Tourist Places to Visit in Adams Peak, Sri Lanka, Asia

Tourist Places to Visit in Adams Peak, Sri Lanka, Asia

Adams Peak also called as Sri Pada is a famous mountain placed between 06°48′41″ N latitude and 80°29′59″ E longitude in Ratnapura district of Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka. It is the holy place for Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christians and it gained more importance with the presence of 1.8 meters rock formation Sri Pada means ‘sacred footprint’ in the vicinity. Buddhists believe that, it is the footprint of Buddha and Hindu trust that of Shiva and Muslim and Christians considers it is the footprint of Adam or St. Thomas.

The surrounding region of Adams Peak is a wildlife reserve, home to elephants, leopards and numerous endangered species. The mountain is the major water source for Sri Lanka because the main 4 rivers of the country including the longest Mahaveli Ganga River originate here. Other than Sri Pada, Adam’s peak is called by different names like Samantakuta, Samanalakanda, Ratnagiri, Mount Rohana and Svargarohanam.

Geography of Adams Peak:

Adams Peak is a 2,243 meters tall mountain located about 40 km northeast of the district main town Ratnapura.

How to reach Adams Peak?

There are six routes to reach Adams Peak and Nallathanni & Palabaddala is one of the best routes to reach Adams Peak and other routes include Kuruwita-Erathna, Murraywatte, Mookuwatte & Malimboda, Hatton-Nallathanni and Ratnapura-Palabaddala. There are regular buses and tourist vehicles plying near the mountain making easier for the tourists to travel.

The important railway station situated near Adams Peak is Hatton Railway Station and one can board flights at Ratmalana Airport. Tourists can hire Auto-Rickshaws or Jeeps to reach airport and railway station from Adams Peak.

Best time to visit Adams Peak:

From December to May, especially April is the ideal time to visit Adams Peak. During the rainy season, it is hard to climb mountain because of heavy rain.

Places to see near Adams Peak:

The Bhagava Cave:

The Bhagava Cave is situated about 150 meters from the end point of the mountain. The inscriptions on the walls of the cave are the prime attractions of the cave.

The Sama Chatiya:

The Sama Chatiya is a must visit stupa near Adams Peak. It was constructed in the year 1976 by a Japanese monk ‘Ven Nichi Fuji’.

Ratnapura National Museum:

Ratnapura National Museum has the artifacts of Sabaragamuwa Province’s history and culture. Tourists are allowed to see moulds, traditional Kandyan jewellery and ancient instruments. It is open from morning 9 to evening 5 between Tuesday and Saturday. The entrance fee is Rs. 120 per head.

Maha Saman Devale:

Maha Saman Devale is a famous temple situated in Ratnapura. This temple is devoted to God Saman and it is believed that, God Saman resided at Adam’s Peak. It was constructed during 13^th century and later was conquered by Portuguese who shattered and built a church. Later Kandyan Kingdom king demolished the church and rebuilt the temple.

Accommodation options near Adams Peak:

There are numerous guest houses, hotels and home stays located near Adams Peak and Ratnapura City (about 40 kms) to serve tourists. The list of best hotels and guest houses is as follows: