Adam's Peak: I went for the wrong reasons | Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

#AdamsPeak #SriPada #SriLanka
I made the decision to climb Adam's Peak last minute so went into it having done no research.....which was a big mistake. From the people I had spoken to I was under the impression that it was a relatively long hike that you start at 2am, to reach the peak for sunrise.
In actual fact, whilst people do climb Adam's Peak (also known as Sri Pada) for sunrise, it's an important religious site for multiple religions. For example, for Buddhists the temple at the top contains a stone which has the footprint of the Lord Buddha.
As such, it appeared that most of the local Sri Lankans that were climbing Adam's Peak were doing so as part of a religious pilgrimage compared with some of the tourists such as myself that were climbing it to watch a nice sunrise.
I felt quite embarrassed by the fact that I had no idea of the religious symbolism of Adam's Peak and that I was climbing it for a sunrise, instead of a higher purpose.
I'm of the opinion that if you are climbing it for sunrise, then Ella Rock offers a nicer and more accessible climb. Furthermore, Adam's Peak is quite a large detour if you are short on time and travelling the normal Kandy/Ella route. It's not necessarily a hike, but more of a progression up a considerable amount of stairs. I'm sure that if the sunrise was better, I would have had a different opinion. However, you are somewhat reliant on Mother Nature. My advice therefore would be to approach it as an important religious site and you'll appreciate it far more than I seemingly did at the time!
Felt a little stupid in retrospect but you live and learn!

[@kasunliyanage9416]

People are singing blessing songs and they bless people who climbing and people who climbed and going down ..that is a old tradition . Pilgrims do that to encourage others and avoid the sleepiness .

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Kasun Liyanage - thanks for the info! Love that it's to avoid sleepiness. In Africa they do this sort of stomping dance in camp to stay awake

[@udithnuren6546]

There are 3 routes to climb Adam's peak, You took the Hatton route which has less scenery and more steps and shops. Best routes for which has more natural scenery is the Rathnapura route, other route is the Kuruwita route. In Long weekends and on Full moon days its always crowded with local pilgrims. Advice tourists to climb Adam's peak on weekdays where it will be less crowded. Its belived that Buddha used needle and thread to steatch his robe at this point, thats why people use threads there to symbolice it. at another place, Buddha used a cane (Walking stick) to climb. The songs or poems people say to each other to motivate them to climb and to bless each other. These poems are passed down from generation to generation. Old days, people used to climb as packs. Experienced pack leader used to go first, as it was a dangerouse jurney, people wrote their last will before climbing Adam's peak, there were no concrete steps those days, lots of people fell to their death, even got attacked by wild Animals. About the shops, many children and young lovers come to this place, So they have these toys and teddeys targetting them. Otherwise it used to be only Warm clothes, Traditional sweets and tea shops in the old days.

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Udith Nuren - thank you so much for the extra information. I did see the other routes when I got the top but didn't know if they were any different. Also great to know about the threads!

[@gretimedgyesi5325]

How is this trekking in September?

[@gretimedgyesi5325]

Perfect explanation, do you might now how is the trekking in September please? We are looking to go there in one motnh!

[@nalin8182]

Sri pada Became Adams Peak to European,s and to Middle Eastern after Srilanka been colonies year 1505. Its purely easy pronunciation and the natural beauty of the area . Entire area you can see from top this hill is call sabaragamuwa province. From Ancient times each province has a guardian deity. Sri pada is dedicated to God SUMANA SAMAN , During Lord Buddhas time God SUMANA SAMAN has make a promise to take care of all the pilgrims climbing will be free of any trouble . From Ancient times dating back to 1000s of years only Buddhists use to climb the peak .but in early twentieth century everyone started to climb .climbing was real hard so to take them to the top all religions started to create stories ( for Hindus sivas foot print, Christians and Muslim Adams foot print) BUDHISUM is a very tolerant philosophy so budhist didn't care as long as everyone climb as a pilgrimage. In fact they do allow to have a Hindu Christian & Muslim worship places at the bottom of the Peak. The poems people keep chanting to climbers up & down words are mix religious and hilarious to keep encorage And keep the Sprit going INDIKATUPAHANA:. where there are needle and threads for meditating monks in the jungle to use to stich their robs To symbolises the Lord budhas foot steps by stitching his own robe. HARAMITY PAHANA WHERE THERE ARE WALKING STICKS FOR NEEDY TO USE AS A SYMBOL. WHY THE LIGHTS UP TO THE TOP IN 1940S When srilankan engineer started the hydro power project by the name Lakshpana (wimalasurendra) Then PRIMENISTER make a wowe to SRI PADA IF THIS PROJECT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLEATED GOVERNMENT WILL LITUP THE PILGRIM ROOT ON ITS OWN . HOPE THIS WILL GIVE YOU AN IDEA ABOUT SRI PADA. MUCH LOVE ❤ FROM SRILANKA FOR VISITORS SUN RISE 🌞 IS THE BEST YOU CAN SEE. OUT OF ENTIRE MOUNTAIN RANGE ONLY THE SHADOW OF THIS MOUNTAIN CAN BE SEEN IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION.

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Nalin - bit of a delayed reply here, but thank you so much for the information, very useful!

[@anandawijesinghe217]

Nice explanation.some people spread false information.This is the place where Lord Buddaha has put his noble foot print for worshipping for buddhists.This place is not connected with any other religions.

[@ani1369]

People from all four faiths, Buddhists, Catholics, Hindus and Muslims, come here every year to pay their respects. But all the archeological and historical sources here have clearly confirmed that this is only the footprint of the Buddha. no one any archeological and historical sources or Evidence Catholics, Hindus and Muslims.

[@WiththeSparrows]

ANI 1 - that's what I heard as well, that it was relevant to multiple religions.....although it felt predominantly Buddhist.

[@shanebarry1122]

Incredible drone shots!

[@WiththeSparrows]

Thanks a lot!

[@rathsarapiumal4029]

And i would not recommend visiting ella, adams peak and all kinda hiking all in a one visit here in sri lanka, unless ofcourse you thoroughly enjoy hiking. Its all becomes same when you do it one go, Sunrise and view. If you talk to the right people they will direct you to right places with much less people but same or better viewing experience. For an instant me and my buddies did a camping at madulsima after a trip hiatus of one year and it was worth it. Just sharing my opinion and hope it helps in your future journeys wherever you go ,here or aboard. love the content which showcses both good and bad , keep it up!

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Rathsara Piumal - you make a good point, although I'm annoyed that I didn't get to do the knuckles mountain range. I wouldn't classify Adams Peak as a 'nature hike', of course you have to walk but its more of a stairmaster.

[@kasunliyanage9416]

U get the best drone shots always ..super vlog man..enjoy

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Kasun Liyanage - thanks man

[@sunilmudalige3811]

Although Sri Padaya is for religious purpose many tourists like the climb as a challenge. The sun rise is good according to climate of that day. It is what your luck brings This the period for pilgrimages as after April it will rain. We too felt ashamed when we we're struggling to go up and old ladies were doing it with ease. The songs were to wish each other good life, generally wishing goddess Saman Devi will look after them, and blessing each other. Also this will ease the climb. Some people climb every year. Anyway it was an experience for you to get to know how the locals do things. Toys are sold so the little kids will want them and it will keep them happy through that long climb

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Sunil Mudalige - thanks for the info and yeah it makes sense to give kids toys to keep them occupied!

[@rathsarapiumal4029]

To me personally ,dont like when places like these which are naturally gorgeous are crowded for only religious reasons. In sri lanka there are two seasons for visiting adams peak ,one is fairly less rainy and prioritized for religious activity. The next is when the monsoons come and rains are heavy and they close the temple on the top, its rather dangerous to do the walk up and down but its way more enjoyable in my opinion, less people.more viewing pleasure.

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Rathsara Piumal - I'd always rather less people, although I can't fault those that make the trip for religious reasons!

[@kanaya123]

Nice one. I go there for the sunrise, people watching, street food and the vibe.

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Infer I didn't see a whole lot of street food.....although I did see a lot of stores selling sweets!

[@maryabreu6924]

What a amazing staircase ! I have a heating pad on my knees right now and I didn’t hike anywhere .

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Mary Abreu - it isn't kind on the knees coming down!

[@Oshanda77]

Adams peak on off season in rainy season is adventures. Thread is for the first timeres. It's symbolism of lord Buddha sat there and repaired his torn robe.

[@WiththeSparrows]

Yeah I've heard that the rainy season makes it a very different climb (especially before the steps). Ahhhh that would make sense with the threads...was wondering what the symbolism was so thank you!

[@BetterLife8904]

Regarding my last comment i think you are correct somewhat if they are doing tea factory tours they have to follow correct way like tasting all the available tea. English are known about tea than us 😃I also see they are targeting tourists to money but there is places still do with their services. FYI adam peak or Sri pada is for sacred place for different religious people. But good you try that Toure by going out regularly touristy plans in Sri Lanka . Enjoy and looking your honest opinion

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Susith Damitha Bandara - glad it made sense! Managed to find a really non-touristy thing to do in Kandy (playing hockey with locals).

[@digitalali6550]

immagine what they went through those who built the stairs..i thiunk your judgementa are correct like mines..my thinking of this being budhas feet symble too..

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Digital Ali - good point, must have taken ages!

[@lahirurasanga5779]

There is season for local peoples.its beginning december poya day and ending may poyaday.after that period no more local peoples climbing there.only few you will met.

[@WiththeSparrows]

@Lahiru Rasanga - but then the weather changes right?

[@anurakithulagoda7462]

People who are not living with there own self and people Inquiring about others who do not research themselves climb this Mountain

[@RaviSoni-zk7np]

1st get proper knowledge and then upload video

[@shineisle2263]

🙏❤🇱🇰👍

[@wokrock2188]

Just talk about only place please

[@wokrock2188]

Nonsense talks