Adam’s Peak – Sripada
Sri Pada Mountain is situated in the South West corner of the central mountain region. This corn shaped mountain is 2243 meters high. Devotes from all 4 major religion believe that the sacred foot print belongs to their religion. Buddhists believe that Load Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka has placed his foot print on the summit of this sacred mountain, hence this is called “Sripada”. Muslims believe that this is the sacred foot print of Adam and call Adam’s peak. Hindu’s believe that this is the sacred foot print of god Sive where Christians claim it is St. Thomas’s. People from all fore religions climb this mountain with many faiths. Adams peak is also called as “Samanala Kanda” as name is taken from a Buddhist god “Saman”
There are two ways to reach to the top of mountain, one is the easer path which is going through Hatton and Maskeliya passing “Seetha gangula”. You have to travel 4 miles if you take this path. The second one is more difficult path but it is the most beautiful way to Sripada. This path is located from Kuruwita (which is a small town closer to Ratnapura). If you take this rout you have to walk 10 mils to reach to the top of the mountain.
The pilgrim season starts from the full moon of Poya day of December and it continues to the Wesak full moon poya day in the month of May. During the other times this region get heavy rain and the road is very wet to climb and it is dangerous to climb this time.
When climbing Sripada there are some traditions followed by the devotes. It is bad to ask “how far is to the top” instead people exchange greetings for each other such as “peace” (“Karunawi”). The first time climbers may take a bath from the stream called “Seetha gangula”. At the “indikatu pana” (place of needles) people used to hang threaded needles.
The mount samanala is the best place to view the magnificent scenic views of the central highlands. In the morning the foot of the mountain is surrounded by mist giving the feeling that you are floating. On a clear day you can even see Colombo, Beruwala foul point and the lighthouses. In the morning you can view the beautiful sunrise from East of the mountain this is called “Ira Seewaya”. Early morning devotes gather to see the beautiful sunrise from here. This is treated as one of the spectacular view of all and must see incident even it is so cold in the morning.
