conditions, allowing pilgrims to ascend safely.
Advantages of Climbing During Season:
👍Trail is fully illuminated
👍All facilities are open and operating
👍Tea shops and stalls available throughout
👍Medical and security services present
👍Better weather conditions
👍Cultural experience with thousands of pilgrims
Disadvantages:
👎Very crowded, especially on weekends and Poya (full moon) days
👎Approximately 20,000 people scale Adam’s Peak on weekends during the pilgrimage season
👎Long queues at the summit
👎Higher accommodation prices
👎Traffic jams on the stairs during peak times
Recommended Climbing Times⭐
For Sunrise (Most Popular):
✅Start time: 2:00-2:30 AM on weekdays
✅Start time: 12:00 AM-1:00 AM on weekends/Poya days (to avoid crowds)
✅Sunrise time: Approximately 6:00-6:30 AM
✅This timing allows you to reach the summit before dawn and witness the legendary shadow
For Daytime Climb (Less Common):
✅Start around 9:00-10:00 AM
✅Avoid afternoon heat
✅Descend before dark
✅Won’t see the famous sunrise and shadow
Best Months Within Season:
⭐January-February: Peak season, very crowded but best weather
⭐March-April: Still good weather, slightly less crowded
⭐December & May: Beginning/end of season, fewer crowds
Absolutely! Sri Pada is more than just a mountain climb-it’s a journey that tests your physical limits while nourishing your spirit. Whether you’re religious or not, the experience of climbing through the darkness, surrounded by thousands of pilgrims chanting and praying, then witnessing the magnificent sunrise from the summit is truly transformative.
Yes, your legs will ache. Yes, you’ll be tired. Yes, it’s challenging. But standing at the summit, watching the sun rise over Sri Lanka, seeing that legendary triangular shadow glide across the landscape, and feeling the collective energy of centuries of pilgrimage-that’s something no words can fully capture.
As one pilgrim beautifully put it: “I’ve prayed at Sri Pada more than six times, and every visit feels just as sacred as the first. It’s one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and truly a spiritual treasure. The peaceful energy, the climb, and the sunrise make it a life-changing experience”.
So pack your backpack, lace up your shoes, and prepare for an adventure that will stay with you long after you’ve descended. Sri Pada awaits-and it just might change your life.
Homage to the Sacred and Exalted Footprint of the Blessed One 🙏
