Home · Places · Sabaragamuwa

hike · Sabaragamuwa

Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) via Palabaddala — Ratnapura

Cover photo: Dhanura Munasinghe (Unsplash)

District

Ratnapura

Province

Sabaragamuwa

Best for

Pilgrims and fit hikers; overnight climb for a sunrise summit with all faiths

Map

See it on the map

Sacred 2,243 m peak holding a footprint venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. The Ratnapura-side trail via Palabaddala is the long traditional pilgrim route (about 12 km), longer and quieter than the Nallathanniya (Dalhousie) side. Climb in pilgrimage season, December to May, starting around 2 AM for sunrise; carry a torch, warm layer and cash for tea stalls.

About this place

Sacred 2,243 m peak holding a footprint venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. The Ratnapura-side trail via Palabaddala is the long traditional pilgrim route, steeper and quieter than the Dalhousie side. Climb in pilgrimage season, December to May, starting around 2 AM for sunrise; carry a torch, warm layer and cash for tea stalls.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); the summit temple is a multi-faith shrine - remove shoes and hats, stay quiet.
• Climb only in season (December to May) when stairs are lit and stalls open; off-season the trail is dark, slippery and leech-prone.
• Start around midnight-2 AM for sunrise; carry a torch, warm layer, water and cash for tea stalls.
• The Palabaddala route is long (~12 km one way) - allow 5-7 hours up; turn back in heavy rain or high wind.
• Leeches on lower forest stretches - wear long socks or repellent, especially after rain.

How to travel there

Nearest base is Ratnapura town (buses from Colombo Bastian Mawatha, ~3-4 hrs). Local bus or tuk-tuk from Ratnapura to Palabaddala village, then hike the trailhead on foot.

Where to stay

Ratnapura town guesthouses and mid-range hotels, or village homestays near Palabaddala for an early start.

Nearby places

Bopath Ella Falls, Maha Saman Devalaya, Ratnapura, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Kudawa Entrance, Ratnapura gem market and Gem Museum

Read the full guide →